Planning a trip to Skellig Michael is an extraordinary adventure. To ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience, we’ve compiled answers to frequently asked questions about our Landing Tours and Eco Cruises.
If you know your preferred date, we recommend booking in advance to secure it. Eco Cruises generally have greater availability than landing cruises, and it is often possible to book closer to the departure date.
You can book an Eco Cruise by:
Please note:
Eco Cruise bookings made by email must be confirmed by phone on the morning of departure.
Eco Cruises depart daily from Portmagee, weather and sea conditions permitting. You should contact us on the morning of your cruise to confirm conditions.
Yes. All Eco Cruises are fully weather and sea-condition dependent. Final decisions are made on the day in the interest of passenger safety.
This varies from person to person. On rougher days, a small number of passengers may feel unwell. In calm conditions, seasickness is uncommon.
While we cannot give medical advice, passengers have found the following helpful:
Yes. There is a fully functioning toilet on board, located in the forward cabin.
Landing cruises should be booked well in advance, typically 2–3 months ahead of your preferred date. Occasionally, availability may arise closer to the date, but this cannot be relied upon.
Landing cruises can only be booked online at:
https://www.skelligsrock.com/skellig-michael-landing-tours/
You will be contacted by email two days prior to your departure date with confirmation details.
You must reply to this email to confirm your attendance.
Failure to respond may result in your booking being treated as a no-show.
Landing cruises operate daily from 10th May to the end of September, subject to weather, sea conditions, and OPW approval.
Landing cruises operate on a rota system regulated by the OPW:
Your departure time from Portmagee will be confirmed in advance by email.
The average time spent on the Island is approximately 2.5 hours, excluding the boat journey.
This time is not guaranteed and may be reduced due to weather, sea conditions, or operational requirements.
Yes. There is a fully functioning toilet on board, located in the forward cabin.
Yes. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to land on Skellig Michael.
This restriction is in place for safety reasons due to the steep steps, exposed terrain, and demanding nature of the site.
Yes. Visiting the monastery involves climbing 618 steep and uneven stone steps, rising over 600 ft (180 metres).
It is physically demanding, and visitors should carefully consider their fitness and health.
Visitors who choose not to climb may remain in OPW-designated areas at the base of the steps.
No refund is provided if a visitor decides not to climb for personal reasons.
Visitors must wear sturdy footwear with good grip, such as hiking boots or strong walking shoes.
The following are not permitted:
Visitors may be refused permission to climb the steps for safety reasons.
No refund is provided in these circumstances.
Yes, there are toilet facilities on Skellig Michael.
These are the only facilities on the Island. There are no cafés, shops, shelters, or seating areas.
We recommend bringing:
Yes. Weather conditions at sea and on the Island can differ significantly from conditions onshore.
Always bring warm layers and waterproof clothing, even on calm or sunny days.
A deposit is required at the time of booking.
The remaining balance is payable on the day of travel, unless full payment is required in advance under the multiple-date booking rule.
Yes. If more than one date is booked, full payment for all booked dates is required before travel on the first sailing date.
No sailing will take place unless this payment has been made.
There is a 5% Booking & Administration Fee.
This fee is non-refundable under all circumstances, including cancellation by the customer, weather disruption, or operational changes.
Trips are highly weather dependent. Confirmation ensures conditions are suitable, departure times are correct, and your place is secured.
All decisions regarding sailing and landing are made by the Skipper, in conjunction with OPW Guide Staff where applicable.
These decisions are final.
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