Skellig Michael Tours - Important information
Skellig Michael Tours for 2024 are now Open!
Bookings are open for Skellig Michael landing tours and non- landing eco tour around both Skellig Islands for 2024.
Bookings for our Skellig Michael Tours around both islands are currently open. This tours brings you up close to see all the spectacular areas of both Skellig Michael and small skelligs. The boat stops at the island , you can take pictures in front of Skellig Michael ,view the wildlife , the lighthouse at the back and the steps carved into the rock by the monks but you do not get off the boat.
People who do this tour are never disappointed and often comment that it is as good as climbing the island. This tour is more accessible and affordable for families.
Skellig Michael Landing Tours
Bookings for the Skellig Michael Landing Tours 2024 are now open – season start 11th May
We are currently taking bookings for the Skellig Michael Landing tours for the 2024 Season.
You can book the landing tour now on our booking page. If the tours are cancelled due to weather then we will issue a refund or you will have the option of rescheduling your booking for later date.
All our tours are weather permitting and customers will be updated in advance by email of any changes to the tours. Please ensure you provide your phone number also with country code so we can contact you if there are last minute changes.
Tour Cancellation
Should we need to cancel the Skellig Michael tour due to weather or any other reason you will be contacted by email and we will give you a full refund.
The only way to see Skellig Michael and Little Skelligs outside of the dates set by the OPW is to undertake our tour around both Skellig islands where you get up close to see the island, the monastery and steps carved by the monks in the 5th century. The Skellig Michael Eco tour operate from St Patricks Day through to the end of October (weather permitting). All tours can be booked online using the button below.
A Guide to using our online booking system.
Click on the blue button for booking, that takes you to our secure booking page, then follow the information below.
First look at the options section you need to enter the number of passengers, then select the day and date you wish to take the tour. Our tour departs at various times during the day so you need to select your preferred time and follow the instructions to complete your booking. Should you have any problems contact us using our contact form
Cancellation Policy
As all our tours are weather dependant we reserve the right to cancel the tour due to adverse sea and weather conditions.
We also reserve the right to cancel any tour bookings resulting from multiple bookings, bookings made with the intention of being resold individually or part of an organised activity or tour package, any booking activity that we feel is not right or inapproriate.
Should we need to cancel the tour due to weather or any other reason we will give you a full refund.
Departure times may also change for a number of reasons such as weather, demand etc. We will contact you by email if there are any changes.
Landing Tours can be delayed up until 1pm or may have to depart as early as 7:30am depending on the weather conditions at the Skellig Michael Landing pier. Short notice of time change are often given therefore we advise people to stay locally the night before the tour.
- If you cancel your reservation more than 14 days in advance of the departure time, you will receive a full refund.
- No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than 14 days in advance of the departure time, or in the case of a no-show.
- Booking fees are non-refundable.
If we have to cancel any tour due to adverse weather conditions a refund will be issued.
Skellig Michael Eco tours around both Skellig Islands can be cancelled up to 7 days before departure date and a refund will be issued. Cancellation less than 7 days before departure date – no refund will be issued.
There are certain times during the season when the tour around Skellig Michael is possible but the Skellig Michael Pier may not be suitable to land. In this case you will only be charged for the tour around the island and a refund of the balance will be issued
Please note: booking fees are non-refundable
Skellig Michael Safety Information and Video
Should you require further information regarding safety on Skellig Michael visit the opw website.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book the tours?
All bookings are done online through our website. Click the following link to check availability and book your tour with Skellig Michael Cruises.
Where do the tours depart from?
All our boats depart from the marina in Portmagee, Co. Kerry. See our Contact us page for details of how to find us.
How do I know which boat to get on?
Call to our booking office in the car park by the marina and a member of staff will escort you to the boat. Our booking office is well sign posted. Turn right just after the shop/Post Office when you enter Portmagee village. We ask that you please arrive at least 20 minutes in advance of departure time.
What should I do if Landing Spaces are full?
Option 1: Add contact details to our wait list and if there is a cancellation we will email you
Option 2: Stay Local and come to our booking office in Portmagee Marina early in the morning around 8:30am and you might be lucky to get a last minute cancellation. People often cancel last minute for various reasons.
Option 3 : Take our non-landing eco tour around both islands
Departure times for the Skellig Michael Eco Tour around both Islands.
The Eco tour departs at 10am, 12:30pm, 3:00pm and 5pm and takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Boat journey to Skellig Michael takes approx. 50 minutes each way, the rest of the time is spent at the island.
Does the eco tour allow you to land (get off the boat) at Skellig Michael?
No, The boat tour circles both Islands and you get right up close to Skellig Michael and the small Skelligs to see both the wildlife and the historical sights. Plenty of time is given to take photos etc…
Departure times for the Skellig Michael Landing Tour
The landing tour departs daily at 8:30am and 10am. There is one only trip per day for this tour. Boat journey to Skellig Michael takes approx… 50minutes. You are allowed 2.5hours on the island before returning to Portmagee marina.
Is there toilet facilities on Skellig Michael?
Yes, there are toilets on Skellig Michael and we also have a toilet on all our boats.
What do I need to wear: for the Skellig Michael Eco Tour?
Wear warm comfortable clothing and shoes. We have shelter for all passengers on board and we also have rain gear available if passengers want to remain seated outside.
What do I need to wear: for the Skellig Michael Landing Tour?
Wear warm comfortable clothing and suitable walking shoes for climbing the steps to the monastery. We have shelter for all passengers on board. It is advisable to bring rain gear for climbing and something to eat and drink. Sunscreen should also be worn.
What is the minimum age for a child going on the landing tour?
We recommend that children are at least 10 years old to go on this tour. As there are 600 steps to the monastery you require a reasonable level of fitness to take this tour.
When does the season start?
The eco tours begin on March 17th and end on November 5th.
The landing tours begin on May 15th and end on September 30th. There are no landing tours outside these dates.
All tours are weather dependant.
Is it necessary to book in advance?
Spaces on the landing tour are limited and booking well in advance is necessary, however space sometimes become available due to cancellations. Ring Paul on 087 6178114 for availability.
For the Eco Tours it is advisable to book at least a few days in advance to get your preferred departure time as they get quite busy especially in the peak season.
Cancellation/Waiting List
All our bookings are taken online and if there is a cancellation the spots automatically become available again on our website. However we often get last minute cancellations so it is advisable to call to our booking office in the morning at 8:00am and a member of staff will do his best to accommodate you.
If you need to cancel a tour?
If you need to cancel for any reason please let us know as soon as possible to allow someone else to book the places. If you cannot call or text please send an email.
Weather Conditions
All our tours are dependent on both the sea conditions and weather conditions. If we need to cancel the tour you will be contacted by email and you will be given a full refund. Refunds are transferred back on to the credit/debit card you used to make the booking.
