sea safari cork

The Ocean Is Calling

Cork Sea Safari

Fun & informative harbour & coastal tours.

Cork Sea Safari

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Cork Sea Safari - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Based in Crosshaven, County Cork, the Cork Sea Safari is an exhilarating experience. Their boat trips are a combination of high speed thrills, history that spans centuries and rich wildlife that abounds in Cork Harbour. You could see a variety of marine bird life, grey seals, basking sharks and possibly common or bottlenose dolphins.

A tour with Cork Sea Safari is an unforgettable experience in one of the largest harbours in the world. Knowledgeable skipper/ guides will introduce to you Cork, as you may never have seen it before, from the water. Life jackets and weatherproof outerwear are provided. The seats on board are individual jockey seats designed to support your back.

You will speed along in one of their RIBs, sometimes known as rigid inflatable boats, which are powerboats fitted with inflatable collars or tubes. RIBs are almost unsinkable and suitable for use in all sorts of conditions. Their vessels meet the highest international technical and safety specifications. All boats are fully equipped with the latest electronics, navigation and safety equipment.

Scheduled tours begin in Crosshaven and Cobh and operate from March to November. Tours can be booked online. Private group tours are also available.

Kinsale Sea Safari in Kinsale, County Cork, provide adventure boat tours departing from Kinsale Harbour. For breath taking views, an adrenaline rush or simply a day filled with unforgettable memories, join them as they set sail from Kinsale's historic port.

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Cork Sea Safari

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Cork Sea Safari - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Cork Sea Safari

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CORK SEA SAFARI: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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Cork Sea Safari

• Crosshaven. Co Cork
• +353868208565
• www.safari.ie
• [email protected]

Join in the fun as we whisk you you away to experience the highlights of Cork Harbour & our spectacular coastline. Our fast boats are ideal for those with a sense of adventure whether you're an individual, group or family. Daily tours in Jun, Jul & Aug from Crosshaven & Cobh .

• 17.4 km from Cork Airport
•   19.1 km from Cork City centre

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Cork Sea Safari

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Cork Sea Safari

Cork Sea Safari combines the thrill of a high speed motor boat, the fantastic Cork coastline and the culture and heritage of Cork harbour to produce a unique tourism experience for the Cork visitor. It aims to inform the visitor about the area and its history while also showing the visitor around the area from the water.

The sea has played and continues to play a very important role in the livelihoods and commercial life of Cork, not to mention it's value as a recreational resource, and so to visit Cork without going on the water is to miss out on an important perspective on the city.

Cork Sea Safari offer a number of tours from 1 to 4 hours duration, and take in Cork harbour, Crosshaven, Rochespoint lighthouse, Spike Island (a former prison), the naval base at Haulbowline, Camden & Carlisle forts, with the longer tours going as far as Kinsale and taking in some of the marine wildlife including sea birds and areas of the sea occupied by basking sharks, grey seals and dolphins.

Cork Sea Safari operate their boat tours from March to November.

For more details about the available tours and their prices, click the "More info" link below.

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CORK SEA SAFARI - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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Cork Sea Safari

Lapps Quay, Cork

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Cork Sea Safari offers a handful of tours from Cork Harbour and Cobh that range in length from one to four hours. Tours include wildlife viewing, harbor history and a trip to Kinsale. The tours are on rigid inflatable boats and max at 10 people per boat. Tours are ideal for ages 10 and up, and families that like high-speed thrills during their family adventures.

Tours run March to November.

Age or Height Restrictions

Children must be 10 years old to participate.

Things to Know/Bring

The tour provides some waterproof clothing, but it is recommended that passengers wear their own if they have it. Bring hats, gloves, sunglasses (even for cloudy days), a camera, and an extra layer of clothing. Please be aware that space on the boat is limited and open to the elements.

Nearby paid parking lots are available.

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Cork Sea Safari

Cork Sea Safari, Cork City.

Cork Harbour is one of the finest natural harbours in the world (In fact it is said to be the second largest natural harbour in the world after Sydney Harbour!). Islands and tranquil river estuaries, prisons, forts,  pretty towns &  scenic coves, beaches and bays as well as incredible marine and bird life makes Cork Sea Safari is a unique and fun experience all combined with the unique opportunity to experience high adventure and pure exhilaration. www.safari.ie .

Prepare to get wet, so always have a spare set of clothes with you!

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KINSALE SEA SAFARI

Explore the Wild Atlantic on our unique boat tours, designed to offer you an unforgettable experience.

A Guide To Bere Island: One Of Cork’s Finest Hidden Gems

By Author Elisha Donkin

Posted on Last updated: December 31, 2023

A visit to Bere Island is one of the most overlooked things to do in Cork . Below, you’ll discover why.

The beautiful Bere Island sits at the entrance of Bantry Bay on the Beara Peninsula in West Cork.

It’s a small, inhabited island that boasts an interesting history and a gorgeous natural environment which is protected by a vibrant island community.  

Below, you’ll find everything from things to do on Bere Island and how to get there to where to stay and more.

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows about Bere Island in Cork

Photo by Timaldo (Shutterstock)

Although a visit to Bere Island is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

Bere Island is located just 2km offshore from the town of Castletownbere. The island lies at the entrance of Bantry Bay on the Beara Peninsula in County Cork and it’s one of seven inhabited islands off the coast of West Cork.

2. Getting there

You need to hop on a Bere Island ferry from Castletownbere to get to the island. There are a couple of operators to choose from. We’ll explain it all further down.

A brief history of Bere Island

Bere Island has a long history dating back to the Bronze Age with megalithic tombs and standing stones still remaining as evidence of early human occupation.

The island belonged to the O’Sullivan Bere clan until the early 17th century when Britain landed on the island in preparation for the assault on Dunboy. 

In December 1796, a French fleet entered Bantry Bay with a longboat landing on Bere Island. The fleet ultimately had to disperse due to adverse weather, but it prompted British authorities to develop a more comprehensive defensive plan.

Martello Towers were constructed on Bere Island as a result and were some of the earliest to have been built in Ireland. Additional fortifications and barracks were also built on the island over the years until the end of the Napoleonic Wars. 

Even after 1921, part of Bere Island remained in British hands under the Treaty Ports agreement. The island, along with Spike Island in Cork and Lough Swilly, were retained by Britain due to strategic importance. It wasn’t until 1938, that these ports were handed over to the Irish Republic. 

The Bere Island Ferry

Photo via Bere Island Ferries on Facebook

There are two ferry operators which service Bere Island, both of which can carry vehicles and passengers. Both ferries operate every day of the year, with frequent departures throughout the day.

Bere Island Ferries

Bere Island Ferries sail between Castletownbere and Oilean na gCaorach at the west end of Bere Island. In summer from June until September, they have eight different departure times throughout the day from around 8am until 8pm.

For the rest of the year, they have seven departure times per day also from around 8am to 8pm. On Sunday’s, services are reduced to six departures in summer and only four for the rest of the year (prices and times may change). 

Murphy’s Bere Island Ferry

Murphy’s Ferry sails between Rerrin Village on the east end of the island to the Pontoon, about 2km east of Castletownbere. During summer months, they operate seven departure times roughly every couple of hours from 7.30am til 8pm.

For the rest of the year, they have reduced services with only five departures each day, with an additional one on Fridays. 

The ferry crossings take around 15 minutes and cost €8 per adult for return passengers and starting from €25 for a car plus a couple of passengers return (prices and times may change). 

Things to do on Bere Island

Photos by Timaldo (Shutterstock)

If you’re debating a stay on the island but you’re not sure if it’s worth the spin, the section below will hopefully help you decide.

There’s plenty of things to do on Bere Island to keep you occupied, and there are several pubs where you can whittle away an evening after a day of exploring.

1. Explore the island on foot

Photo by Corey Macri (Shutterstock)

One of the best ways to explore the island is on foot. Bere Island has loads of trails with routes to suit all different fitness levels. Many of the walks begin at both ferry points so you can head straight off on the trail as soon as you land on the island.

Bere Island’s walking trails are incorporated into the well-known Beara Way which includes over 200 kilometres of trails. Many of the walks on the island are loops and include stops at some of the various highlights and attractions.

One of the best walks is the Main Beara Way which is a 19km trail stretching from east to west connecting both ferry points and taking in many different sights. Shorter options include the Ardnakinna Lighthouse Loop, Doonbeg Loop, Rerrin Loop and Lonehort Heritage Trail.

2. Or hit the water with the Bere Island Sea Safari

Photo via Bere Island Sea Safari

If you prefer to explore the island from the water, the Bere Island Sea Safari is a popular tour for both locals and visitors alike. The boat safaris leave from both the island and Castletownbere and take you around Bantry Bay. 

The safaris explore lighthouses, caves, cliffs and beaches, showcasing the very best of the coastline of the Beara Peninsula.

You can also look out for dolphins, puffins, kittiwakes, porpoises, seals and much more during the one-hour trips.

Related read:  Check out our guide to whale watching in Cork (includes the best time to see whales and what tours are on offer).

3. Head for a paddle at Scairt Beach or Cloughland Strand

Photo via Google Maps

Bere Island is perfect for swimming with plenty of beaches and safe waters to enjoy around the shoreline. Scairt Beach and Cloughland Strand are by far the two most popular beaches.

Scairt Beach is a little slice of heaven with beautiful calm, turquoise waters in a secluded bay. While Cloughland Strand has a concrete boat ramp into the water and rock pools to the side from where you can search for sealife. 

Swimming lessons are held at Scairt Beach every year for local kids, but visitors are also welcomed to join in. 

Related read:  Check out our guide to the best beaches in West Cork and our guide to the finest beaches in Cork .

4. Spend a rainy afternoon at Bere Island Heritage Centre

If you’re looking for things to do on Bere Island when it’s raining, you can easily spend the afternoon at Bere Island Heritage Centre .

It’s the best place on the island to learn about its unique history and culture. The centre is home to the Bere Island Experience Exhibition which details the history and lifestyle of the island through photographs, artefacts, maps and old genealogy books.

It’s all housed inside the restored Ballinakilla Old School Building, which opened in 2009. You’ll also find plenty of information there to inform your exploration of the island, including other historical sites to check out during your trip.

5. Take a stroll up to Ardnakinna Lighthouse

Although far less known than the nearby Mizen Head signal station , the Ardnakinna Lighthouse, which was built in 1965, is home to a whole load of history.

It has white and red flashes every 10 seconds navigating out to sea and protecting the Piper Rocks below.

You can head there on a decent walk of 11km from the west end of the island. The lighthouse and walking trail offer spectacular views of the coast.

6. See the Bardini Reefer Ship Wreck

The Bardini Reefer shipwreck is found in the channel between Bere Island and mainland Ireland. You can spot just the mast and funnels breaking the surface of the water. 

The ship was at anchor before being delivered to the dock at Aviles when a fire broke out. After a number of explosions, it sank after burning for a number of days and now you can see what is left out to sea.

7. The Signal Tower

Several signal towers were built along the west coast by the British between 1804 and 1808. This tower on the island was the 14th in line from Cork and is a two-storey structure which was used to communicate by signal to other towers on Sheep’s Head and Blackball Head. 

8. Holy Year Cross

This large cross was erected on Knockanallig, the largest hill on the island, in 1950 in commemoration of the Holy Year.

Each year a mass is held at the site of the Cross on the Sunday of the August Bank Holiday weekend (unless it’s raining of course!). 

9. Lonehort Battery

Lonehort Battery is a military fort built for the English army by the Royal Engineers at the eastern end of the island. Work began on the battery and deep moat surrounding it in 1899 with the help from local labourers and contractors. 

10. Lonehort Harbour

This natural harbour is believed to have once been a Viking Harbour. It was also the place that General Carew landed his troops in 1602 and used the island to prepare for the Siege of Dunboy.

11. Ardaragh Wedge Tomb

There are around four different megalithic tomb types and the wedge tomb is considered the last of them from the early Bronze Age. 

12. St Michaels Church and Graveyard

This church and graveyard were originally built in 1843 before being expanded in 1900. The graveyard is home to both Catholic and Protestant, Irish and English graves including some from the British Military. 

13. Ardagh and Cloughland Martello Towers

These two Martello towers were built by the British as part of their defensive network against the French. There were originally four towers completed in 1805, but just these two remain standing today. 

Bere Island Accommodation

Photos via Bere Island Holiday Homes

There’s a good bit of Bere Island accommodation on offer, for those of you that fancy staying on the island.

The Bere Island Hotel is one of the better-known places to stay, but there’s one of the best places to go camping in Cork located on the island.

Bere Island Glamping

By far one of the most unique places to stay on Bere Island is this glamping and camping experience at Wild Atlantic Glamping . The purpose-built site is designed to offer comfort in all sorts of weather and includes eight luxury bell tents situated along the shoreline of the island. 

Each of the tents has its own private deck so you can sit back and relax with views over Bantry Bay. The tents are extremely comfortable with double beds, a wood burning stove, electricity and a welcome pack filled with local goodies. 

The Bere Island Hotel

This family-run bar and hotel on Bere Island is a great option to stay the night. They offer six en-suite rooms, varying from single, double, twin and family rooms.

The rooms overlook Bantry Bay with beautiful views across the water. They also serve meals in their dining room and bar every day of the week except Sunday from 1pm until late.  

B&Bs and Guesthouses

Bere Island also has plenty of B&Bs and guesthouses available . Some places offer sea views, while others are modern self-catering lodges for a peaceful escape. No matter what kind of accommodation you’re looking for, there’s something to suit everyone.

Bere Island pubs and restaurants

After a day spent ticking off the various things to do on Bere Island, you’ll have earned a bite-to-eat and, if you fancy, a post-adventure drink.

There are several places to eat and pubs on Bere Island where you can kick-back and relax after a long day on the road.

1. O’Sullivans Bar (Dessie’s Bar)

O’Sullivans Wine and Spirits , or otherwise known locally as Dessie’s Bar, is located in Rerrin Village. It has a real traditional pub atmosphere with great beer and pub meals. They also have live local music on some nights of the week. 

2. The Hotel Bar and Restaurant

The Hotel Bar and Restaurant is the dining room and bar inside the Bere Island Hotel. It’s located in Ballinakilla overlooking the bay. They’re open for food and drinks from 1pm every day except Sunday, with excellent food and friendly staff. 

3. The Lookout Restaurant and Bar

Located on the pier in Derrycreeveen, just 80m from the ferry landing, this bar and restaurant is a very convenient place to grab a meal and a pint. They serve great meals with a full bar menu, as well as, coffee and cake if you’re after a light snack. Open from 11am until 7pm every day of the week, it’s a popular place for visitors. 

What to do near Bere Island

One of the beauties of Bere Island is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best things to do in West Cork .

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Bere Island (plus places to eat and where to grab a post-adventure pint!).

1. Glengarriff Nature Reserve

Photo left: Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH. Photo right: Pantee (Shutterstock)

If you want to spend some time in nature, the Glengarriff Nature Reserve has 300 hectares of woodland just outside of Glengarriff village. There are plenty of walking trails inside the park to suit a range of fitness levels and there are lots of other things to do in Glengarriff when you’re finished.

2. The Beara Peninsula

Photo by LouieLea (Shutterstock)

The Beara Peninsula is a rugged and beautiful slice of coastline on Ireland’s southwest. It’s particularly known for its stunning mountain and coastal scenery. Most people enjoy the area on a self-drive tour around the Ring of Beara along the coast, which passes through Castletownbere and the ferry departure points for Bere Island.

3. Healy Pass

Photo © The Irish Road Trip

One of the most scenic points of the Beara Peninsula, Healy Pass is a road pass offering panoramic views of the coast and Caha Mountains. It crosses the peninsula from Lauragh to Adrigole with tight hairpin bends that climb to the viewpoint overlooking the surrounding area. 

4. Whiddy Island

Photo by Phil Darby (Shutterstock)

If you want to visit another island off the coast in Bantry Bay, Whiddy Island is located closer inwards near Bantry Town. The island is known for its beautiful nature and wildlife, as well as, interesting history. It’s a popular day trip for families in West Cork. There’s plenty of things to do in Bantry when you arrive back to the mainland, too.

5. Bantry House and Gardens

Photo left: MShev. Photo right: Fabiano’s_Photo (Shutterstock)

Bantry House and Gardens is one of the most well-known estates in Ireland. The stately home is located just outside of Bantry Town, overlooking the bay and Whiddy Island. It’s a beautiful place to stroll around the gardens or have a picnic from the tearoom.

FAQs about visiting Bere Island in Ireland

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from are there many things to do on Bere Island to how to get there.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Is Bere Island worth visiting?

Yes. Bere Island in Cork is definitely worth a visit. Bere Island is a short, 15-minute spin from the mainland, easy to reach and it’s worth the short spin.

Are there many things to do on Bere Island?

Explore the island on foot, hit the water with the Bere Island Sea Safari, see Cloughland Strand, visit the Heritage Centre or see Ardnakinna Lighthouse.

Where do you get the Bere Island Ferry from?

You need to hop on a Bere Island ferry from Castletownbere. There are a couple of operators to choose from. We’ll explain it all further down.

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A fun way to experience Bantry Bay

Our Sea Safari is an exciting boat tour aboard our RIBs which let us explore approx 21 nautical miles of beautiful coastal scenery of Bantry Bay and includes a trip around historic Whiddy Island.

Join us for a fun-filled boat trip as you discover the rich biodiversity and history of Bantry Bay as we navigate around the bay visting Sea Caves and Sea Stacks.  You will enjoy watching out for wildlife including dolphins, porpoises, grey and common seals, and an array of birdlife such as herons, cormorants, egrets, gulls and terns.

The Sea Safari is a 2hrs boat trip in Bantry Bay and we can't wait to take you for a spin! (Please note the min. age for this boat trip is 10yrs)

Ready to join in the fun?

What to expect on your sea safari.

A fter your safety briefing, we will depart from The Railway Pier in Bantry and head out in the direction of our lobster pots and crab baskets in the bay.  We will check for anything caught overnight to give you a close up of life from the seabed. 

As we continue out into deeper waters, we will visit sea caves and scan the water for dolphins, porpoises, seals and the many bird species that frequent the bay. Depending on the season, there have been recent sightings of both Humpbacks and Minke whales in the bay. Make sure you have your camera ready!

When we circle around Whiddy Island, you will look out towards Bere Island, the mouth of Bantry Bay and the Wild Atlantic beyond. You will be impressed by the surrounding scenery of the Caha and Shehy Mountains in our midst and the ever-changing colours of the mountains against the skyline. 

As we head for home, you will see the Gulf Oil storage tanks on Whiddy Island which are an impressive sight in their vastness. Further along the bay, we will approach the Whiddy Island Jetty on the north side of the island.

You will learn about the Whiddy Island disaster of 1979 which is an important part of the history of Bantry Bay.  The ruins of this jetty are all that remain of that fateful night when the oil tanker Betelgeuse caught fire as it was discharging it’s oil cargo at the jetty. Today the jetty has become a natural breeding ground for Cormorants.

The Sea Safari is such a fun and exciting way to see Bantry Bay, look for wildlife, birdlife and enjoy some local history.  We can't wait to share it with you!

Additional Trip Information

Our Sea Safari trip is on our 7.5m Rambler Excalibur RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) which is designed to take 9 guests on safari. 

It is licensed by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and has an additional safety lifeboat on board.  You will be issued with a lifejacket, which is Wheelmarked, and given a full safety briefing before we embark on our adventure.  These are all requirements of the Marine Survey Office for your safety.

The duration of the safari is approx 2hrs and the minimum age for this boat trip is 10yrs.

Bantry Bay is home to common bottlenose dolphin and porpoise who live in pods around the bay.  You will also have the opportunity to spot grey and common seals swimming in the bay or basking in the sunshine lounging around on the rocks. Of course wildlife sightings can not be guaranteed and bird sightings are dependent on migrations and season.

For additional information on what to bring, what to wear etc. see our FAQs

BOOK YOUR ACTIVITY

Explore wider Bantry Bay and out around Whiddy Island.  Watch out for widlife, maybe spot dolphins and learn about local history. Min. age 10yrs.

Find Out More

€50 per person

Guided Boat Tours

Great fun exploring the inner harbour in our self-drive boats with some boat tours including local seafood. Take turns at being captain for the day!

€65 per boat

Kayak at Sunset Tour

A  magical experience and a must-do when in West Cork.  We will hopefully see wildlife and possibly see the wonder of bioluminescence on our trips.

€45 per person

Single or Double Kayaks available for hire by the hour.  If you would like to hire for longer, simply select the additional hours needed at booking.

€15 per person

Guided Kayak Tours

Join one of our Kayak Tours with one of our experienced guides.  Day and Sunset Kayak Tours are available or arrange a Private Guided Kayak Tour.

€40  per person

Kayak to Whiddy Island

Hire a kayak for time in Bantry Bay and end your trip on Whiddy Island where we will collect your kayak and you can get the ferry back to Bantry.

€25 per person

We are closed for the Winter, weather permitting we will start trips in late March DO YOU WANT TO RIDE THE WAVES AND EXPLORE THE COASTLINE? SEE WILDLIFE INCLUDING WHALES, DOLPHINS AND SEALS IN THEIR NATURAL HABITAT?

2+-hours Sea Safari Trip

1-hour Evening Adventure Trip

20 min Seal Watch & Harbour Trip

We operate daily boat trips but our two boats are also available for private and commercial charter. Our boats have a combined passenger capacity for 21 passengers, Seafari 1 has capacity for 12 passengers and Seafari Too! has capacity for 9 passengers. Boat charters can be tailored to suit your requirements and are ideal for family, group, corporate/work outings, school tours, birthday, hen and stag parties. 

Baltimore Sea Safari

is a locally owned, family run boat trip business from Baltimore in West Cork . We operate daily close-up  coastal sightseeing boat trips with whale & dolphin watching with seal & wildlife sightings in the waters around Baltimore and Carbery’s Hundred Isles in West Cork , an area of exceptional unspoiled natural beauty.                                                                     

in the waters off Baltimore  and within  Roaringwater Bay,  a designated special area of conservation (SAC) on the  Wild Atlantic Way ,   and in the Ilen River , which are home to the most diverse range of sea and bird life to be seen anywhere in Ireland.

on our boats Seafari1 and Seafari Too! for a truly unique adventure to take in the spectacular scenery and wildlife sightings, that could include a variety of whale and dolphin species, porpoises , basking sharks , seal colonies and a myriad of sea birds , all in their natural habitats. During our trips we provide an informative commentary on the sights of interest and on the fascinating history of the area and its wildlife.                                     

is to introduce you (our passengers) to the outstanding beauty of our coastline, while looking for the wildlife that may be in the area, and to cause as little disturbance as possible to the wildlife that we encounter and their habitat.

Baltimore Sea Safari is one of the highest ranked activities in Baltimore, West Cork by TripAdvisor

5 star reviews in tripadvisor.

What a day. Micheal was super with all the local knowledge and there isn’t much he didn’t know about the wildlife in show. From Humpbacks to Dolphins. He knew them all and saw them long before any of us. Will defo be back.

It was absolutely amazing!! Mícheál is expirenced and we felt all safe with him. His knowledge is huge. It was one of our highlights in Ireland and a must do when you’re around Cork! The two hours rushed by so quickly. It’s stunning. Mícheàl did a very good job. I would go again and my friends as well.

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We operate from the Ferry Pier in Baltimore, West Cork. However, trips can also be arranged from other ports in West Cork on request .

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