Explore the Untouched Beauty of

Skellig Michael

Join us on a journey to Ireland’s majestic World Heritage site.

WELCOME TO SKELLIGS ROCK CRUISES

Experience the best that the Wild Atlantic Way has to offer and join us on a boat tour to the Skellig Islands. A World Heritage site, and so listed with Mount Everest and the Great Barrier Reef for its significance to humankind, you’ll be glad you made the trip.

The Skellig Islands float on the Atlantic Ocean, twelve kilometres off the coast of county Kerry. When you first reach the Islands you will be struck by their rugged beauty – as they scale some 700ft above you. An internationally renowned bird sanctuary, you’ll encounter a wonderful array of birdlife as you climb the six hundred steps to the peak. Here you’ll find one of the oldest and best-preserved monasteries in Europe. At the summit allow your imagination to take you back to the time of the Monks or to transport you to a ‘Galaxy far far away’.

The makers of Star Wars were so taken by the Skellig Michael that they used it as a location for 2 Star War movies The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. Find out more about how the Skelligs were used in the Star Wars movies here.

How can you describe the Skellig Michael to someone who has never visited this place of peace, serenity and absolute beauty, yet with ruggedness all around you?

No one has ever painted a picture of the Skellig Michael with words, better then the famous Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw when he wrote to Frederick Jackson: “Parknasilla Hotel, Sneem, 18th September 1910.”

“The most fantastic and impossible rock in the world: Skellig Michael… where in the south west gales spray knocks stones out of the lighthouse keeper’s house… the Skelligs are pinnacled, crocheted, spired, arched, caverned, minareted; and these gothic extravagances are not curiosities of the islands:they are the islands: there is nothing else.The rest of the cathedral may be under the sea for all I know …An incredible, impossible, mad place…I tell you the thing does not belong to any world that you and I have lived and worked in: it is part of our dream world.” 

Explore Our Tours

SKELLIGS'S ROCK LANDING TOUR

Your are about to book a trip to land on Skellig Michael a world Heritage site. The journey to the Islands is approximately 50 minutes. Under normal weather conditions you will be allowed 2.5 hrs on the Skelligs. Allow 5 hrs from when you board the boat in the morning to when you again disembark at the marina in the afternoon. Finally enjoy your day with us, we will do everything to make it a memorable journey.

SKELLIGS'S ROCK ECO TOUR

The eco tour has multiple departures times throughout the day depending on the sea conditions. The boat tour takes approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes and circles both islands getting right up close to Skellig Michael and the small Skelligs to see both the wildlife and the historical sites. This tour can get quite busy especially in the peak season so it is advisable to book well in advance. This tour does not land on the Island.

What Visitors Are Saying

“This was a brilliant experience and nothing will ever compare to the sight of Skellig Michael appearing above the mist as we headed into the fresh Atlantic from the calm waters of Portmagee harbour.”

5/5
Farranboy62, Dublin

“We travelled to the Skelligs with Sea Quest and they could not have been more helpful. From the well-run and friendly first approach on the quayside to leaving them 4 hours later nothing could have been improved. The Captain was extremely personable and told us things of interest throughout the trip.”

4.9/5
John, UK

“The islands are even more remarkable up close and in person than they are in pictures and movies. We took a boat ride around them, and it was the most rewarding investment of time we have had here in Ireland.”

5/5
Charles M, UK

“If there is a chance still to go by boat to Skellig, this should definitely be used. Even the rocks from the ship is incredibly impressive, the monastery huts and the stairs are clearly visible. Cost: €35 per person. Highly recommended!!”

5/5
Uetliberg, Switzerland

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer tours that allow landing on Skellig Michael?

Yes, we offer both landing and non-landing (Eco tours). The landing tour allows you to disembark and climb the 600 steps to the monastery at the peak. Eco tours provide scenic views from the water.

The full tour, including travel time and exploration on the island, typically takes around 4-5 hours. The Eco tour is shorter, lasting approximately 2-3 hours.

You can book directly through our website by selecting your preferred tour option and date. Early booking is recommended, especially during peak season.

Safety is our priority. If the weather conditions are deemed unsafe, we may cancel the tour and offer you a rescheduled date or a full refund.

You can reach our team via phone or email, which are available on our website. Our team is happy to assist with any additional questions or booking needs.

Discover the Beauty of KERRY

Book your trip now

A Skellig Michael boat tour is more than just a boat ride; it is an immersive adventure that combines stunning natural beauty, fascinating history, and the thrill of wildlife observation. As you embark on your journey, you will be greeted by the sight of the rugged coastline of County Kerry, with its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters. The boat ride itself is an exhilarating experience, as you navigate the Atlantic Ocean, with the salty sea breeze and the sound of waves crashing against the hull creating an unforgettable atmosphere.