skellig michael tours cost

How To Visit Skellig Michael In 2024 (A Guide To The Skellig Islands)

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: February 1, 2024

The Skellig Michael tours are some of Ireland’s most sought-after. They’re also some of the most misunderstood .

There are two types of Skellig Islands tours:

• Landing tours : You physically explore Skellig Michael Island
• Eco tours : You sail around the two Skellig Islands but don’t leave the boat

In the guide below, you’ll find info on the different tours of the Skellig Islands, their history and, of course, the Star Wars link . Enjoy!

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows if you want to visit Skellig Michael

Click to enlarge map

So, if you want to visit Skellig Michael Island, there are several  need-to-knows before you start planning your trip.

1. Location

The ancient Skellig Islands jut from the Atlantic Ocean around 13km from Ballinskelligs Bay off the tip of the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry .

2. There are 2 islands

There are two Skellig Islands. The smaller of the two, known as Little Skellig , is closed to the public and cannot be accessed. Skellig Michael (AKA ‘Great Skellig) is over 750 feet tall and is home to a number of historic sites.

3. There are 2 tour types

If you’re wondering how to get to Skellig Michael, you have 2 options – the Skellig Michael landing tour (you physically go onto the island) and the eco tour (you sail around the islands). The majority of Skellig Michael tours leave from Portmagee pier, although one leaves from Derrynane Harbour and another leaves from Valentia Island .

4. Star Wars fame

Yes, Skellig Michael is the Star Wars Island in Ireland. It featured Star Wars Episode VII “The Force Awakens” in 2014 . If you’ve watched the movie, you’ll see Skellig Michael at the end of the movie when Luke Skywalker gets reintroduced to viewers.

5. Warnings

• Book tickets well in advance:  They book out frequently
• Good fitness levels needed:  You’ll need to climb a bit on the landing tour
• Tours don’t run all year: The ‘season’ runs from from April until the beginning of October

6. Where to stay nearby

The best place to base yourself when visiting Skellig Michael, in my opinion, is Portmagee , however, Valentia Island and Waterville are two other great options.

About the Skellig Islands

Photos via Shutterstock

You’ll find Skellig Michael Island and Little Skellig jutting from the Atlantic around 1.5km from Ballinskelligs Bay off the tip of the Iveragh Peninsula.

And it’s from here that the Skellig Islands have been delighting those that have dared to visit long before George Lucas and Hollywood came knocking.

How they were formed

It was during the Armorican/Hercynian Earth Movements that Skellig Michael first peeked above the Atlantic Ocean.

These movements led to the formation of the mountains of County Kerry, which Skellig Michael is connected to.

The mass of rock from which the island was formed dates back over 400 million years and consists of compressed sheets of sandstone mixed with silt and gravel.

Mentioned as far back as 1400 BC

Of the two islands, Skellig Michael boasts the most Religious and historical significance.

The island was first referenced in history in   1400 BC and was called ‘home’ by a group of monks for the first time during the 8th century.

In pursuit of a greater union with God, a group of ascetic monks withdrew from civilisation to the remote island to begin a life of solitude.

A UNESCO World Heritage site

The remote and isolated islands have an almost prehistoric feel about them and the Skelligs are widely regarded as one of Europe’s most perplexing and remote sacred sites.

In 1996, UNESCO gave recognition to Skellig Michael and its “outstanding universal value” , placing it upon the World Heritage List , where it sits proudly next to the likes of the Giants Causeway and Yellowstone National Park.

“An incredible, impossible, mad place”

Once upon a time, over 20 years before Star Wars creator George Lucas was born, a Nobel Prize and Oscar-winning Irish playwright discovered the wonders of the Skellig Islands.

On September 17th, 1910, George Bernard Shaw left the Kerry coast in an open boat and sailed across the choppy waters that lay between the islands and the mainland.

In a letter penned to a friend, Shaw described the island as  “An incredible, impossible, mad place”  that is  “part of our dream world” . If that doesn’t make you want to visit, nothing will.

How to get to Skellig Michael in 2024

We get emails asking how to get to Skellig Michael constantly . They tend to start mid-summer. But by that time many tours are booked up.

So, there are several different Skellig Michael boat tours on offer. Now, as mentioned above, just 180 people can access the island each day .

So, getting a ticket on one of the boat trips that land on the island can be tricky. Here’s an overview of each of the tours:

1. The Eco Tour around the islands

The first of the two Skellig Michael tours is the Eco Tour. This is the tour that takes you around the islands, but that doesn’t ‘land’ on Skellig Michael.

These Skellig Island tours tend to involve visiting Little Skellig first and seeing some of the wildlife (ganets and seals to name a fiew) before sailing around Skellig Michael.

2. The Skellig Michael Landing Tour

The Skellig Michael Landing Tour involves taking a ferry to the larger of the islands and heading for a wander around it.

The landing tours is more expensive (info below) but it’ll treat you to one of the most unique experiences in Ireland.

Skellig Michael tours compared

Good God. It’s taken me over an hour to collect the info below about the various Skellig Michael tours. Why?!

Well, because some of the websites are an absolute mess and a half!

WARNING : The prices and times listed below may change so  please  double check them in advance!

1. Skellig Michael Cruises

• Run by: Paul Devane & Skellig Michael Cruises
• Location : Portmagee
• Eco tour : Lasts 2.5 hours. €50
• Landing tour : You get 2.5 hours when you visit Skellig Michael. €140
• Learn more here

2. Skellig Boat tours

• Run by: Dan and Donal McCrohan
• Eco tour : It lasts 2.5 hours and it costs €50 per person
• Landing tour : Costs €125 per person

3. Kerry Aqua Terra Boat & Adventure Tours

• Run by: Brendan and Elizabeth
• Location : Knightstown (Valentia)
• Skellig Coast Tour : Takes you around the most scenic sites in the area including the islands and the Kerry Cliffs. 3 hours. €75 p/p.

4. Sea Quest Skellig Tours

• Eco tour : It lasts just under 2.5 hours and it costs €50 for adults with lower priced tickets for kids
• Landing tour : €130 and you get 2.5 hours on the island

5. Casey’s Skellig Island Tours

• Eco tour : €45
• Landing tour : €125  

6. Skellig Walker

• Eco tour : €50 per person
• Landing tour : Tickets cost €125 per person 

Things to see and do on Skellig Michael

Skellig Michael was first referenced in history in   1400BC and was called ‘home’ by a group of monks for the first time during the 8th century.

It’s thanks to these monks that the island is home to a number of historical sites (the views are also out of this world).

1. Enjoy the journey over

If you do get a chance to visit Skellig Michael, your adventure begins from the moment you step on the ferry.

The journey across takes an hour from Portmagee (above) and you’ll be able to start soaking up views soon after your departure.

Now, if you’ve ever taken a ferry anywhere in Ireland, you’ll know that the water can be very choppy at times, so keep that in mind.

I’d recommend decent footwear, also. Aside from the fact that you’ll be doing a lot of walking on the island, the area where you step off the ferry can be slippy.

This isn’t helped by the fact that the boat will be rocking. So, decent footwear and a sturdy belly (keep away from the pints the night before!) are both needed. 

2. The Stairway to Heaven

Cast your mind back to a time when monks lived on Skellig Michael (AKA ‘Great Skellig’). They needed to eat, and the water was their main source of food.

The monks needed to conquer a grueling 600+ steps each day as they made their way from the summit, where they lived, to the icy waters below, where they caught fish.

Those that visit the island will need to climb these 600+ steps to reach the top of the island. This will be a challenge for those with poor mobility.

3. Views galore

If you visit Skellig Michael on a clear day, you’ll be treated to outstanding views of Little Skellig and the Kerry coastline. 

And after climbing the 600+ steps to the top, you’ll have earned a bit of kick-back-and-take-it-all-in-time.

When you arrive here, try and switch off, put the phone/camera away and bask in the brilliance that surrounds you. 

4. The beehive huts

Life in the middle of the Atlantic was by no means easy, so the monks got to work and built several structures to make the island suitable to live on.

Over time, they managed to construct a Christian monastery, six beehive huts, two oratories and some terraces.

The cluster of six beehive huts that housed the island’s inhabitants were constructed with slate and stand proud to this day – an immense feat considering the intense storms they’ve been subjected to over many years.

5. The Skellig Michael monastery

Although the Skellig Michael monastery is a ruin, much of the inner and outer enclosure is still visible. The monastery is situated on the east side of the island, as this location gets some good shelter.

The monks built three different staircases that would allow them to access the area, depending on the weather. Only the steps I mentioned earlier are accessible to the public today, for safety reasons.

You’ll be able to see one of the staircases from the monastery. This was one of the paths that was shown in Star Wars: Force Awakes.

FAQs about visiting Skellig Michael

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from whether or not the Skellig boat trips are worth the price they charge and where to stay nearby.

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 Skellig Michael worth it?

Yes. It’s worth the hassle of planning your trip and dealing with the potential cancellation if the weather is bad. This is one of those experiences you’ll remember forever.

Are there many Skellig Islands boat trips to choose from?

There are a lot of different tour operators, each of which tends to offer both an Eco Tour (where you sail around the islands) and a landing tour (where you visit Skellig Michael).

Was Star Wars filmed on Skellig Michael?

Yes. The Skelligs featured in Star Wars film Episode VII “The Force Awakens” in 2014. If you’ve watched the movie, you’ll see Skellig Michael at the end of the movie when Luke Skywalker gets reintroduced to viewers.

Is Skellig Michael open in 2024?

Yes, tours are running to the Skellig Islands in 2024. The ‘season’ runs from from April until the beginning of October.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Tuesday 25th of April 2023

Very useful info for planning our trip. Thanks for taking the time.

Sunday 16th of April 2023

Thank you for this post. Because of it, I was able to find a tour that actually had space on their boat!

Pat Mulcahy

Thursday 16th of February 2023

Very useful information Keith thanks

Tuesday 21st of June 2022

Very useful info. A great website source. Well done

Monday 21st of March 2022

As the world's foremost Star Wars scholar, I feel I must point out that The Force Awakens premiered on December 17, 2015, not 2014. :)

Explore The Best Of The West With Skellig Michael Tours

Visit one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites from the comfort of a well-equipped passenger boat and take back home a treasure trove of memories of an unforgettable trip.

A Confluence Of Natural & Cultural Heritage

Experience a different world altogether, far away from the mainland, encompassing natural rock formations, monastery, hermitage, and lighthouses, of historic and cultural relevance.

Enjoy A Leisurely Sail Around Skellig Islands Onboard The Skellig Star

Let our Skellig Michael boat trips offer you a spectacular view of the mesmerizing islands, rich in biodiversity and home to sites of cultural importance.

Skellig Michael Tours

About Skellig Island

The twin crags of Skellig Michael Islands appears in the horizon, shortly after the Skellig Michael Boat Trips start off from Portmagee Village.

The natural formation of the islands could date back to at least 300 million years ago in the prehistoric period. The islands can be divided into two portions— The Great Skellig Michael & Little Skellig.

The Skellig Michael landing tour is not permitted on the Little Skellig island, while the Great Skellig Michael, with its easily noticeable twin peaks, is among Europe’s most ancient and sacred places. It used to be home to a group of Gaelic monks in the 6th century. The monks had built the Skellig Monastery to mark as the finishing line of an ancient pilgrimage going through France, Italy, Greece and Palestine — The St. Michael Axis. The monastic settlement is also highly regarded for its architectural genius, exemplified by the beehive huts and the 3 steps and pathways, with over 600 stairs leading up to the monastery— all still in brilliant condition to this day.

Apart from the historical importance of the site, the island also has a rich biodiversity and is home to one of the world’s largest colonies of Northern Gannets. Other fauna includes seabird species like puffins and razorbills and marine animals including a thriving population of grey seals. Earlier known as just Skellig, which in Gaelic means “splinter of stone” the site, especially the twin crags was later named after the Archangel Michael, as a dedication. It got the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. It was recently the filming location for the movie Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015.

Why Choose Skellig Michael Tours

• Gives You A Memorable Experience With An Up & Close View Of The Islands From The Comfort Of Spacious And Cozy Passenger Boats
• Offers Two Different Options Of Skellig Islands Boat Trips & Skellig Michael Eco Tours
• Wheelchair Accessible Boats Allow Tourists Of Different Physical Conditions To Gain Access
• Takes You On A Fully Insured And Licenced Passenger Vessel
• Competitively Priced For A Wider Range Of Tourists

The Most Important Sites Include

• The Skellig Michael Monastery
• The Stairs & Pathways leading up to the Monastery’s main complex
• The Christ’s Saddle Valley between the two mountains
• The Tower House, or Wailing Woman — a megalithic rock formation, from where you get breathtaking sites of the Little Skellig in the distance

About Skellig Star (The Boat)

Skellig Star is an accommodating boat of ours. It is definitely a true charmer! Built to take you around the Skellig Islands, it’s a 40ft Lochin running on twin engines, promising a smooth and safe sail, all the way to the Skellig Michael and Little Skellig islands. Its specialty lies in accessibility, presenting you breathtaking sights you wouldn’t have had access to by land. Rest assured by taking the Skellig Michael landing tour the Skellig Star is well capable of bringing you as close as possible to the island and landing you safely.

Our Skellig Star is well-equipped with life jackets and waterproof gear for our passengers. While safety is mandatory for every passenger as we value lives more than anything, the latter is optional and intended to keep you dry even during the heaviest downpour. Accommodating a maximum of 12 passengers at once, our boat is spacious, with cabin seating offering marvelous views of the Skellig Islands. Purposely designed with the seating arrangement inside the cabin, it ensures shelter from harsh weather conditions without compromising on passenger comfort.

Among its other state of the art facilities, there’s a toilet on-board. All in all, it’s a true star, completely insured and licensed, encompassing advanced facilities so that you enjoy a leisurely Skellig Michael boat trip.

Bookings Are Now Open For  2024 Skellig Michael Tours

Book Your Skellig Michael Tour Early In Advance. You Can Book Online, Or Give Us A Call at 00353 87 617 8114 for guidance.

Skellig Michael Eco Tour Departure Timings:

10:00 am, 12:30 pm, 3.00pm, 5:30pm

From where does Skellig Michael Tours depart?

Portmagee situated in County Kerry is the exact location from where our boats depart. For further information, kindly refer to our Contact Us page.

Is it necessary for an enthusiastic passenger to book in advance for Skellig tours?

We don’t want to disappoint you. Therefore, our advice would be to book in advance to avoid the rush during the peak season.

Can I cancel my bookings during adverse weather/sea conditions?

Skellig Island tours are entirely weather-dependent. We will cancel the tour if the sea conditions are not suitable to travel and refund your money. To get a better insight, kindly refer to our Cancellation Policy.

How can I identify the Skellig Star?

Please make a call to our booking office once you reach the vicinity. One of our staff members will assist you to Skellig Star.

How would advise on clothing & shoes for a boat ride to the Skellig Islands?

Our advice to you would be to put on warm comfortable clothes. We have waterproof gears ready on-board.

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Skellig Coast Adventures

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

Skellig Michael Landing Tour

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.

Stay - Savour - Seek

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

skellig coast

DISCOVER THE SKELLIGS.

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.”

“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.”

-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.”

“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.”

-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!!”

-Uetliberg, Switzerland

BOOK A SKELLIGS TRIP: ECO/LANDING

DISCOVER HISTORY

EXPLORE WILDLIFE

RE-ENACT STAR WARS

Booking Skellig Michael Landing Tours in 2024: The Definitive Guide

Booking a skellig michael landing tour in 2024.

We get it. Booking a landing tour to Skellig Michael is not always easy. Even more so now thanks to its appearance as Ahch-To in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. So, being locals, and knowing this process very well, we’ve put together the Definitive Guide to Booking a Skellig Boat Landing Tour so that you know exactly how to maximise your chances of getting to land on Skellig Michael this year .

So scroll down to learn about:

The Absolute Bare Minimum You Need To Know About Booking A Skellig Michael Landing Tour

The Skellig Michael Landing Tour Season

Skellig Michael Landing Tour Passenger Number Limits

The Influence Of The Weather On Landing

The Full Range Of Skellig Michael Booking Options

How Different Skellig Boats Accept Bookings At Different Times

The Different Departure Points

The Different Boat Types

Skellig Landing Tour Costs and Payment

Tour Cancellations

What If Your Desired Date Is Booked Out

The Need to Book Early

How Booking Later In The Season Helps Your Chances

Why You Should Stay Local

The Absolute Bare Minimum You Need To Know

• Landing Season is generally from mid-May to the end of September. For 2024, the official season is expected to run from May 15th – September 30th. As of the current date, this is subject to confirmation by the OPW, who are in charge of the island. Tours around the island are available outside of this but not landings.
• All bookings are subject to cancellation due to weather .
• Boats land on Skellig Michael , typically, 100 days out of a 130 day season due to adverse weather conditions preventing the boats from landing. Therefore,  landing is not guaranteed .
• A maximum of 180 people per day  can visit, on one of the 15 licensed landing tour boats carrying only 12 passengers each.
• 13 boats leave from the marina at Portmagee. 1 from nearby Ballinskelligs. 1 from Derrynane further down the coast.
• The price is typically 100 euros per person but prices range from 90 euros to 130 euros depending on the operator.
• Each boats handles their own bookings individually. There is no centralised booking system.
• Some boats have online booking systems, some have booking enquiry forms, some only have email and one is only contactable by phone.
• There was unprecedented demand for tickets in 2018 in the wake of Star Wars: The Last Jedi. With only a slight decrease in 2019.
• The earlier you book, the better your chances .
• Boats leave as early as 8:30 am so we strongly advise that you Stay Local and  book accommodation in the local area the night before at the very least.
• If your booking is cancelled because of weather, because of current demand, it’s very unlikely that you’ll be put on a boat later in the week when the weather is fine.
• Cancellations can occur later in the season and free up spaces. Some operators make those dates available on their booking system. Some use waitlists and some fill those spaces with people staying locally or people showing up at the marina in the morning.
• Boats have individual cancellation policies but tend to require at least 3 days notice for a full refund . Check with each individual operator.
• Availability tends to be better later in the season .
• If all the boats appear booked up for your desired date, try contacting a local accommodation provider who may have a long-standing relationship with one of the boat operators.
• Alternatively, there are days when passengers don’t show up at the departure point in time. You can get lucky and get their place. Arrive well before 8 a.m. to maximise your chances.
• If you can’t land on the Skelligs, Eco Tours around the island are available throughout the day from a number of providers .
• There is also the nearby Skellig Experience Interpretive Centre which provides historical context on the islands.
• The Skellig Coast Region is a fantastic destination to visit with plenty to do even if you can’t land on the island itself.

Confident That You Already Know Everything?

Book a Landing Boat Tour To Skellig Michael Book an Eco Boat Tour Around The Skellig Islands

Otherwise, let’s continue…

The Landing Tour Season

The Landing Tour season for 2024 is expected to be from May 15th the 30th of September . This is dictated by the Office of Public Works , the official custodial body for Skellig Michael, who provide guides for landing visitors and oversees conservation and safety on the island. The OPW also decides which boats receive licenses to land.  If you are under the impression that you can land on the island outside of these times, I’m afraid you’re mistaken.

Some operators offer Eco tours from mid-March onwards but these do not land on the island.

The best way to be notified of any season changes is to follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/SkelligMichael_ or https://www.instagram.com/SkelligMichael_

Skellig Michael Passenger Number Limits

In order to protect the integrity of this ancient site, only 15 boats are licensed to carry 12 passengers to the island, once daily. That’s 180 people per day . On an average season, that’s between 15,000 to 17,000 people. By contrast, Petra in Jordan, receives between 500,000 and 900,000 visitors annually and Macchu Piccu in Peru receives about 2.1 million visitors a year. If you land on Skellig Michael, you are among a very, very select club.

The Influence Of The Weather on Landing

Ah, Irish weather. As abruptly capricious as a baby goat, the weather is the final arbiter of whether or not you get to the island, even if you have a booking. The island is 8 nautical miles out into the Atlantic and landings are only possible if the sea is on its best behaviour.

The odds of landing in any particular season vary but, typically, boats expect to land on the island about 100 days out of a possible 130 . Last year it was a little lower, in the low to mid-90s. So, while it can be disappointing, it does make getting to the island all the sweeter.

The Full Range of Skellig Booking Options

We’re seeing a lot of this type of misunderstanding this year.

Skellig Michael landing tours went on sale at 7pm tonight. The website was initially down due to volume of traffic, and now they are all sold out. I'l have to swim out instead. — Noel Hayes (@BigCityBanker) February 21, 2018

This is actually due to people confusing one landing tour operator site’s booking system with a centralised booking system for all the boats. It’s an easy enough mistake to make unless you’re familiar with the booking landscape.

The main thing is that you realise that you have lots of options for booking . Just because you see a site or multiple sites with online booking systems all booked up for the date you want, that doesn’t mean that all the boats in the fleet are already booked out .

Of the 15 landing tour operators most now have dedicated websites but only about 2 or 3 will surface on your average Google search within the first 2 pages of results.

Most have full online booking facilities, where you can see availability ahead of time, secure your booking with a credit card etc. like you have on your average hotel site. Most of those were only added this year.

Other sites use booking enquiry forms which ask you for pertinent information about your bookings – Date, Number of Passengers, Email Address etc – and then submit that information to the boat owner so they can check if they have availability. If they do, they will reply to you to confirm the booking, sometimes asking you to secure the booking with your credit card details.

Of course, we here at SkelligMichael.com provide a convenient enquiry interface to a large number of the Skellig boats as well as providing a list of available Skellig landing tour operators .

Not All Boats Take Bookings At The Same Time

Because there are different boats, with different web sites and different booking systems, not all of the seats are available to be booked at the same time .

Some boats have open booking windows. You can enquire from them at any time. Others have online booking systems with specific dates that they make their seats available. Some in Late January. Some in mid February. So, while one site might appear to be booked out for the season, another boat can be completely empty because it hasn’t opened its booking system yet .

There are two main reasons some boats hold off on taking enquiries:

• Waiting for the Office Of Public Works , who are in charge of the site, to officially announce the date of the starting season
• Waiting for confirmation that they have received a landing license for the year in question.

Last year, the OPW awarded licenses for the years 2020 – 2022 so any delay in operators taking bookings tends to be related to a decision on the opening date.

Of the 15 boats:

• 13 left from Portmagee
• 1 from nearby Ballinskelligs
• 1 from Derrynane, which is slightly farther down the coast.

A small number of the boats also collect passengers from the nearby Skellig Experience , just across the bridge in Valentia.

There are arguments in favour of the different locations.

The trip is fastest from Portmagee and Ballinskelligs. The tour offered from Derrynane is a longer time spent on the boat – about 1 and a half hours of a journey compared to Portmagee’s 45 minutes – but also includes some fishing and food along the way, so it could be argued that it’s not simply a standard Skellig Landing Tour.

Portmagee is your best chance if you just want to show up on the day of a sailing without a booking in the hope that one of boats there has had a cancellation or a free space. But Ballinskelligs and Derrynane will, accordingly, have less competition. Perhaps the best approach is to contact the Ballinskelligs and Derrynane operators directly to let them know you’re available the next day, if needs be, and then take your chances in Portmagee.

The different boat types

For years, all Skellig boats typically looked the same. Typically, 30 foot boats where passengers sit out in the elements. Recently, some operators are differentiating themselves through the provision of larger boats which provide inside seats as well as outside seats which is great on the days that the elements are a little too bracing. From what we understand, there may be an extra charge associate with this with prices rising to 150 euros in some cases.

In general, though, boat quality is largely secondary to just getting on a boat. Any boat that gets you onto the Skelligs is a good boat.

Skellig Landing Boat Tour Cost and Payment

Traditionally, an email exchange between you and the boat owner would have been sufficient to secure your place. That still is the case for some of the operators but, increasingly, because of the huge demand, booking systems which accept credit cards are being used to secure your place. This is so that boat owners are covered if passengers who have booked fail to show up and leave them with empty seats. In general, though, it is still advisable to bring enough cash with you on the morning of your trip to cover the cost of the tour in case the operator is simply holding your credit card details rather than charging them. Some operators prefer to be paid in cash. You also need to be aware that there are no ATMs in Portmagee so make a withdrawal in Cahirciveen if you need to. A quick email to your boat operator will clarify this.

The price for most boats is expected to be 120 euros per person this year. But, as mentioned, some boats are charging as high as 150 euros per person.

Landing Tour Cancellations

Plans change and you can generally cancel your landing tour up to 3 days before the trip without penalty . It’s important to let the operator know well in advance so that they can free up the spaces for other people trying to get to the island. Refund policies vary but, in general, factor in at last 3 days ahead but verify this with the Skellig Boat owner you booked with.

As mentioned previously, this works both ways. Skellig boat captains will cancel the landing trip if the conditions are deemed to be too unsafe for landing. You should expect a full refund in this instance .

What If The Landing Date I Want Is Already Booked Out?

This is an unfortunate fact of life, given the extraordinary demand and the small number of places. But don’t despair. Some operators make cancelled dates available on their booking system . Some use waitlists and some fill those spaces with people staying locally or people showing up at the marina in the morning. This last option is a high-risk strategy since you may not be alone in your desire to get a free seat that morning. But it is worth a shot. Again, we advise people to Stay Local in order to maximise their chance of landing.

You also have the option of doing a Skellig Michael Eco Tour or Cruise with one of the many Skellig Michael Eco Tour operators providing the service both before and during the Landing Season.

Here’s a preview of what is a spectacular trip in its own right.

Tip: Book Early

Like any sought after event, the earlier you book, the better . It used to be that you could show up at the marina in the morning and you’d have a pretty good shot at getting on a boat. Those days are behind us. Thanks to Star Wars and, in particular, The Last Jedi, we saw unprecedented demand for landing tour spaces in 2018 with some slightly increased availability in 2019 . You still have the odd cancellation freeing up some spots from time to time but it’s a rarer and rarer occurrence.

Tip: Book Later In The Season

Having analysed the data, certain peak periods attract the most interest – July and August, for example. But September is probably the best time of the year to try to get a booking if you’re a little late to the game. If you can get the time off and aren’t hampered by school schedules, it’s a great time to visit with the light being particularly photogenic and giving incredible sunsets. On the downside, the puffins will have already left at that stage.

Tip: Stay Locally In The Area

Look, we understand that, for most people, you want to come to Ireland get as much done and seen as you possibly can. And you might be tempted to try to squeeze your trip to Skellig into a half-day and then back on the road again so you can tick off the locations on your itinerary. But, this is a bad idea for a number of reasons.

• If you don’t have a car and were planning on using public transport, there are no public transport options to Portmagee that will get you there in time for the landing tour in the morning unless you arrive the day before.
• If you’re staying somewhere outside the local area, like Killarney or Dingle, driving down to Portmagee in the morning is an unnecessary risk . You are talking about getting up at 6 am and risking getting caught behind slow moving Ring Of Kerry traffic on your way here. It’s a bad way to start your day and not how you want to start the trip out to this amazing location. Boat owners are also a lot happier knowing you’re close by.
• Boat operators will do their best to wait for you but if they tell you to be at the quay by a certain time, and you’re not there, rest assured that there are plenty of people lined up at the marina waiting to take your place.

Secondly, and more importantly for those who do not have a booking secured, many of the local accommodation providers have long-standing relationships with the boatmen who may be keeping places for guests staying locally that they are not making available online .

Thirdly, you miss out on spending time with us on the beautiful Skellig Coast. We know that we’re not as famous as some other Irish destinations that you’ve heard of but that’s a great reason to come here. We have some of the most unspoilt natural beauty in Ireland, fantastic hiking and walking all over the local area, and numerous attractions such as the Skellig Experience interpretive centre , Kerry Cliffs , Bray Head Wild Atlantic Way Signature Viewing Point , Skellig Chocolates and, in the Skellig Ring Drive, some of the most naturally charismatic and beautiful coastline, according to The Lonely Planet , who named it one of the top 10 regions in the world to visit in 2017. Check out this video for an overview.

So, we thoroughly recommend staying the night before your trip , at the very least, in the local area. This would include:

• Ballinskelligs
• Cahirciveen

And, if you’re taking the boat from Derrynane:

• Caherdaniel

That’s It

That covers pretty much everything you need to know. We’ll be adding to this guide over time if anything relevant arises.

If you want, you can make a Booking Enquiry about a Skellig Michael Landing Tour or check out a List of Licensed Skellig Landing Tour Operators . Or, alternatively, enquire about a Skellig Michael Eco Tour .

Be sure to follow us on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/SkelligMichael_ to stay up-to-date with any Skellig-related news or new content from us.

Experience for yourself the breathtaking beauty of the Skellig Islands.

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

Non-Landing Tours operate from March 18th 2024 Click here to Book your tour

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

Skellig Michael Tours 2024

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

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

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.

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.

” 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.

” 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…

“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

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.

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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Murphys Sea Cruises To Skellig Michael

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!

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.

Welcome to Skellig Coast Cruises

Do you want to see the wonderful Skellig Islands? We offer you the Eco Tour around both “Small Skelligs and Skellig Michael”. We do not land on the rocks. Our tour takes 2.5 hours. We get you up close and personal to Skellig Michael from the safety of our Boat the “myramichelle”. Our tour is ideal for you if your on a budget, have a family,time restricted,older or afraid of heights our tour is the answer for you.

Latest from Skellig blog

Portmagee, welcome to one of Irelands most beautiful villages. It is right on Valentia harbour and protected to the south

Valentia Island is one of the most famous Island in Ireland. Located in one of the most westerly points in

Testimonials

“Perfect trip for family of five – 3 small children included! Our journey was perfect offering us amazing views! The islands, the birds, the captain sharing stories and experiences! Would love to do this again one day! Thanks for the great afternoon.”

“Absolutely great experience loved every minute of it , very professional and very friendly , well definitely b back”

“We had a great tour! Personal Pickup and information on board. All The Islands / of and cliffs have been hit. Thank you! Thanks a lot for the great experience!”

BOOKING SKELLIG MICHAEL TOURS AND SKELLIG ISLANDS TOURS

We have two types of tours going to the Skellig Islands – Skellig Michael and Little Skelligs. On the Landing Tour you get off the boat and step on to the island. With the Eco 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. We also have an Audio Visual (AV) Boat Tour that takes 1 hour and explores the coastal islands and inlets with narration, video and images throughout. All the tours depart from the marina in Portmagee, Co. Kerry. The Skellig tours are very dependent on the sea conditions. The tours are very popular especially in the busy season so it is advisable to book well in advance.

All bookings are taken online here on our website. We are not able to take any reservations by email or phone. If there is a cancellation the spots automatically become available again on the booking page.

It is very important that we are able to contact you at the phone number and email that you provide when you make your booking. The tours are very dependent on the sea conditions and we will need to keep you updated if the departure time changes or if a tour is cancelled. Please ensure you include your INTERNATIONAL COUNTRY CODE with your phone number.

Recent Reviews on Google “Would 100% recommend this on a checklist of “must do” items in Ireland.” “Once in a lifetime experience you will never forget.” “These guys were great!! Even let my son drive the boat.” “ Amazing boat tour by a very experienced and knowledgeable captain”

Email: [email protected] Departure Point: The Marina, Portmagee, Co. Kerry, Ireland

Suitable for children of all ages depending on the sea conditions Group discounts available, please email us for discount code

SKELLIG MICHAEL ECO BOAT TOUR AROUND BOTH ISLANDS

The eco tour has multiple departure 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. 

SKELLIG MICHAEL LANDING TOUR

The Landing Tour, where you get off the boat and go on to the island, departs Portmagee marina in the morning and arrives back at the marina in the afternoon. Departure and return times vary depending on the sea conditions and available landing time slots. The entire trip takes about 5 hours including the time on the island. There is one trip per day for this tour. Availability for this tour is very limited so you really need to book well in advance.  You require a reasonable amount of fitness to undertake the landing tour. Please watch the safety video before doing this tour.

We do not permit children under the age of 14 years on the landing tour There are no student, senior or group discounts for the landing tour

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 does not venture out as far as Skellig Michael, instead staying in the relative calm between the islands and inlets of the Portmagee Channel and Valentia sound. That is why we rarely have to cancel this tour due to sea or weather conditions. 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 AV tour is not available during the 2022 season because of the Covid-19 situation.

SkelligWalker | Luxury Cruises

Skelligwalker cruises.

Luxury Skellig Islands and Skellig Coast Cruises

Now part of Skellig Coast Adventures

"I can't imagine doing Skellig Michael in any other boat!"

-- taylor c. tripadvisor review 22nd june 2017.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Here is a link to the video instead.

Welcome to SkelligWalker Cruises

'An incredible, impossible, mad place, which still tempts devotees to make "stations" of every stair landing, and to creep through "needle's eyes" at impossible altitudes, and kiss "stones of pain" jutting out 700 feet above the Atlantic.... it is part of our dream world.’

-- George Bernard Shaw

A visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Skellig Michael with SkelligWalker Cruises is an experience that will live with you forever. A trip aboard the purpose built SkelligWalker offers safe and comfortable access to the Island, where visitors then undertake a pilgrimage to climb almost 700 steps to the early monastic settlement that offers tranquility and an opportunity to connect with the beauty and wildlife of the Skellig Coast on the Wild Atlantic Way .

We also offer a daily eco tour that circles both Islands, Skellig Michael and the Small Skelligs . This trip allows visitors to experience the unique history and wildlife of the area including the 23,000 pairs of gannets that nest on the Small Skelligs (the second largest colony in the world).

We look forward to welcoming you aboard SkelligWalker.

The Skelligs

The monastery, its history, setting and the natural heritage

• Make an enquiry

Eco Tours and Private Hire

Explore the Skellig Coast, Dingle Harbour, Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve or design your own adventure

Skellig Coast Adventures

Our tour company offering the largest number of skellig michael landing places, valentia island.

Experience the beautiful Valentia Island - Ireland's Hidden Treasure

Our Boat and Our Crew

Luxurious, modern, safe, and experienced

Tour Company

Offering the largest number of Skellig Michael landing places

"Excellent service from Skellig Walker from initial enquiry to follow up after the trip. Fast, comfortable boat with informative on board team."

-- caitriona f. tripadvisor review 4th october 2017, get in touch.

You can book your trip --- HERE --- or use the details below to get in touch with us!

• SkelligWalker Cruises, Ballymanagh Lower , Valentia Island , Co. Kerry , Ireland , V23 XA47
• GPS 51.90789948182008, -10.385816752014193
• +353 (0)87 901 7338
• [email protected]
• © 2016 - 2021 FM Marine Services Ltd. T/A Skellig Walker Cruises
• Images: Valerie O'Sullivan & Stephen Power

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Welcome to The Skellig Experience Visitors Centre

Situated in the beautiful South West Coast of Ireland The Skellig Experience Visitor Centre is located on Valentia Island just off the famous Ring of Kerry. The Visitor Centre has been a famous landmark in Valentia for over 25 years and with spectacular scenery on our side we want to give you an experience like no other.

Dedicated to the UNESCO World Heritage site Skellig Michael our visitor centre brings the magic and mystery of these famous rocks to you through graphics, film presentation, models, exhibition items, reconstruction and the sound of sea birds and lighthouse keeper ship to shore communication.

Skellig Michael Sea Cruise

Our Skellig Michael Sea Cruise is the perfect way to enjoy the spectacular views of the famous Skellig Islands while remaining seated.

Skellig Michael Landing Tour

The Skellig Michael Landing Tour offers you the chance to climb the 618 steps to the very top of Skellig Michael.

The Ultimate Skellig Coast Tour

This tour is the Ultimate experience when seeking the up close and interactive option for exploring the Skellig Islands and Skellig Coast story stretching back to the 6th century.

THE SKELLIG EXPERIENCE

Experience the different aspects of the offshore Skellig islands while remaining on dry land, in a custom built, prize winning building located right on the waterfront in Valentia, County Kerry!

Upcoming Events

Our exhibitions.

Take a sneak peak inside our Exhibition to see some of what The Skellig Experience has to offer.

What clients say

Informative Tour

This is a very interesting visitor centre with fantastic information about the Skelligs. There are also great models and a short film to give an insight into life on the islands.

Fantastic!!!!

I visited the skellig experience on the 29th of July. Wow, was I pleasantly surprised the moment I walked in then door we were greeted by the friendly staff.

Family Trip

We had a wonderful trip out to the Skellig Islands with the Skellig Experience. Everyone working in the venue were so nice and professional. Nothing was a problem and very friendly towards our young kids.

A day in Heaven!

We had a magical day. Everything was perfect, the team on the land and on the boat, the gorgeous Skellig Islands and the weather! Ihighly recommand that experience it is really worth it!

laurenceestival123

Fantasy Island

The whole family really enjoyed the boat trip, despite not being able to land on the island. It was great to see the visitor centre before and get all the background.

Skellig history

Lovely centre giving the history of the islands and how life was lived there. Audio film goes into details of life and how they survived isolated on this island.

Geraldine O

Amazing journey to Skellig

An amazing ride out across the swelling Atlantic to visit Skellig Michael. It's not for the faint at heart, or those who get easily sea sick. But expertly captained and truly an amazing sight to behold. A very unique experience.

bryanwS1731QS

Wonderful experience

Got it for my parents and they absolutely loved it Well worth the money Will definitely be going myself soon

Visit these offshore Skellig Islands and climb to the monastic site some 200 metres above the sea

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Skellig Michael

Landing tour.

Land on Skellig Michael, explore the monastic ruins and experience other-worldly vistas. See the spot where Luke Skywalker stood, and feel the power of this incredible place.

ECO CRUISE TOUR

Enjoy a two and a half hour cruise around the Skellig Islands, taking in the amazing Skellig Coast, local bird and sealife including dolphins and whales.

What are the safety precautions? How long are the tours? What times do the tours depart, Where do the boats depart from? All your questions are answered here.

to Skellig Michael, Irelands UNESCO World Heritage site

Skellig Michael is an island 12 km off the South West coast of Ireland. It houses the incredibly well-preserved remains of an early Christian monastery and that was founded in the 6th century and a place of monastic retreat until the 12th century.

Due to its universal cultural value, Skellig Michael was awarded World Heritage Site status in 1996, one of only two sites in the Republic of Ireland. Most recently, it has achieved worldwide fame thanks to its appearance as the planet Ahch-To, in both Star Wars : The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi .

Skellig Michael Boat Trips, Portmagee, County Kerry, Ireland Email: [email protected]   •  Tel: +353 66 947 7108

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Skellig Michael Boat Trips, Portmagee, County Kerry, Ireland Email: [email protected] Tel: +353 66 947 7108

© Skellig Michael Boat Trips • All Rights Reserved • Privacy Policy • Make a Payment Site by Bright Idea

Skellig Michael Boat Trips, Portmagee, County Kerry, Ireland E: [email protected] T: +353 66 947 7108

© Skellig Michael Boat Trips All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy • Make a Payment

Privacy Overview

SKELLIG MICHAEL TOURS

Boat tours to skellig michael and little skelligs.

Boat tours to land on Skellig Michael and tours around the islands of Skellig Michael and Small Skelligs.

At Skelligmichael.ie, we offer two types of tours, the Skellig Michael Eco Tour which is a boat tour that goes right up close to both Skellig Michael and the small Skelligs which is one of the largest gannet colonies in the world, home to some seventy thousands of them during the spring/summer season.

Skellig Michael.

Little Skelligs

Valentia Harbour

Kerry Cliffs

Skellig Michael Island: Your 2024 Survival Guide

Read our travel guide to Skellig Michael and Little Skellig Islands. Our hiking expert, Tim, gives you the lowdown on the boat trip, the summit hike and everything in between.

The Skellig Islands At A Glance

• Where Are The Skellig Islands ?📍
• All About Skellig Michael ⛰️
• Skellig Islands FAQs 🤔

Best Time To Visit Skellig Michael? 🗓️

Skellig michael checklist ✅.

• Alternatives To Skellig Michael 🛥️

The Skellig Islands must be Ireland's most spectacular destination, bar none.

Like two enormous pyramids, they emerge from the Atlantic Ocean off the southwest coast of Ireland.

They are monumental! Skellig Michael stands 218 metres / 715 feet above sea level.

George Bernard Shaw described it as "an incredible, impossible, mad place ... part of our dream world."

I love introducing our guests to these jaw-dropping places while leading adventure tours of Ireland .

Read on to find out more...

Where Are The Skellig Islands? 📍

There are two main Skellig Islands.

They are located roughly 12km / 8 miles off the county Kerry coast of southwest Ireland.

Boats depart from various ports on the mainland to reach them.

Skellig Michael is the larger of the two. It has a long and ancient history of habitation by monks. Its beautifully preserved early Christian settlement is one of only three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ireland (The Giant's Causeway and Newgrange are the others).

More recently, Skellig Michael was used as a location for shooting two Star Wars movies.

Little Skellig is the other main island in the group. Though uninhabited by humans, its seabird colonies draw nature-loving visitors to cruise around it.

Little Skellig is one of the largest gannet colonies in the world.

There are also large numbers of puffins resident on the Skellig Islands from April to early August.

Skellig Michael Island ⛰️

Skellig Michael island is where early Christian monks chose to build their monastery over 1400 years ago.

Back in the 5th and 6th centuries, the western fringes of Ireland were the limit of the known world to Europeans. The Skellig Islands were literally the ends of the earth to early Christians.

Why did they opt for such an isolated place?

These monks were ascetics. Like hermits, they sought extreme isolation because it was believed that it brought them closer to God. They shunned civilisation as a result, carving out a meagre existence between roaring sea and barren rock.

Skellig Islands FAQs

What Small Group Tours of Ireland Visit The Skellig Islands?

Only guests on the 12 Day Vagabond Giant Irish Adventure Tour get to land on Skellig Michael.

The following Vagabond & Driftwood tour itineraries can take a boat trip around both Skellig Islands:

• 🌊 15 Day Driftwood All Ireland Tour
• 🎻 8 Day Vagabond Wild Irish Rover Tour
• 💚 8 Day Driftwood Wild Atlantic Way Tour
• 🌍 7 Day Vagabond World Tour of Ireland
• 🏰 7 Day Driftwood Castles & Kingdoms Tour

Which Small Group Tours of Ireland Visit The Skelligs?

We offer two boat-based Skellig Islands activities.

Choose to land on Skellig Michael (€130 - 5 hour duration) or take a cruise around both Skellig Islands (€50 - 2 hour duration).

The Skellig Michael Landing is only available on one tour itinerary:

• 12 Day Vagabond Giant Irish Adventure

The shorter cruise circles both islands and is possible as part of the following tours:

• 8 Day Vagabond Wild Irish Rover Tour
• 8 Day Driftwood Wild Atlantic Way Tour
• 7 Day Vagabond World Tour of Ireland
• 7 Day Driftwood Castles & Kingdoms Tour

What Is A Boat Trip To The Skellig Islands Like?

Whether you're planning to land on Skellig Michael or simply cruise around both Skellig Islands, the boats you travel on will be similar in size and structure.

The boats are roughly 9 metres / 30 feet long. Though powerful, they are open-decked vessels with little or no protection for our guests from rain, waves and spray.

The trip is an open water crossing in the Atlantic Ocean. The ocean swell — the size of the waves — can be large. Waves often splash over the sides of the boat. You are likely to get wet. Ponchos are provided in the boats — but you'll still get wet!

If you are particularly prone to sea sickness, we recommend either skipping this activity or bringing sea sickness medication along with you.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Both types of boat trip to the Skelligs are weather dependent and are frequently cancelled at late notice due to inclement sea conditions. Boat tours cancelled due to bad weather will not be charged for.

Where Do Skelligs Boats Depart From?

The small harbour at Portmagee is the departure point for all Vagabond & Driftwood boat trips to the Skellig islands.

For both the Skellig Michael Landing and Skellig Islands Cruise, on the day of departure, your boat will leave the pier in Portmagee early. This normally happens around 9am but can be earlier or later to account for changing weather.

How Long Is The Boat Trip?

The total length of the Skellig Michael Landing can be up 5 hours. The boat journey to and from Skellig Michael can last up to 60 minutes each way. You'll have about 2.5 hours to explore the sland.

The total length of the Skellig Islands Cruise can be up 2.5 hours.

What Is Landing On Skellig Michael Island Like?

Landing on Skellig Michael with Vagabond Tours is DEFINITELY an adventure! Fitness is required.

The first challenge is the boat trip , followed by disembarkation and a steep hike to the summit of the island.

Disembarkation on Skellig Michael

There is no marina or dock on Skellig Michael Island.

To disembark your boat, you step off directly onto the island.

Your boat is likely to be moving up and down on the waves, but the pier will not be.

Depending on the ocean swell, the gap that you need to step over to the island can vary. You'll need to be agile. It can be a leap of faith!

Hiking To The Summit of Skellig Michael

Hiking on Skellig Michael is a must.

That's because the summit is where you'll the 6th century monastery remains.

To reach the summit, you will have to hike up 600 rough stone steps

This not a conventional staircase. The steps on Skellig Michael are cut directly from the rock face. They are steep and of varying height and width. There is no handrail and a steep, vertical cliff face lies below.

A very limited number of visitors have died after falling on Skellig Michael.

You will need to be...

• In good physical condition;
• Used to steep and prolonged hikes;
• Not scared of heights;
• Sure on your feet.

We recommend wearing a good pair of comfortable hiking boots or shoes.

Remember, after your visit to the monastic ruins on Skellig Michael, you have hike back down the 600 steps.

Skellig Islands Packing List

• Good hiking shoes or boots (for Skellig Michael Landing only)
• Packed lunch and drink (for Skellig Michael Landing only)
• Backback/daypack
• Good quality waterproof jacket
• Sea sickness medication (optional)

Is The Skellig Michael Landing Worth It?

Good question. The answer depends on you!

To enjoy Skellig Michael, you need to be fit and have a head for heights.

Not only that, but you need to have the right gear and be ready for a rough sea journey. You'll need to able for a tough climb up and back down again. Not to mention a strong bladder — there are no toilet facilities on the island!

We heartily recommend it!

More Skelligs FAQs

Do i book skellig michael tour in advance.

The Skellig Michael Island landing and boat trip experience MUST be booked at least 45 days before your tour departure date.

If you intend to land on Skellig Michael, please let us know as soon as possible. This can be done during your pre-tour survey or by emailing us: [email protected]

This is the only optional activity where pre-booking is a requirement.

If you do not pre-book the Skellig Michael landing, you can be added to a waitlist but are not guaranteed a ticket.

Payment is not required in advance for the Skellig Michael Landing. The current cost is €120. This is payable in cash to the boat driver/guide on the day of your Skellig Michael Landing. Your VagaGuide will ensure you have ample time to obtain cash before you arrive for your experience.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: This excursion is only available when you book the 12 Day Vagabond Giant Irish Adventure Tour

A shorter, Skellig Islands boat trip (without landing on Skellig Michael) is possible on the following tours:

Read our Skellig Michael Survival Guide

Are There Toilets On Skellig Michael Island?

There are no toilet facilities on Skellig Michael Island.

If you are planning to land on Skellig Michael or taking our Skellig Islands cruise, you may not have access to a toilet for up to 6 hours.

The Lady Clare boat that many guests are aboard when landing on Skellig Michael DOES have toilet facilities. However, not all boats that provide this activity do have toilets.

What Activities Are Seasonal?

Our regular touring season in 2024 runs from March 10th until October 22nd.

Some activities and attractions do not operate year-round. March and October departures are particularly affected. Where possible, we will offer a suitable replacement activity.

Mid-May to Mid-September Only

• 🛥️ Skellig Michael Landing (Only Available on the 12 Day Giant Irish Adventure )
• 🐬 Skellig Islands Cruise (Available on the Following Tours )

Late May to Early September Only

• 🌊 Scattery Island Boat Trip (Late May to Early September - Available on the 7 Day Driftwood Castles & Kingdoms Tour )

April to October Only

• 🌼 Garnish Island Boat Trip - The gardens on Garnish Island are closed each March. For the tours featuring Garnish Island as an Optional Extra  that depart during the month of March, a boat tour of Glengarriff Bay is available instead of the Garnish Island Gardens trip.

It's important to remember that boat trips to Skellig Michael operate seasonally.

Boats run to Skellig Michael from Portmagee only from mid-May to late September. This means that guests booked on our 12 Day Vagabond Giant Irish Adventure Tours departing in April and October 2024 will not unfortunately be able to avail of this Tour Option.

In addition, your trip to Skellig Michael or around both Skellig Islands is weather dependent. Irish coastal weather is extremely changeable, even in midsummer. Departure cannot be guaranteed. Boat tours cancelled due to bad weather will not be charged for.

Hoping to see puffins? Go to Skellig Michael before mid-August. Puffin nesting season runs from April until early August.

• ✔️ You've booked in advance - Before your tour you must let us know at least 45 days in advance that you intend to go. Trips to Skellig Michael are in high demand and there is limited availability.
• ✔️ You've packed your medication - Very important. If you require medication, make sure you have more than enough for a 5 hour trip. Remember, it could take time for emergency services to reach the island in the unlikely event of an accident. Pack seasickness tablets if you think you might need them.
• ✔️ You've got suitable gear - We recommend wearing a good quality waterproof outer layer, under layers for warmth and a pair of good walking boots. Both Skellig Michael and the ocean crossing will leave you exposed to sun, water and wind.
• ✔️ You've packed snacks and water - Make sure you bring enough food and water to sustain you for 6 hours. Skellig Michael is a wild nature reserve. There is nowhere to buy food or water on this trip.
• ✔️ Your phone/camera is fully charged - You'll kick yourself if your battery dies before you snap a selfie at the summit of Skellig Michael!

Guests 💚 The Skelligs

AUSSIE GUEST, JULY 2023

We were able to experience so much of Ireland in such a short time. I really enjoyed the boat ride to see the Skellig Islands (scene from Start Wars) and the sheepdog farm.

TEXAS GUEST, JULY 2023

MIAMI GUEST, SEPT 2019

Alternative Skellig Islands Cruise 🛥️

Don't feel Skellig Michael is for you? Take our fantastic Skellig Islands Cruise.

This 2.5 hour guided boat tour of both Skelligs Islands is an adventure in itself.

You'll depart Portmagee in a 30 feet long, open-decked boat early in the morning.

You will then cruise around Skellig Michael and its smaller neighbour, Little Skellig, enjoying commentary from your boat driver on the history and nature of both islands.

Alternative to the Alternative

Are you a landlubber? Don't like the idea of spending hours cold and wet?

The good news is that you won't miss out.

Alternative activities to a Skellig Islands boat trip include:

• An amazing hike to a panoramic viewing spot on Valentia Island;
• A visit to a handmade Irish chocolate factory — deliciousness guaranteed.

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Home » Prices and Trans-Siberian Tickets » Trans-Siberian Railway Prices

Ticket prices for the Trans-Siberian Railway also depend on the current ruble exchange rate.

Is the Trans-Siberian Railway expensive?

Before starting on your Trans-Siberian Railway adventure you naturally want to know what the entire trip will cost. Although this sounds like a simple question, it is pretty difficult to answer. The Trans-Siberian Railway price of travel depends on the following factors:

• Which travel class do I want to use? The price for a first class ticket is about three times the price of a 3rd class ticket
• Am I willing to buy the tickets myself and assume responsibility for the organisation of the trip?
• How many stopovers do I want to make? The more breaks, the higher the total price.
• What sort of accommodation do I want? Will it be a luxury hotel or will a hostel dormitory be sufficient?
• What tours and excursions would I like to go on?
• What is the current exchange rate for rubles?

Basically, everything from a luxury to a budget holiday is available. If you buy yourself a 3rd Class nonstop ticket at the counter, a few hundred Euros will cover the price. All you will experience is a week on the Trans-Siberian train and will see nothing of the cities on the way. There is, however, any amount of room for upward expansion. Everyone makes different choices about which aspects they are willing to spend money on. I personally prefer to save money on accommodation and railcar class, visit as many cities and do as many trips as possible. To enable better classification of your travel expenses I have contrasted two typical traveler types. In the third column you can calculate the total cost of your own journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Please keep in mind that these are only rough estimations and not exact prices.

The all-in costs seem fairly high at first. However, they cover everything and it is quite a long journey taking four weeks. Many people forget to consider that when looking at the list. We should also deduct the running costs for food and leisure at home. I think most visitors to this page will classify themselves somewhere between the two categories, that is around the € 2,000 – € 2,500 range. When comparing these prices with other travel packages, you get the impression that it is hardly worthwhile travelling individually on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Please keep in mind that most packages last no more than 14 days and you are herded like cattle through the most beautiful locations.

If you spend less time on the Trans-Siberian Railway you will, of course, pay less. I chose this particular travel length because I prefer not to do things by halves. If you fulfill your dream of travelling on the Trans-Siberian Railway, enjoy it and don’t rush things. But it’s up to you, of course. Try playing around with the form a bit to find the appropriate price for your trip.

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Monino aviation museum tour

The Central Airforce Museum in Monino, some 32km from Moscow is extremely popular among aircraft enthusiasts. Pre-soviet and Soviet planes, helicopters and jets are on display here. The tour price includes cost of transportation by car. You will be picked up from your hotel and taken back by car.

What to see in the museum:

ANT-2 - the first all-metal Russian aircraft

On ANT-25 several record-breaking flights were performed. Among them - a 60 hour non-stop flight from Moscow to Portland, Oregon in the United States.

The first ever supersonic passenger aircraft Tu-144

A unique, all-titanium reconnaissance jet-bomber the Sukhoi T-4

Tour duration : 5-6 hours Tour cost: 250 USD for 1-2 people, 280 USD for 3-5 people. Car/minivan service is included

This tour does not have a discounted price in winter

Additional expenses: museum entrance fee (150 RUB per person) 

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