Skellig Michael Cruises
Skellig Michael Cruises
Skellig Michael Cruises
4.5
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Full view
About
Skellig Michael Cruises offers you the opportunity to visit Skellig Michael from a unique perspective. Many people who come to Portmagee are unable to climb Skellig Michael for a variety of reasons; young families, age, disability or time constraints etc. This is where we come in! Our eco tour circles both islands where you get up close to see the land marks, birds and historical sites. Skellig Michael Cruises are now pleased to announce from 2017 that we also do Landing Tours to Skellig Michael.
Portmagee, County Kerry, Ireland
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
483 reviews
Excellent
418
Very good
24
Average
15
Poor
7
Terrible
19
Kody G
Denver, CO140 contributions
Sep 2022
Visiting the Skelligs was on the top of our list when we were touring Ireland and it did not disappoint. Truly one of the highlights of the country! We booked with Paul Devane about two months in advance (we visited in September; probably should book even further in advance for the summer months). Knowing the success rate of docking was about 80%, we were anxiously watching the weather. Thankfully, we had a clear, sunny day, which was mostly the case during our 12 days in Ireland. The Paul Devane team emailed me about 5 days before letting us know the departure time (0930). It took about an hour to get there with mostly calm seas (but would take some meclizine or scopolamine patch if you are prone to seasickness). The hike up to the monastery was not particularly challenging (anyone who does any sort of hiking will have zero trouble), unless you have fear of heights, but even then it wasn't bad if you just focused on the trail in front. We had about 2.5 hours to see everything, which is ample time. There are two guides at the top giving periodic talks about the history of the islands and monastery, which was very interesting. We were back on the boat by 1300 and to the dock shortly after 1400. I drove from Killarney that morning, which wasn't bad (about an hour drive) and then back after. Unfortunately, there were no puffins this time of year. Also, no children under 12 were allowed. Our boat captains/guides were Jay and Hugh, who were excellent and would highly recommend; very friendly and informative. Very highly recommended!!
Written October 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Aidan H
Limerick, Ireland7 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
What a fantastic experience. Captain Hugh got us on and off the island safely and Rachel picked her moments perfectly to give us nuggets of information about the islands.
Amazing views and Sceilig Mhicíl itself is a wonderful experience. Kinda surreal actually. Well worth it and the puffins have a very high cuteness factor in fairness to them 👍
Amazing views and Sceilig Mhicíl itself is a wonderful experience. Kinda surreal actually. Well worth it and the puffins have a very high cuteness factor in fairness to them 👍
Written June 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Carol H
Wicklow, Ireland60 contributions
May 2022
WOW - What an amazing trip. We did the Eco tour with Paul Devane, our skipper was Jason and we will never forget it. There were 5 of us, including a teenager with special needs, autism and balance issues. Jason couldn't have been more helpful ensuring we had lifejackets to fit everyone, seating inside if we preferred, a safe space to store our bags and plenty of knowledge and stories about Skellig Michael - the wildlife, filming of Star Wars, his Grandfather the lighthouse keeper for 30 years... it was all so interesting. We stopped close enough for the sea lions to wave and one of our fellow travellers to get pooped on by a gannet - the Irish consider this very lucky! We saw puffins flying at speed over the water, but they were far too fast to catch a photo. The trip lasted almost two and a half hours and my grown up kids wanted to go again the next day. Bring your camera with plenty of space for photos. Jason took some great ones of our whole group which we will treasure. We will definitely go out again on our next trip to Portmagee. Ronan in the booking office was so lovely to us throughout our stay in Portmagee and not just on the day of our trip. Highly Recommended.
Written May 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kelly S
Troy, MI17 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
DO. NOT. GO. ON. THIS. TOUR. This was one of the worst experiences our group has ever encountered, and we've traveled a lot. Our assigned tour boat showed up much later than scheduled and had maintenance issues so we got moved to a substitute boat. The substitute boat was smaller and guardrails were missing, passengers could’ve easily fallen out of the boat because of the extreme rough waters we encountered. Before we took off the captain said we could get a bit wet and it'd be a bit rocky. After that he hardly spoke up about anything we were seeing. When he did talk, he mumbled and then walked away. He also rarely turned the boat so both sides could see the islands. On the return trip we were COMPLETELY soaked by the freezing water which constantly splashed in our faces and bodies for over 45 minutes. The waters were so rough we could do nothing but attempt to cover our faces in order to breathe between vomiting. Half of our group and another boy ended up seasick. We couldn't even stand up for fear of falling off the boat, so had to vomit seated thus getting it on our group down the line. The raincoats provided did nothing to protect us so the fact there weren't enough for all passengers is moot and ridiculous. My group and I paid more for this excursion than anything else we have done in Ireland. We did not see puffins, dolphins, or whales, only seagulls. Because of the tardiness of the boat we missed our dinner reservations at our hotel, not that we could have eaten anyway. We all spent the next morning at a laundromat washing the vomit out of our shoes and clothes, just what you want to do on vacation. By the way this is the first negative review I've ever left. The tour should've canceled and been refunded becausethe substituteboat wasn'tbig enough and the captain didn't want to be there.
Written August 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
colette
Dublin, Ireland3 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
Unfortunately while the trip to Skellig Michael is a magnificent experience our trip was spoiled by bad organisation and unsympathetic even rude response to complaints by Mr. Devane.
Our email told us to be at the marina in Portmagee at 815am which involved an early start for us. The landing tour was to leave at 830am and return at 130pm. We planned our day accordingly. Luckily the weather was perfect.
We arrived in good time and watched many boats depart as we waited for ours. Eventually at about 9am the booking office opened and we were informed that our boat wouldn’t leave until 1030am. I rang to complain not so much about the delay as why we weren’t informed the previous day as the landing time was 12 noon. I felt we should be compensated for the inconvenience ( early night and ruined afternoon of a four day holiday). Nothing was offered by Paul. His apology was aggressive, not a real one. Excuses didn’t add up. If an email couldn’t be sent he had all our numbers. A disgraceful way to treat customers who had paid €130 each in advance. No refund offered or even a proper apology with a cup of tea while we waited. Customer who at this stage was up since 530am and already waited and hour on the quay was wrong to ask for anything and had to listen to rude and threatening talk from the organiser There were 12 people upset and left waiting.
One of the threats was that the boat wouldn’t go after I asked for compensation eg €50 each.
Skellig Micheal is a unique Irish treasure and a must see in my opinion. Unfortunately the people organising the boats are unprofessional and know how people will put up with anything to see it. I saw no life jackets on the boat but the trip itself was pleasant. I just wondered about safety on the boats.
We were all glad we waited and got onto the island, the knowledge of the captain Mr Walsh was a great plus as was the rain gear supplied. I was surprised on such a boat that life jackets aren’t mandatory.
By the way the email that was supposed to have been sent still hasn’t arrived!!
I’m so glad I wasn’t bullied and stayed to do the trip despite Paul Devane.
Our email told us to be at the marina in Portmagee at 815am which involved an early start for us. The landing tour was to leave at 830am and return at 130pm. We planned our day accordingly. Luckily the weather was perfect.
We arrived in good time and watched many boats depart as we waited for ours. Eventually at about 9am the booking office opened and we were informed that our boat wouldn’t leave until 1030am. I rang to complain not so much about the delay as why we weren’t informed the previous day as the landing time was 12 noon. I felt we should be compensated for the inconvenience ( early night and ruined afternoon of a four day holiday). Nothing was offered by Paul. His apology was aggressive, not a real one. Excuses didn’t add up. If an email couldn’t be sent he had all our numbers. A disgraceful way to treat customers who had paid €130 each in advance. No refund offered or even a proper apology with a cup of tea while we waited. Customer who at this stage was up since 530am and already waited and hour on the quay was wrong to ask for anything and had to listen to rude and threatening talk from the organiser There were 12 people upset and left waiting.
One of the threats was that the boat wouldn’t go after I asked for compensation eg €50 each.
Skellig Micheal is a unique Irish treasure and a must see in my opinion. Unfortunately the people organising the boats are unprofessional and know how people will put up with anything to see it. I saw no life jackets on the boat but the trip itself was pleasant. I just wondered about safety on the boats.
We were all glad we waited and got onto the island, the knowledge of the captain Mr Walsh was a great plus as was the rain gear supplied. I was surprised on such a boat that life jackets aren’t mandatory.
By the way the email that was supposed to have been sent still hasn’t arrived!!
I’m so glad I wasn’t bullied and stayed to do the trip despite Paul Devane.
Written September 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
pbdemelo
Madrid, Spain537 contributions
Aug 2021 • Solo
They sold us the last two tickets for the boat (40€ each). They offer a boat trip to Skellig Islands, around 2h30.
The sea was very rough, lots of waves and a very bad weather with a lot of mist. They should have known it was not safe to leave, that is their job. After 5 minutes i was soaked wet with sea water.
Children were scared, sick and crying. After 30 minutes of trip, with everyone soaked, they decide to turn back because of one sick children, which is logical.
When we get to land, they say they wont return our money. The staff guy was very very rude, refusing to give our money back because we had a 30 min trip.
In the end we went to the office and got our money.
This is a dangerous company, they only want the money and don’t care about your safety. Think twice before traveling with them.
The sea was very rough, lots of waves and a very bad weather with a lot of mist. They should have known it was not safe to leave, that is their job. After 5 minutes i was soaked wet with sea water.
Children were scared, sick and crying. After 30 minutes of trip, with everyone soaked, they decide to turn back because of one sick children, which is logical.
When we get to land, they say they wont return our money. The staff guy was very very rude, refusing to give our money back because we had a 30 min trip.
In the end we went to the office and got our money.
This is a dangerous company, they only want the money and don’t care about your safety. Think twice before traveling with them.
Written August 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gocallag
London, UK4 contributions
Jul 2021
I want to echo what most people are saying here. It was a great way to spend a few hours, I tried to get on the landing tour, but I didn't book early enough.
So after visiting Geokaun mountain , we drove down to the harbour in Portmagee and just made a 3:15pm departure. They staff were totally cool and advised on parking and reassured the boat was going to await us parking.
We were on a speedy boat out to the Skelligs. I asked the skipper Jay if it was going to be choppy, he reassured me it was flat. Looking back , it was choppy enough to make me hold onto the seats! And these conditions are as good as it gets being in July!
Jay made his way out to Skelligs and provided lots of information about the nature and history of the islands. His own grandfather having worked on the lighthouses on Skellig Michael. He was really informative and helpful and even assisted some of the tourists with the taking of photos etc.
He took great care and detail in pointing out the various man made access points , showing the hand carved steps made by the Monks.
I thought I would be disappointed by this tour, but it was fun and interesting and we really enjoyed it. It was made better by Jay even cracking the odd joke. I will have to stand you a pint or two the next time. Thanks
So after visiting Geokaun mountain , we drove down to the harbour in Portmagee and just made a 3:15pm departure. They staff were totally cool and advised on parking and reassured the boat was going to await us parking.
We were on a speedy boat out to the Skelligs. I asked the skipper Jay if it was going to be choppy, he reassured me it was flat. Looking back , it was choppy enough to make me hold onto the seats! And these conditions are as good as it gets being in July!
Jay made his way out to Skelligs and provided lots of information about the nature and history of the islands. His own grandfather having worked on the lighthouses on Skellig Michael. He was really informative and helpful and even assisted some of the tourists with the taking of photos etc.
He took great care and detail in pointing out the various man made access points , showing the hand carved steps made by the Monks.
I thought I would be disappointed by this tour, but it was fun and interesting and we really enjoyed it. It was made better by Jay even cracking the odd joke. I will have to stand you a pint or two the next time. Thanks
Written July 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael C
7 contributions
Jul 2021
Everything !
We were very lucky to get a late cancelation for 3 people when we asked Chloe at the reservation hut about 2 weeks prior to our trip. She could not have been more helpful and later organized for us to increase the booking to 4 people which was incredible as bookings ( for landing trips ) were like gold dusts.
Lucky again to have the weather on our side as we had a beautiful sunny, warm and most importantly, calm day.
Rachel was our guide on the Sea Breeze and on the island and she was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and etremely friendly which ensured we had a most enjoyable day out.
i could not more highly recommend a business to provide a wonderful trip.
We were very lucky to get a late cancelation for 3 people when we asked Chloe at the reservation hut about 2 weeks prior to our trip. She could not have been more helpful and later organized for us to increase the booking to 4 people which was incredible as bookings ( for landing trips ) were like gold dusts.
Lucky again to have the weather on our side as we had a beautiful sunny, warm and most importantly, calm day.
Rachel was our guide on the Sea Breeze and on the island and she was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and etremely friendly which ensured we had a most enjoyable day out.
i could not more highly recommend a business to provide a wonderful trip.
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joanne McCarthy
Tralee, Ireland6 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
5-star!
This is a brilliant company to experience the
beautiful islands! Very professional as last
year when we were in Ireland the weather
was not good we were notified that our tour
wouldn't go ahead we were disappointed
but unfortunately Mother Nature is the key to
doing this tour, we were happy as the
company refunded us in full for the tour. So
we decided we would have try another shot
of getting to go to the islands and it was a
success, our skipper and tour guide Rachel
had so much knowledge and took our
picture with these beautiful islands in the
back round we had a memorable trip and
will be back again. Thanks to Skellig Micheal
cruises for the glorious memories!
This is a brilliant company to experience the
beautiful islands! Very professional as last
year when we were in Ireland the weather
was not good we were notified that our tour
wouldn't go ahead we were disappointed
but unfortunately Mother Nature is the key to
doing this tour, we were happy as the
company refunded us in full for the tour. So
we decided we would have try another shot
of getting to go to the islands and it was a
success, our skipper and tour guide Rachel
had so much knowledge and took our
picture with these beautiful islands in the
back round we had a memorable trip and
will be back again. Thanks to Skellig Micheal
cruises for the glorious memories!
Written January 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Orla
Dublin, Ireland17 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
Had such an amazing time on the tour with Rachel as our guide. We had originally booked the landing tour but the island was closed at the time due to rockfall so we went on the trip around the Skelligs instead. We were offered the alternative tour or a full refund, we went with the alternative tour. Booking was so easy and we were refunded the difference really quickly! It was brilliant, such an amazing morning. Rachel had so much knowledge it was fascinating listening to her. She was a brilliant guide, we had great craic and will definitely book again for a landing tour as the island has since re-opened!
Written July 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Как и где можно забронировать поездку на Skellig Michael? Спасибо.
Paul D
Portmagee, Ireland
Hi
You can book online at our website skelligmichaelcruises
or ring 00353876178114
Bobby R
10 contributions
I took a boat back in 2016 with a group where successful landing was €60 and €30 otherwise.
I'm trying to organise a trip for friends in July but looks like now it costs at least €95 per person? Is this really the standard price now and if so, why such an increase?
NYCMike96
New York City, NY171 contributions
Supply and demand.
Jdizz77
Virginia Beach, Virginia224 contributions
Going on a cruise and would love to visit Skellig Michael. However time is severely limited.
The closest port of call on our itinerary looks like port cobh. Is this realistic at all to try and do on such short time? Arrival in cork is 1000 and departure from cork is 1900. I read the tours are 2.5hours. I would have to tack on at least 6hours of travel time round trip back to port cobh.
Also would I be able to fly a drone from the boat when cruising around the skelligs? From the website it looks like the time I will be there, no landing tours are available
Paul D
Portmagee, Ireland
Hi, Landing tours start usually around mid may , to do the trip from where you are would not be feasable as the boat to Skellig Michael leaves around 8:30am, you are right with the six hours travel time as a minimum, regarding the drone you are not allowed by the opw to fly drones over the islands especially while there are people on the island. Come next year and spend a couple of days in beautifull south kerry and of course go out to Skellig Michael.
Aldrick Banks
Düsseldorf, Germany5 contributions
Does this cruise run in February?
NYCMike96
New York City, NY171 contributions
I believe the tours do not pick up again until mid March.
Lindam11
West Sand Lake, NY12 contributions
Can you smell diesel when you are on the boat? Are there bathrooms on the boat?
Paulapeac
Cork, Ireland84 contributions
very slight exhaust fumes occasionally but not overpowering at all. No toilet facilities onboard or on skellig michael. Toilet in cafe next to where you board & depart boat
I have an ankle injury I’m recovering from and might not be able to make the climb to top of the island. Is it reasonable to think that I might sit near where the boat docks or explore lower part of the island while my family makes the climb? Thank you in advance for any advance.
Paul D
Portmagee, Ireland2 contributions
Sorry for delay in replying but your best option would be to take our eco cruise so you won’t have to come off the boat.
Vanessa H
Victoria Capital Regional District, Canada138 contributions
Some years ago I was driving along the coast-line, can't remember exactly where. I saw a sign on private property indicating a monastic site but allowing entry. I went in and, from the almost buried site, could see the Skelligs. Later, far away in Wales, I was told that this would have been the Mother House for the monks on Skellig Michael. Is this correct? If so, is it still accessible? And can you give me an exact location. I'll be in Ireland Nov 8 - 20 and, for the first time for years, not guiding a group or looking after grand-children. This is my opportunity to explore and relax and this mystery place is calling.
Many thanks in advance,
robertrorke
Minneapolis, MN5 contributions
I think you are referring to St Michael's Abbey in Balinskelligs, just outside Waterville. You drive drove a small dirt road to get to the ruins of an abbey and a cemetery. It is worth a side trip if you are near Waterville.
Nusra T
Bangkok, Thailand13 contributions
I would like to go to skellig cruise on the last week of October . How about is the weather? Is there strong wind?
pat d
Killarney, Ireland73 contributions
The Skellig closes on Oct 2nd 2017 as per OPW website. No Landing onto Island permitted after Oct 2nd. There may be trips around Island subject to Weather