Skellig Michael Tours 2026
Casey Skellig Michael Landing Tours & Skellig Islands Boat Tours
Planning Your Trip Which Skellig Michael Tour Should I Choose?
There are two types of Skellig Michael Tours. On the Skellig Michael Landing Tour you get off the boat and step on to the island. With the Skellig Islands Eco Boat Tours you stay on the boat as it cruises 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.
Weather Cancellations
If a tour is cancelled due to weather or sea conditions, a full refund will be processed immediately. Eco Tour bookings will also be offered the option to reschedule to the next available tour.
2026 Season
Landing Tour:
9th May to 30th September
Eco Boat Tour:
29th April to 4th October
Advance booking is essential
Tours Depart From: Portmagee Marina, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Key Points
Age limit of 14+ and high level of fitness needed for the Landing Tour
No age limit or fitness requirements for the Eco Boat Tour
All our boats are equipped with a toilet for your comfort. There is also a toilet on Skellig Michael
Our Skellig Michael Tours
Skellig Islands Eco Boat Tour
The Eco Boat Tour departs Portmagee regularly throughout the day, cruising around both Skellig Michael and Little Skelligs to showcase the local wildlife and historic sites.
- Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours total
- Departures: Daily at 10:00am, 12:30pm, 3:00pm
- Extra Sailings: Additional departures available between 1:00pm and 5:00pm
- Pricing: €60 per person
- Discounts: Special rates for children, students, and families, with group discounts available
- Pet Policy: Dogs are permitted on the Skellig Eco Boat Tour
- Capacity: Suitable for groups with multiple boats departing at the same time.
Skellig Michael Landing Tour
Our Landing Tour departs once per day from Portmagee Marina, providing visitors with the opportunity to step ashore and explore the island's ancient monastic settlement.
- Duration: 2.5 hours on Skellig Michael (5 hours total)
- Departures: Once daily 8:00am - 11:00am (Depending on weather and sea conditions)
- Fitness: Must be able to climb 618 uneven stone steps
- Age Limit: Minimum age 14 years
- Gear: Sturdy footwear and outdoor clothing required
- Pricing: €145 per person
- Restrictions: No dogs permitted
- Capacity: Max 12 passengers - Not suitable for groups due to landing restrictions.
Skellig Michael
(Great Skellig Rock)
The Skellig Islands are 12 km (8 miles) off the coast of County Kerry, Ireland, and are reached by boat from Portmagee on the Skellig Coast. Skellig Michael rises dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean, reaching a height of 218 metres above sea level. Near the summit stands a well-preserved 6th-century monastic settlement, built by early Christian monks who lived on the island in isolation. Skellig Michael takes its name from Saint Michael the Archangel.
What Our Customers Say
We are a family-run local operator and an official permit holder for Skellig Michael landings. Rated Exceptional on Google (4.8 stars across 953 Reviews)
“Truly a one of a kind experience. My wife booked the trip about 6 months in advance. Throughout the reservation process they are very direct that the weather can cause the trip to be cancelled at anytime and we were fortunate to have beautiful weather the day of our trip. Capt Casey provided us with a warm welcome, smooth passage, and informative details along the way.”
James Blue
On Google
“Breathtaking Eco Tour – Brendan Casey could not have been more helpful – the tour was cancelled due to the weather and he offered a full refund straight away but also offered us a chance to go the following day – which we did. He did warn us it would be wet & choppy and again offered a refund but we were determined to get out there! The Skelligs in all their glory it is literally breathtaking! The thousands of gannets on little Skellig is truly a sight to behold and you then see puffins on Skellig Michael too.”
Amy LJ
On Trip Advisor
“Fantastic trip today, we loved every single minute of it! The weather was perfect as was the skipper and he managed to take us into several nocks and crannies of the Skelligs. I would not hesitate to recommend, booking was easy and the craic was great….thank you…”
Melissa Harris
On Google
“The most amazing tour in all of Ireland. No doubt about it. Booking early is highly recommended, or else you will not get on—a beautiful island with a great history of 1500 years. Imagine 1500 years ago, and people started building a monastery on this rock off the coast of Ireland. On top of the history, you get Puffins in abundance – one of the most photogenic birds. Highly, highly recommended.”
Ilja-Otis Godau
On Google
Wild Atlantic Sanctuary
Skellig Islands Marine life
The Skellig Islands are a haven for sea birds including Puffins, Gannets, Guillemots, Razorbills, and Kittiwakes. Keep an eye out for Dolphins, Seals, and Whales that frequent these nutrient-rich Atlantic waters. Puffins make their home on Skellig Michael from late March until early August, usually around the 8th August. Gannets stay much longer and can be seen from March until October on Little Skellig.
BEFORE YOUR VISIT
Skellig Safety Video
As an Office of Public Works (OPW) Landing Permit holder, Casey Skellig Michael Tours operates in full accordance with national safety guidelines for visits to Skellig Michael. All passengers undertaking a Landing Tour are required to view this short safety briefing before departure. It outlines the steps, terrain and conditions you can expect when visiting the Great Skellig. With over 60 years navigating these waters, your safety and comfort are our priority.
PORTMAGEE MARINA
Skellig Trips Departure Point
All our Skellig Michael Tours depart from the marina in Portmagee, Co. Kerry. This picturesque fishing village serves as the official gateway to the Skellig Coast and is located just off the Ring of Kerry on the edge of the Iveragh Peninsula. We recommend arriving at the marina at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.
GPS Coordinates: 51.886400, -10.365600
Location: Portmagee Marina, Portmagee, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Skellig Tours Interactive Maps
Click the markers on this map to view points of interest featured on our tours. Use our SKELLIG REGION guide to discover the main towns along the Skellig Coast. Select locations on SKELLIG MICHAEL to view the monastic sites and terrain on the island.
More Info
Skellig Islands
More Info
Bray Head
More Info
Puffin Island
More Info
Kerry Cliffs
More Info
Portmagee
MOVIE HISTORY
Star Wars Filming on Skelligs
As the real-life location for Ahch-To, Skellig Michael is a legendary destination for cinema fans as the place where Rey found Luke Skywalker. We are proud to have supported the production of Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, transporting crew and equipment for this complex shoot in a remote environment.
Devin Supertramp
Skellig Michael in 4K Video
Tourism Ireland and renowned filmmaker Devin Supertramp selected us to provide the marine logistics for his cinematic project on Skellig Michael. The resulting video became a viral success, garnering over half a million views on YouTube alone and massive global reach on social media. Click below to see how it was made.
Our Ethos
Authentic, Local & Sustainable
The best way to experience the Skellig Islands is with the people who know this Atlantic coastline better than anyone. All of our skippers, crew and guides are locals who grew up along this stretch of the Skellig Coast in County Kerry. We don’t just work here, we live and breathe this coastline every day.
Our tours are built on a family tradition spanning three generations of seafaring along the Skellig Coast. While navigating the waters around Skellig Michael, our crew share local stories and history passed down through generations, giving visitors an insight into the islands that goes far beyond a typical guidebook.
As OPW-approved operators for Skellig Michael landings, we combine this deep local heritage with a strong commitment to safety and sustainability. Every tour operates within strict guidelines designed to protect the wildlife, landscape and historic sites of the Skelligs for future generations.
MONASTIC SETTLEMENT
St Fionan of Skellig Michael
The early Christian monastery on Skellig Michael sits high on the island’s northern peak and 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 famous Dry Stone Beehive Huts are round 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, 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, Great Skellig became a place of pilgrimage.
A Line Across Europe
St Michael’s Sword
Skellig Michael is the western starting point of a geographical alignment connecting seven ancient monasteries dedicated to the Archangel Michael. This nearly straight line extends from Ireland through Europe to Israel, linking sites built on prominent peaks and islands. Explore the historical significance of these locations and the unique connection they share across the continent.
World Heritage Status
Skellig Michael UNESCO Site
Inscribed in 1996, Skellig Michael is one of only two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Republic of Ireland. This status recognises the island as an exceptional example of early Christian monasticism, featuring one of the best-preserved 6th-century settlements in Europe.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Skellig Michael Tours FAQ
What is the difference between the Landing Tour and the Eco Tour?
The Landing Tour allows you to step onto Skellig Michael and spend 2.5 hours exploring the monastic settlement and climbing the 618 steps. The Eco Boat Tour stays on the water, circling both islands to view the wildlife, history, and Star Wars locations from the boat.
Where do the Skellig Michael tours depart from?
All our Skellig Tours depart from Portmagee marina, Portmagee, County Kerry.
What happens if the tour is cancelled due to weather?
Safety is our priority. If sea conditions are unsafe, we cancel the tour and provide a full refund automatically. While we cannot guarantee a reschedule for the Landing Tour due to limited availability, we will find you a spot on the next available Eco Tour.
How fit do I need to be for the Skellig Michael Landing Tour?
The Landing Tour is physically demanding and involves climbing 618 ancient stone steps. It is not suitable for those with mobility issues or heart conditions. For safety reasons, there is a minimum age limit of 14 years for landing on the island.
When is the best time to see the Puffins?
Puffins inhabit the Skelligs from late March until early August. The peak viewing window is between May and July, when thousands of birds are nesting on the cliff edges.
Discover More Skellig Coast Experiences
Beyond our signature Skellig trips, we offer a range of specialised coastal tours and private excursions designed to help you discover the hidden gems and natural wonders of the Skellig Coast.
Audio Visual Tour
Whale Watching Tour
Private Skellig Charters
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