Skellig Coast Adventures

best skellig michael landing tour

Skellig Coast Adventures

Providing skellig michael tours by boat. explore the beautiful skellig islands with us, skellig michael tours.

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Skellig Michael Landing Tour

South landing

Skellig Michael Eco Tour

Our vessels.

Here at Skellig Coast Adventures, we are an amalgamation of 4 boat tour operators. We have over 50 years of experience providing boat tours of Skellig Michael. We aim to provide a quality service to all our customers. Our fleet is made up of 4 vessels – The Skellig Walker , Celtic Victor , Ursula Mary and The Deva .

Skellig Michael

Skellig Michael dates all the way back to the 6th century. It is a world renowned early Christian monastic, UNESCO world heritage site. Both Skellig Michael and its twin little Skellig are only accessible by boat. Recently, it made an appearance in the Star Wars Franchise where it was home to Luke Skywalker.

You can experience the Skelligs along with the Kerry Cliffs and Valentia Harbour on one of our Skellig Michael boat tours. You will be immersed in the fascinating history and stories of the Skellig Coast and see an abundance of wildlife creatures that call this place home.

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best skellig michael landing tour

Accommodation

Check out our Kerry accommodation partners

  • +353 (0)87 901 7338
  • Portmagee Marina, Portmagee, Co. Kerry
  • @skelligcoastadventures
  • Skellig Landing
  • Skellig Coast Eco
  • Celtic Victor
  • Skellig Walker
  • Ursula Mary

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Skelligislands

SKELLIG MICHAEL TOURS AND SKELLIG LANDING TOURS

With casey’s skellig islands tours.

On the  Skellig Michael Landing Tour you get off the boat and step on to the island . With the Skellig Michael Boat Tour you stay on the boat as it goes around both the Skellig Islands getting right up close to see the historic sites and wildlife on Skellig Michael and the gannet colony on Little Skelligs. The Skellig Landing Tour season begins mid May and finishes on Sept 30th . The Skellig Boat Tour season runs from April to end September .

Skellig Michael - Pathway to monastery with little Skelligs in background

SKELLIG MICHAEL ECO TOURS

See the wildlife, historical sites and little Skelligs gannet colony

Monastery on Skellig Michael with little Skelligs in the background

SKELLIG MICHAEL LANDING TOURS

Climb the 618 steps to the monastery on Great Skellig

View of the peak of Skellig Michael where Star Wars was filmed

STAR WARS FILMING ON SKELLIG MICHAEL

Scenes from the latest Star Wars trilogy were filmed on Skelligs

Puffin on Skellig Michael

BIRD LIFE ON THE SKELLIG ISLANDS

Thousands of birds such as puffins, gannets and guillemots nest here.

Two types of Skellig Michael Tour

Skellig Michael Eco Tour around both Islands and Skellig Michael Landing Tour

The Skellig Michael Eco Tours depart regularly throughout the day. On this tour the boat circles around Skellig Michael and Little Skelligs. This allows you get up close to both Skellig Islands. From here you can see both the wildlife and the historical sites. The Skellig Michael Landing Tour departs Portmagee marina only once per day. The departure time changes frequently depending on the sea conditions as well as the available Skellig Michael Landing time slots. The boat arrives back from the Skellig Islands in the afternoon. There is also an option of an  Audio Visual Boat Tour   about Skelligs History and Wildlife. All our Skelligs Michael Tours are dependent on the sea and weather conditions. The tours are popular especially in the busy season so it is advisable to book well in advance.

Little Skelligs with Skellig Michael in the background

SKELLIG MICHAEL (Great Skellig Rock)

The Skellig Islands are 12 km (8 miles) off the coast. However, they can be accessed by boat from Portmagee in South West Kerry. Skellig Michael rises from the sea, reaching a height of 218 metres above sea level. On the summit of Skellig Michael there is a well-preserved 6th century monastic settlement. Skellig Michael gets its name from Saint Michael the Archangel.

How much are the Skellig Michael Tours?

SKELLIG MICHAEL ECO TOUR Adults: €45 Students / Seniors: €42 Children: €37  Family: €150 (2 adults + 2 children) Each additional child:  €30 (Plus booking fee)

SKELLIG LANDING TOUR € 125 plus booking fee per person

What options are there to see the wildlife on Skellig Michael and Little Skelligs?

The Skellig Michael Boat Tour around the Skellig Islands (Skellig Michael and Little Skelligs Nature Reserve) has multiple departure times throughout the day. The boat tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes and circles both islands getting right up close to Skellig Michael and the Little 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.  The season runs from April to the end of September. The tour departs from the marina in Portmagee, Co. Kerry .

ST FIONAN OF SKELLIG MICHAEL

On our Skellig Michael Tours you will see the 6th century monastic settlement on the north peak of the island. Great Skellig was home to the monks of St Fionan. These monks led very simple lives out in the wild Atlantic, living in stone beehive shaped huts. The huts are round-shaped on the outside. In contrast, they are rectangular on the inside. In fact, they were carefully built to prevent a single drop of rain from coming in. The monks spent their days praying in the church, while dedicating some of their time for studying and tending to their gardens. In general, it is thought that the rock was the permanent home to about 12 monks. In the 13th century the climate started to change and life became very harsh out in the Atlantic. For this reason, the monks left the Skelligs and moved to the mainland in Ballinskelligs. Subsequently, the Great Skellig became a place of pilgrimage.

Skellig Michael South Side

KERRY CLIFFS AND PUFFIN ISLAND

On the Skellig Michael Tours and the Audio Visual Boat Tour you will see the Kerry Cliffs and Puffin Island. Kerry Cliffs were formed more than 400 million years ago. The cliffs are located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. For the most part, they reach 300m in height. For this reason, they are a spectacular sight to look up at from the boat at sea level. Puffin Island is a designated a nature reserve under the conservancy of BirdWatch Ireland. It is separated from the mainland by a narrow sound. Hence, it is isolated from the mainland. As a result, it is home to thousands of pairs of birds such as Puffins, Manx Shearwaters, Storm Petrels and other breeding seabirds.

Where do the Skellig Michael Tours depart from?

All our tours depart from the marina in Portmagee, County Kerry. – Ask for BRENDAN CASEY. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour is due to depart.

How do I change or cancel my Skellig Tour booking?

Login to our customer area to update or cancel your booking. Enter the same email address you used when you made your booking.

It is advisable to stay as near as possible to Portmagee.

You should stay locally the night before the tour because the sea conditions vary a lot and we are often not sure if the tour will go ahead until right before it is due to depart.

AUDIO VISUAL INTERACTIVE BOAT TOUR

The  interactive boat tour  is an Audio Visual experience and is both educational and fun. As an alternative to our Skellig Michael Tours, the boat stays within relatively calm waters. The boat moves from the departure point at Portmagee marina to explore the harbour and the small coastal islands. To begin with, you will learn the history of Skellig Michael and the birdlife living in the area. At the same time, you will experience the joy of wildlife and nature.  Find out about the movies that were filmed in the area including Star Wars and Harry Potter. In summary, the tour is a fun adventure and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The tour takes about 1 hour.

The Audio Visual Tour is not running for the 2023 season .

Passengers taking photos of the wildlife

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Skellig Boat

If you wish to book directly with us please select our vessel “Celtic Victor” on the booking page.

Beehive huts on Skellig Michael

There are some details about this trip that should be observed before you make a decision to visit – these are outlined below

  • Landing on Skellig Michael and undertaking the climb to the monastery requires a reasonable level of fitness and mobility. The sea trip can also be challenging at times and this should also be considered before making a booking enquiry. All intending travellers should be physically fit for this trip.
  • Children under 12 are not accommodated on this trip
  • Wet gear will be provided but we recommend you bring you own also as you can never have enough when out on the ocean – sensible footgear is also required.

Throughout the tour we will depart to you our knowledge of the history of Skellig Michael and surrounding area. At the Small Skelligs you will witness first-hand the wonder of over 50,000 Gannets (the 2nd largest colony in the world) and the resident colony of seal. Dolphins and Whales can also be seen occasionally on the trip to and from Skellig.

Our landing trips depart from Portmagee Marina at 8.30am each morning weather permitting and return at approximately 2pm.

The itinerary of the trip is as follows:

  • Arrive at Portmagee marina, Co. Kerry at 8.30am (the exact time will be confirmed by email 2 days before the trip).
  • On arrival ask for the Celtic Victor (this is the name of our vessel)
  • Depart 9.00am
  • Arrive at Skellig Michael at approx. 10.00am
  • Depart Skellig Michael at approx. 12.30pm
  • Return to Portmagee 1.45pm

Note: All bookings should confirm 2 days before the sailing date to get an update on weather conditions and departure times.

Cost: The Skellig landing trip costs €125 per person + booking fee (€8.75 per person).

Our Eco trips depart from Portmagee Marina at approximately 2.30pm and return at approximately 5.00pm.

  • Arrive at Portmagee marina at 2.15pm
  • On arrival at the marina ask for the Celtic Victor (this is our vessel)
  • Depart 2.30pm
  • Arrive at Skellig Islands at approx. 3.30pm
  • Depart Skellig Islands at approx. 4.15pm
  • Return to Portmagee 5.00pm

Cost: The Skellig eco trip costs €50 per person.

Find Us…

Skellig Michael

Wild Atlantic Way

Dan & Donal McCrohan, Knightstown, Valentia Island, Co Kerry, Ireland Tel: 087 290 6168 Email: [email protected]

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best skellig michael landing tour

Murphys Sea Cruises To Skellig Michael

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Contact: e: [email protected] t: +353 876762983

Explore the wonderful Skellig Michael with Pat Joe Murphy Operating boat tours to Skellig for over 30 years! LANDING TOURS & ECO (around the islands) TRIPS availabe - Book in advance to secure your spot as tours are limited to 12 passengers per day!  

Skellig Michael Tours

The Skellig Islands, Skellig Michael and Small Skellig, stand aloof in the Atlantic Ocean some 13km southwest of Portmagee & Valentia Island, County Kerry. From any angle, or from any vantage point on the nearby Ring of Kerry, they are spectacular pinnacles, which have magnetised viewers for gene rations. 

MURPHYS SEA CRUISES

M urphys offer boat tours to Skellig Michael daily from Portmagee durin g the summer months. There are many imitators but only a few are the original boatmen to the islands. Patrick Murphy is the Skipper of the wonderful "Shelluna". Patrick was born & raised in the beautiful village of Portmagee and lives in the village. With over 30 years of captaining boats on the atlantic, you know you are in safe hands.

Murphys Sea Cruises was established in the 1980's, at the time there were only a few boatmen "licensed" to go to the Great Skellig. Patrick & crew have brought thousands of people to and from the islands and promises them a trip of a life time .

Now taking reservations  for 2023 - book in advance to secure your spot!

Puffin2.JPG

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

"A lovely boat trip going around the smaller Skellig to view the birds on the way to Skellig Michael. The boat drivers were really helpful, friendly and informative with a lovely enthusiasm about nature, we were fortunate to see jumping dolphins and a baby seal. A reall fantgastic experience."

"There are a dozen purveyors of trips to the Skelligs, but you'll feel confident about your boating safety if you choose Pat Joe Murphy, Captain of the beautiful Shelluna. Pat Joe has a yellow cottage office down the road and across the street from the Portmagee docks (picture included), but everyone in the area knows him to call for you to arrange your passage. On the trip back, Pat Joe stopped alongside LIttle Skellig, a bird and sea lion colony, so that we could take photos of the tremendous wildlife. The smooth ride, both there and back, was in large part enjoyed because of Pat Joe's skill at the helm. I would recommend this adventure for preteens and older. I had quite a memorable day!"

"Very enjoyable experience. We set off on time and the journey was very comfortable. It was a beautiful day and the crossing wasn't difficult. Skellig Michael was amazing. Murphy Cruises were professional and I have no problem recommending them for the trip."

ABOUT THE SKELLIGS

The Skelligs are world famous, each in its own right. Skellig Michael is known throughout the world of archaeology as the site of a well preserved monastic outpost of the early Christian period, now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Small Skellig is equally renowned in matters of ornithology as the home of some 27,000 pairs of gannets, the second largest colony of such sea birds in the world.   

The monastic site on Skellig Micheal is reached by climbing over five hundred steps on up a 1000 year old stone stairway. Stone beehive huts where monks lived and prayed centuries ago cling to cliff edges alongside oratories, a cemetery, stone crosses, holy wells and the Church of St Michael. These isolated archaeological remains show the dramatically spartan conditions in which this early Christian community lived. Enduring several Viking raids, the monks eventually left the island in the thirteenth century and it subsequently became a place of pilgrimage.  A boat trip to The Skelligs allows one to experience these magnificent natural monuments first hand, book with Murphys today and experience the trip of a lifetime tomorrow.

Skellig Michael Cruises

Experience for yourself the breathtaking beauty of the Skellig Islands.

Book with Paul Devane & Skellig Michael Cruises and experience the tour of a lifetime!!

Our Modern 9 boat fleet allows us to cater for groups – bus tours, school tours, disabled, etc…

puffin in flight from Skellig Michael

Skellig Michael Tours 2024

best skellig michael landing tour

Skellig Michael Tours  2024 Booking Update:

Click  bookings page here  .

We are a family owned business based in the beautiful fishing village of Portmagee .

Skellig Michael  Cruises offer two types of boat tour to the Skellig Islands .

A Skellig Islands Tour which goes around both islands, and a Skellig Michael Landing Tour where you get off the boat and climb to the Monastery and can explore Skellig Michael and its wildlife / Birdlife

Secure Online Booking or visit Our Booking Office in Portmagee Marina car park

Skellig Islands Eco Cruise

Happy Skellig Michael Cruises customers on our Skellig Islands Tour

It is also more affordable for individuals and families at less than half the price of the landing tour.

Our Skellig Islands tour lasts approx. 2.5 hours.

The Skellig Islands Tour is suitable all ages and abilities especially for families with children , disabled , also people who are unable to climb 640 steps to the monastery.

Enhance your once in a lifetime tour and let us take your picture in front of this amazing Unesco World Heritage site (Skellig MIchael) or do a selfie. (You can see a sample of such pictures  in our gallery . )

Your journey will take you first to the small Skelligs where you see the second largest colony of gannets in the world and see lots of wildlife such as seals etc… You then continue on to Skellig Michael where you get up close to see the birds, the bee hive huts, the monastery, the light house at the back and the steps the monks carved into the rock in the 5 th Century. This was the old path taken by the Monks – something you do not always get to see on the landing tour.

Skellig Michael Landing Tours

skellig michael largest of the Skellig Islands

The Skellig Michael Landing Tou r departs daily from Portmagee marina between 8:00am and 10:00am. Landing time slots on  Skellig Michael operates on a rota basis therefore departure times change weekly.  Exact departure times will be emailed in advance. It takes approximately 1 hour to reach Skellig Michael.

You are allowed 2.5 hours on the island to climb the 640 steps to the top and explore the island.

On Skellig Michael there is a tour guide to tell you all there is to know about the island, especially the history of Skellig Michael and lots of information on the birds that live there. They will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

For more information on the Skellig Islands check our website pages The History of Skellig Michael and More Skelligs articles 

At Skellig Michael Cruises we cater for disabled visitors needing wheelchair access as passengers can board the boat via a door at the back.

We also have shelter from the weather, rain gear is available for all passengers and life jackets must be worn while on board. With seating inside for all passengers as well as a toilet on board.

chewbacca on marber therese II

S tar Wars Filming

The force is getting stronger in Skellig Michael after tourism officials predicted rise in visitors wishing to visit the isolated Unesco world heritage site of Skellig Michael & the Skellig Islands.

This could bring a welcome boost to boat  tour operators, who could be set to enjoy the busiest-ever tourist season, thanks to the recent filming of Star Wars movie “The Force Awakens”

Legendary Wookiee warrior Chewbacca visits Skellig Michael Cruises Read more here

What a trip!

Both my husband and I took separate trips on the boats to go around the Skelligs – one of us was needed to look after our wee terrier – even though he was invited to go on the trip too! It was just marvellous, seeing a minke whale and dolphins on the way there – magical….the skipper was so interesting, too. A must.

another group of tourists visiting skellig michael with skellig michael cruise

” I would like to thank Brendan and Paul Devane of Skellig Michael Cruises for a fantastic voyage. It was luxury all the way.”

Great tour around Skellig Islands

We went out with Christy of Paul Devane boats. Christy was great Skipper, Gave us lots of detail info re both islands. He was very attentive to all passengers. He was very Safety conscious. Showed us Dolphins on the way out.

visitors leaving skellig michael landing tour

” The cruise around Skellig Michael is a fantastic experience and perfect for a family both young and old.”

An “Out of this World” Experience”

After experiencing the 660+ step climb to the top of this mountain, you can truly understand why Abrams selected Skellig Michael for the concluding scenes of “Star Wars VII, The Force Awakens.” Pictures and words cannot adequately describe the shear magnitude or beauty of this special place, nor the journey to reach its summit. The journey is not for the faint of heart, but the final destination will leave you in awe…

visitors at skellig michael

“Skellig Michael is one of those unique places that if you close your eyes after you visit it, you will again be transported back there. Do not miss it.”

Skellig Islands

more aerial drone images of monastery and christs saddle on Skellig Michael

Skellig Islands & Skellig Michael

The larger island  is the site of a Monastic Settlement dating back to the 6 th  century; however, one can find legendary accounts of Skellig Michael which date to pagan times, back in 1400 BC.

St Michael Axis

Skellig Michael is the most westerly sacred site in Europe and it also finishes the line of ancient pilgrimage places in Europe.

This line runs from Ireland through to France, Italty, and Greece and on to Palestine.

The line is known as the Apollo/ St Michael axis, as it is believed to be known thousands of years before Christianity.

More recently Skellig Michael has become known for its appearance in the latest (2016) Star Wars Film “The Force Awakens” filming took place in 2015.

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Latest News

We have started operating tours around Skellig Michael. You can book your preferred time of departure here : https://www-1557q.bookeo.com/bookeo/b_skelligmichaelcruises_start.html?ctlsrc2=zaAhcC0M4JEyr0TK1uBj53X%2Bc7r47vR8YdGbX7HXvYY%3D&src=02r           Read Full Story here https://www.facebook.com/260491857303744/posts/3274902352529331/?d=n

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IMAGES

  1. A Detailed Guide Of Skellig Michael Landing Tours

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  2. 2019 Skellig Michael Landing Tours Booking

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  3. Skellig Michael Tours || Landing Tour

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  4. Skellig Michael Island; Yes.. from Star Wars!

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  5. Skellig Michael Boat Trips

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  6. Skellig Michael Tours & Skellig Landing Tours: Skellig Islands Tours

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COMMENTS

  1. Skellig Michael Landing & Boat Tours

    Book Now. Our Vessels. Here at Skellig Coast Adventures, we are an amalgamation of 4 boat tour operators. We have over 50 years of experience providing boat tours of Skellig Michael. We aim to provide a quality service to all our customers. Our fleet is made up of 4 vessels – The Skellig Walker, Celtic Victor, Ursula Mary and The Deva. Learn more.

  2. Skellig Michael Tours & Skellig Landing Tours: Skellig Islands ...

    With the Skellig Michael Boat Tour you stay on the boat as it goes around both the Skellig Islands getting right up close to see the historic sites and wildlife on Skellig Michael and the gannet colony on Little Skelligs. The Skellig Landing Tour season begins mid May and finishes on Sept 30th.

  3. Skellig Boat

    A Landing trip where you get to land on Skellig Michael, retrace the Monks footprints and visit the monastery on Skellig Michael – this trip is a truly memorable experience.

  4. Skellig Michael

    Explore the wonderful Skellig Michael with Pat Joe Murphy Operating boat tours to Skellig for over 30 years! LANDING TOURS. &. ECO (around the islands) TRIPS availabe - Book in advance to secure your spot as tours are limited to 12 passengers per day!

  5. Skellig Michael and Skellig Islands

    Skellig Michael Cruises offer two types of boat tour to the Skellig Islands. A Skellig Islands Tour which goes around both islands, and a Skellig Michael Landing Tour where you get off the boat and climb to the Monastery and can explore Skellig Michael and its wildlife / Birdlife.