Seafari Cruises
Seafari Cruises
4.5
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About
Seafari cruises invite you to explore the prolific wildlife of Kenmare Bay on Ireland's premier seal-watching and eco-nature cruise. In our comfortable and sheltered passenger vessel, we will transport you from the picturesque Kenmare Pier in County Kerry into the magical and tranquil waters of Kenmare Bay.
Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
498 reviews
Excellent
335
Very good
78
Average
21
Poor
21
Terrible
43
ccashell
Dublin9 contributions
This trip was fantastic, i really didnt expect to enjoy it as much as we did. The staff were brillant, so nice and helpful. The trip itself was very informative learned alot about the seals and the scenery was simply incredible. The weather wasnt great but we were given nice warm irish blankets, a cup of tea and some biscuits so cant complain. In fact the weather added an almost erriness to the whole trip. Thanks Chris and Ray for a great day in such miserable weather ...
Written October 2, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VeEight
Dublin, Ireland3 contributions
Oct 2015 • Family
We really enjoyed this experience and I would highly recommend it. To start with the crew are enthusiastic knowledgeable full of humour and welcoming. The boat is characterful, comfortable and well setup for its purpose. The scenery is beautiful and the evident respect and enthusiasm of the crew for the wildlife will rub off on you -think I’ll invest in a pair of binoculars and spend more time observing in future. We were two adults and a 4 year old and for all of us it was a great way to spend a couple of memorable hours not to mention the sun was out which was the icing on the cake.
Written October 31, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellen J
Clifton, VA106 contributions
Oct 2015
We did this on a whim, but it was so worth it. A lovely tour of Kenmare bay with an accompanying narrative of the natural wonders and history of Kenmare. The close encounters with the seals were wonderful, bring your telephoto camera. The Captain is a wealth of knowledge, lives on the Beara and can fill you in on the area and things to see. The first mate will serenade you with Irish tunes and then serve some tea and biscuits. A good way to spend an afternoon rather than driving somewhere for hours.
Written November 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ECOlover224532
Western Ireland, Ireland1 contribution
Jun 2019 • Couples
I have read the reviews of this attraction, both bad and good, but decided to give it a try and hope for the best. We learned after booking that the cruise would be departing from Templenoe Pier, a short drive from Kenmare, and not from Kenmare itself. We were told that this was due to 'difficulty with boarding facilities at Kenmare', they must have been difficult!
The Templenoe pier used is clearly not designed for a passenger boat such as Seafari. As someone who has worked with the marine department (and educated as a marine biologist) I cannot believe that this trip is even allowed to operate from this pier (and I suspect he isn't). It was easy enough getting on the boat but getting off we had to balance on top of a railing to land on some slippery steps all the while being told by 'captain Ray' that I was doing well! I didn't feel like I was doing well :s An excessively in depth safety was given at the start but the most dangerous part of the cruise was getting off the boat!
However the worst part, as someone who has devoted their lives to the preservation of marine habitats, was seeing what this boat (and captain) are inflicting on the sea bed at this beautiful location. As we steamed back from a trip that was OK at best all I could see was the disturbance that it was causing to the sea bed, habitats being churned up in water that was no more than 1 metre deep. As we approached the shore we even heard and felt the propellors ripping holes in the sea floor next to the pier!
The trip was OK, we saw a few seals, but the talk was constant. Even though his facts were mostly accurate the incessant megaphone drone from this 'eco-warrior' was irritating to say the least.
I would not recommend this trip, if you do take it then do not be fooled by this facade of a man who gives even the tiniest thought to the protection of the environment. He does not.
The Templenoe pier used is clearly not designed for a passenger boat such as Seafari. As someone who has worked with the marine department (and educated as a marine biologist) I cannot believe that this trip is even allowed to operate from this pier (and I suspect he isn't). It was easy enough getting on the boat but getting off we had to balance on top of a railing to land on some slippery steps all the while being told by 'captain Ray' that I was doing well! I didn't feel like I was doing well :s An excessively in depth safety was given at the start but the most dangerous part of the cruise was getting off the boat!
However the worst part, as someone who has devoted their lives to the preservation of marine habitats, was seeing what this boat (and captain) are inflicting on the sea bed at this beautiful location. As we steamed back from a trip that was OK at best all I could see was the disturbance that it was causing to the sea bed, habitats being churned up in water that was no more than 1 metre deep. As we approached the shore we even heard and felt the propellors ripping holes in the sea floor next to the pier!
The trip was OK, we saw a few seals, but the talk was constant. Even though his facts were mostly accurate the incessant megaphone drone from this 'eco-warrior' was irritating to say the least.
I would not recommend this trip, if you do take it then do not be fooled by this facade of a man who gives even the tiniest thought to the protection of the environment. He does not.
Written June 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cmbrood
New Mexico120 contributions
Jun 2017 • Family
I submitted a reservation request through their website a month in advance and received a personalized email from Seafari confirming my date, time, and party size. My family planned our day accordingly and waited at the dock near the boat for almost an hour. Once the schedule time of departure passed, I called the office to inquire as to where our captain was. There was a recording stating that the company was not currently operating tours due to scheduled inspections.
I have two major complaints about this. First, if their schedule changed and they could not accommodate the reservation that they had confirmed with me, they should have notified me as soon as they became aware of it. Second, there were free-standing signs and advertisements all over the town of Kenmare directing people toward the dock for "today's next cruise!!" If they were closed for a pre-determined period of time, they should have removed their signs until they reopened! We were not the only family at the dock who wasted an afternoon of their already-too-short vacation in Ireland waiting for a boat trip that never happened. I can understand a weather cancellation, but this is inexcusable, IMO.
Later that day I emailed the company, forwarding my reservation confirmation, and letting them know (politely) that we thought they'd handled the situation badly. It has been three weeks, and I have yet to receive a reply.
I have two major complaints about this. First, if their schedule changed and they could not accommodate the reservation that they had confirmed with me, they should have notified me as soon as they became aware of it. Second, there were free-standing signs and advertisements all over the town of Kenmare directing people toward the dock for "today's next cruise!!" If they were closed for a pre-determined period of time, they should have removed their signs until they reopened! We were not the only family at the dock who wasted an afternoon of their already-too-short vacation in Ireland waiting for a boat trip that never happened. I can understand a weather cancellation, but this is inexcusable, IMO.
Later that day I emailed the company, forwarding my reservation confirmation, and letting them know (politely) that we thought they'd handled the situation badly. It has been three weeks, and I have yet to receive a reply.
Written June 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marflyaway
Dublin, Ireland451 contributions
Aug 2011 • Couples
We were really looking forward to this but it was very disappointing on a few levels. We were told that sailing would be 3pm sharp (due to the tides) but we were left sitting on the boat for 50 minutes, without an explanation. Even when captain Ray finally boarded, nothing was said. Now please don't think that this means that Ray was shy, unassuming.... - no, as this guy really likes the sound of this own voice, which we experienced until we got back to shore at 6.40pm!!!Yes that was three and a half hours!!!
Now I do appreciate that information needs to be given on a tour such as this but Ray constant talking was very annoying. He did give some interesting facts but a lot of his information was totally incorrect (dates, population numbers, simple geographic facts...) He also bombarded us with useless information which was not needed al all.
I also appreciate that once in the close proximity of the seals, the spectators need to be clam, and quiet but Ray treated us all like we had no brain/common sense of our own - it was ridiculous. He droned on and on about how silent we all needed to be but then a member of the crew sand a song down the microphone! I felt so sorry for those seals...
Throughout the tour there was a also a recorded voice over being played so it was just too much.
We asked if we could buy some teas at one stage from the shop but were told that the free teas would be given out in an hour or so (!) The whole thing was regimented and controlled by a very self indulgent captain who I feel believes he should be on stage playing to a packed house!
We had dinner reservations for 7pm and luckily we were able to contact the restaurant to cancel and re book for 9pm - the restaurant informed us that this happens a lot when customers are on Sea Safari so be aware of this - three and a half hours!!
I do believe that the seals were happy enough to see us visiting, but I did feel a little jealous that they got to stay on the island where as we had to endure the return journey with Captain Ray going on and on and on........
I believe there is another company in Kenmare that do a similar trip, but an hour and half long (perfect amount of time) called Star Of Kenmare.
Now I do appreciate that information needs to be given on a tour such as this but Ray constant talking was very annoying. He did give some interesting facts but a lot of his information was totally incorrect (dates, population numbers, simple geographic facts...) He also bombarded us with useless information which was not needed al all.
I also appreciate that once in the close proximity of the seals, the spectators need to be clam, and quiet but Ray treated us all like we had no brain/common sense of our own - it was ridiculous. He droned on and on about how silent we all needed to be but then a member of the crew sand a song down the microphone! I felt so sorry for those seals...
Throughout the tour there was a also a recorded voice over being played so it was just too much.
We asked if we could buy some teas at one stage from the shop but were told that the free teas would be given out in an hour or so (!) The whole thing was regimented and controlled by a very self indulgent captain who I feel believes he should be on stage playing to a packed house!
We had dinner reservations for 7pm and luckily we were able to contact the restaurant to cancel and re book for 9pm - the restaurant informed us that this happens a lot when customers are on Sea Safari so be aware of this - three and a half hours!!
I do believe that the seals were happy enough to see us visiting, but I did feel a little jealous that they got to stay on the island where as we had to endure the return journey with Captain Ray going on and on and on........
I believe there is another company in Kenmare that do a similar trip, but an hour and half long (perfect amount of time) called Star Of Kenmare.
Written August 24, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin G
Waterville, Ireland14 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
...unless you are looking for a four and a half hour round trip to see a handful of seals while listening to a opinionated and self absorbed skipper.
Captain Ray has no concept of the value of other people's time, will almost certainly be late, and trip will run significantly over time. Once the (dishevelled) boat has left the dock, you will be held captive by this overbearing personality with tales, songs and opinions that you do not want or ask for.
There is another sea cruise operating out of Kenmare. Google keywords 'star', 'cruise' & 'Kenmare'. Or drive to Glengarriff, and take a (short) ferry to Garnish Island to see many more seals, and a sea eagle's nest among other things.
I set up an account on Tripadvisor for the very first time to post a review of this activity. Kudos to the other crew who work hard to overcome Captain Ray's shortcomings.
I am Irish, and was embarrassed at the level of service this company is offering our valued foreign visitors. Imagine Father Ted as a documentary rather than parody and you get the idea of how bad this is.
Would give no stars if this option was available. Avoid.
Captain Ray has no concept of the value of other people's time, will almost certainly be late, and trip will run significantly over time. Once the (dishevelled) boat has left the dock, you will be held captive by this overbearing personality with tales, songs and opinions that you do not want or ask for.
There is another sea cruise operating out of Kenmare. Google keywords 'star', 'cruise' & 'Kenmare'. Or drive to Glengarriff, and take a (short) ferry to Garnish Island to see many more seals, and a sea eagle's nest among other things.
I set up an account on Tripadvisor for the very first time to post a review of this activity. Kudos to the other crew who work hard to overcome Captain Ray's shortcomings.
I am Irish, and was embarrassed at the level of service this company is offering our valued foreign visitors. Imagine Father Ted as a documentary rather than parody and you get the idea of how bad this is.
Would give no stars if this option was available. Avoid.
Written August 15, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel B
Wicklow, Ireland3 contributions
Aug 2016 • Friends
We were extremely disappointed with this Seafari trip for many reasons:
1. Our sailing time was supposed to be 11am so we arrived on time at 10.45 to be greeted by the (friendly) assistant Carmen who took our name and other details but didn't take payment. When the captain finally arrived at 11.30 he made a poor excuse and then continued to plonk himself on a picnic table to collect payment (this process itself was very badly organised). We were not told that cash was the only accepted payment so we had to run back to the car and try find the cash. Why could the assistant not have taken payment when she was checking everyone in to speed up the process? We finally set sail at 11.50.
2. When we got going we were 40 mins into the trip before the captain Ray announced the safely statement.
3. Although we were all adults so it was not a problem For us, The caption was very rude and inconsiderate to families with children when preparing to see the seals, referring to a small girl who was wriggling a bit as a "problem" and insisting her mother move her to the back where she couldn't be seen. Throughout a 30minute lecture, He scared us into being perfectly still for the duration of seeing the seals (which were extremely beautiful and interesting) whom we watched for at least 35 mins.
4. The captain did not stop speaking for the whole trip and really spoiled the enjoyment of the lovely views for us.
5. We did not get back to the harbour until 3.45 (1 hour 45 mins later then we expected). We had family members waiting for us there since 2pm and had to change all our plans for the rest of the evening as we got back so late.
We won't be recommending this trip to anyone which is a pity as a much shorter trip with less running commentary would be good.
1. Our sailing time was supposed to be 11am so we arrived on time at 10.45 to be greeted by the (friendly) assistant Carmen who took our name and other details but didn't take payment. When the captain finally arrived at 11.30 he made a poor excuse and then continued to plonk himself on a picnic table to collect payment (this process itself was very badly organised). We were not told that cash was the only accepted payment so we had to run back to the car and try find the cash. Why could the assistant not have taken payment when she was checking everyone in to speed up the process? We finally set sail at 11.50.
2. When we got going we were 40 mins into the trip before the captain Ray announced the safely statement.
3. Although we were all adults so it was not a problem For us, The caption was very rude and inconsiderate to families with children when preparing to see the seals, referring to a small girl who was wriggling a bit as a "problem" and insisting her mother move her to the back where she couldn't be seen. Throughout a 30minute lecture, He scared us into being perfectly still for the duration of seeing the seals (which were extremely beautiful and interesting) whom we watched for at least 35 mins.
4. The captain did not stop speaking for the whole trip and really spoiled the enjoyment of the lovely views for us.
5. We did not get back to the harbour until 3.45 (1 hour 45 mins later then we expected). We had family members waiting for us there since 2pm and had to change all our plans for the rest of the evening as we got back so late.
We won't be recommending this trip to anyone which is a pity as a much shorter trip with less running commentary would be good.
Written August 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lisaocal
Bristol3 contributions
Trip delayed for half an hour as the captain was late. 70 people squashed into the boat for over three hours. Patronising captain who likes the sound of his own voice and waffled continuously and repetitively for the entire trip. Terrible 'entertainment', badly played fiddle / pipes. Seals were impressive, but half an hour watching a few seals for 20 euro and 3 hours is not worth it.
Written July 31, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hugh M
3 contributions
Oct 2017 • Family
You would think that a boat trip around the beautiful Kenmare Bay along with seeing some Seals in their natural habitat would be enjoyable. It was not.
The Captain and Guide (Captain Ray) was half an hour late (no apologies made)
He proceeded to talk constantly, sing terrible and sucked the enjoyment out of the entire experience. He gave a safety briefing (almost 30 mins) that could only be described as inept and ridiculous. He constantly talked, (don’t point at the seals (times 100)), don’t stand up, don’t have fun..
It was Hallowe'en and the 1:30 boat trip took almost 4 hours. We had two young kids with us (3 & 2) and having them away from food and other entertainment for this length of time was unplanned and became a tough experience. We missed the parade (not back in time)
It was a cold day and the blankets provided stank of wet dog :(
It is undoubted that Captain Ray is a wildlife lover but he should stick to trips by himself. He is rude, sexist and has zero concern for his passengers. STAY AWAY
The Captain and Guide (Captain Ray) was half an hour late (no apologies made)
He proceeded to talk constantly, sing terrible and sucked the enjoyment out of the entire experience. He gave a safety briefing (almost 30 mins) that could only be described as inept and ridiculous. He constantly talked, (don’t point at the seals (times 100)), don’t stand up, don’t have fun..
It was Hallowe'en and the 1:30 boat trip took almost 4 hours. We had two young kids with us (3 & 2) and having them away from food and other entertainment for this length of time was unplanned and became a tough experience. We missed the parade (not back in time)
It was a cold day and the blankets provided stank of wet dog :(
It is undoubted that Captain Ray is a wildlife lover but he should stick to trips by himself. He is rude, sexist and has zero concern for his passengers. STAY AWAY
Written November 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there,
Cost for adults is €25, children under 12 €12.50. Due to Covid-19 Pandemic we are closed for this season due to danger to ourselves and the public. Stay safe and hopefully see you next season. Captain Ray.
Written July 20, 2020
¿A qué horas sale el barco? ¿Sale todos los dÃas?
Written February 5, 2020
Cruise times change depending on tidal conditions so as to voyage at the optimum time for guests to see wildlife. Check out our website for approximate cruise times which may change due to weather and demand. Fair sailing and happy holidays, Captain Ray.
Written February 6, 2020
Bonjour, nous partons en Irlande la semaine prochaine, vous rappelez vous du tarif du Safari SVP?
Merci à vous!
Written April 9, 2016
GENERAL SEAFARI INFOMATION
And how to reserve seats on Seafari for casual or first time visitors.
TICKET PRICES
Adults: €25.00
Children under 12: €12.50
Children 2 or under free (please bring buggy, infants often fall sleep on boat!).
Teenagers: €15.00
Students with photo ID card: €20.00.
Family Ticket: 2 adults + 2 children under 12 €60.00, extra children €7.50, extra teenager €10.00 No extra charge for Seniors, we just look after you better!
Captain Ray.
Written April 13, 2016
Hi,
The boat takes 99 people. You can find additional information on our facilities on our website.
Many thanks.
Captain Ray
Written July 15, 2015
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