SKELLIGS ROCK CRUISES FAQ
Q. Are there different types of boat trips to the Skelligs?
A. Yes –there are two types of trip to the Skellig Michael, one which permits you to land and the other which brings you around the skelligs, this one is called “the Eco Cruise”
Q. Can we land on the Skelligs?
A. Yes, landing on the skelligs is permitted once you travel on a licenced boat.
Q. What is the cost of the trips?
A.
- The cost of a Landing trip to the Skelligs is €100 per person, during the permitted season – May 14th – 2nd October 2019.
- The cost of the Eco Cruise is €40 per person, family rates are available.
ECO Cruise Questions
Q. When do I need to book the Eco Cruise around Skellig Michael?
A. If you know your date for the cruise then you should book it, to make sure you get your preferred date, But with the Eco Cruise you can sometimes book it much closer to the departure date (We have more availability on this cruise than on the landing cruise.)
Q. How do I make a booking for the eco cruise around the Skellig Michael?
A. To make a booking for an eco cruise around the skelligs rock, choose from one of the following options:
- Send an email to skelligsrock@skelligsrock.com
- Complete our online booking form
- Contact: Seanie: +353872362344 or Mary: +353876176882
Please note:
For bookings made by e-mail for the Eco Cruise the departure time must be confirmed by phone on the morning of the departure.
Q. How often do the Eco Tours depart from Portmagee to Skellig Michael
A. There are four departures daily: 0930 hrs, 1230 hrs, 1430 hrs and 1530 pm from portmagee marina ( Some of these times may change depending on the numbers requesting the trip)Please check in with us early to confirm departure times
Q. Are the Eco Cruise trips Around the Skelligs weather dependant?
A. Yes- The Eco Cruise trip around the Skelligs is weather dependant. You need to contact us the morning of your cruise to discuss the weather conditions.
Landing Trip Questions
Q. When do I need to book the trip to Land on the Skelligs?
A. You would need to book your trip to Land on the Skelligs well in advance of your preferred date. anything upwards of 3 months.
Q. How do I make a booking for the cruise to Land on the Skelligs?
A. Booking to Land on the Skelligs can only be made online. @ http://booking.skelligsrock.com
Please note:
The bookings to Land must be confirmed by phone two days before departure.
Q. How often do trips to Land, depart for the Skelligs?
A. The trip to Land departs daily from the 14th May until the end of September. This trip is weather dependant.
Q. How many Landing trips per day are you allowed?
A. Each boat is permitted one landing trip per day.
Q. Are the trips to Land on the Skelligs weather dependant?
A. Yes- The Trips to Land on the Skelligs are weather dependant. You need to contact us 2 days in advance of your departue date to discuss your trip.
Q. What is the departure time for Trips to Land on Skellig Michael?
A. Trips to Land on Skellig Michael depart from Portmagee Marina @0830 hrs You will need to be in Portmagee 30 minutes before departure time.
Q. Are there toilets on board our boats?
A. Yes- There is a fully functioning toilet on board, located in the For’ward cabin.
Q. Are our boats Licenced by the Dept of Marine?
A. Yes-The boats are licenced by the Dept of Marine and have a P5 licence. They undergo a very intensive inspection every 2 years before the licence is granted.
Q. Do our boats carry lifejackets?
A. Yes – The boats carry a full compliment of lifejacket, As per the Dept of Marine rules the passengers are not required to wear these lifejackets during the voyage. The reason being they are what is called a positive buoyancy lifejacket and very restricitve during the trip to the Skelligs. IF SOMEONE WISHES TO WEAR A LIFEJACKET DURING THE TRIP, WE WILL GLADLY ACCOMMODATE THEM We do not give out Personal Floatation devices as these are not fit for the open waters and should only be used during water sports activities such as kayaking, jet skiing wind surfing etc….
Q. Will I be seasick?
A. Quite possibly- On a day when conditions are incliment we would sometimes have 2 to 3 people who get seasick. If the conditions are good then we would seldom have people sick, unless the person is a very poor traveller.
Q. What should I do to try and prevent the sea-sickness
A. We are not medical people so we cannot give definitive advise on this, only to say what we observed has worked for others.
To help prevent it-
- Sea sickness tablets.
- Travel motion wrist bands.
- Keep looking at the Horizon
- Chew some ginger crystal
In the event of being sea sick-
- Speak to the crewmember early and advise him you are not feeling well
- He will assist you
- Keep warm but no overheated
- Chew some ginger crystal
- Keep Hydrated at all times
When you reach your destination-
- Relax for 4 or 5 minutes before attempting any walking
- Rehydrate yourself with plenty of water
- Do not spend too much time relaxing 4 to 5 minutes , get up and begin walking around to warm yourself and get yourself feeling comfortable
- If we are at the Skelligs and attempting to do the climb to the monastery make sure that you are in good conditon to do so and fully recovered from the sea sickness
- Again keep well hydrated and warm until you are recovered fully.
Q. Are there toilet facilities on the Skelligs?
A. No- There are no toilet facilites on the Skelligs
Q. Are there any facilities for the traveller on the Skelligs?
A. No. There are no facilities of any nature for the traveller to the Skelligs.
Q. Is the weather different on the journey to the Skelligs than that on the land?
A. The weather is always different on the sea. So always bring extra clothes to keep warm. Also make sure that you bring some waterproofs with you.
- Light snacks/ sandwich
Q. What type of clothing should one wear or bring to the Skelligs?
A. Always bring a backpack where you can have your extra clothes in the event of a change in the weather.
Q. What type of footwear should a person wear?
A. A person wishing to visit the Skelligs should wear – preferably a hiking boot or at the least a strong walking shoe with good supports. Sandals should not be worn nor should shoes with a raised heel.
Q. What gear should one bring with them to the Skelligs
A. Please see a list of items which we suggest may be of benefit to you on the trip to the Skelligs
- Backpack, to be worn over both shoulders
- Extra layers of clothes
- Waterproofs
- Good walking shoes or boots
- Suncream
- A wide brimmed hat/ baseball hat
- Water
- Some snacks
