Accessibility Welcome
Access Welcome Guide: Casey Skellig Michael Tours
We want every visitor to feel informed, welcome, and prepared before joining us at Casey Skellig Michael Tours. We operate from Portmagee Marina, County Kerry, and aim to provide clear, practical information so you can decide which experience is right for you before booking.
Contact and Support
If you have any questions about accessibility, need help choosing the most suitable tour, or would like further information before you travel, please contact our team directly.
Phone: +353 66 947 2196
Please note: we may not always be able to answer the phone immediately if we are out on a tour.
Online Support: you can send a message or request a group booking through the contact form on our website.
Booking Confirmation: if you already have a booking, please refer to the dedicated contact number included in your confirmation email for the most direct assistance.
Travel and Arrival Guidance
Our tours depart from Portmagee Marina, Co. Kerry. Please allow plenty of time for your journey and arrival, particularly during busy periods.
Parking: parking is available in the marina car park. Additional parking is available in the village car park, which is a short walk from the departure point.
GPS Coordinates: 51.886400, -10.365600.
Arrival Assistance: we recommend arriving early to allow time for check-in. If you have specific access needs or require assistance getting from the parking area to the boat, please let us know in advance so we can assist where possible.
What to Expect on the Day
Please be aware that all tours are subject to weather and sea conditions. Departure times and return times may change at short notice, and in some cases the experience may be delayed or cancelled if conditions are not suitable.
Our tours take place in an open marine environment, so visitors may experience wind, sea spray, changing sunlight, and movement from the boat. Even on calmer days, conditions can feel different from a land-based experience.
We strongly recommend wearing warm layers and waterproof clothing, regardless of the season. Good footwear is also essential, particularly for visitors taking the Landing Tour.
Boarding the boat may involve stepping down into the vessel and moving carefully while the boat is floating on the water. Crew members will assist where possible, but visitors should be prepared for a working marine environment with natural movement underfoot.
Tour Options
We offer two different experiences, and choosing the right one is important to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable visit.
Eco Boat Tour
This is the better option for visitors who prefer to remain on the boat. It is suitable for families, for those seeking a more relaxed experience, and for anyone who does not wish to tackle steep climbs or uneven ground.
The Eco Boat Tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours and does not include landing on Skellig Michael. It offers excellent views of Skellig Michael and Little Skellig from the boat, and is the best choice for visitors who are uncomfortable with heights, steep steps, or exposed terrain.
This experience is also the most suitable option for visitors who prefer a shorter, less physically demanding outing while still enjoying the Skellig Islands from the water.
Landing Tour
This tour is for visitors who are comfortable with a physically demanding experience. Landing on Skellig Michael involves climbing 618 uneven stone steps without handrails, and the terrain is steep, exposed, and rugged.
The full trip takes about 5 hours, including time on the island, and departures are limited to one per day. The Landing Tour is subject to sea conditions and landing availability, and departure and return times may vary accordingly.
The climb is on historic stone steps, with sections that are steep, narrow, and uneven. The ground can be slippery when wet, and visitors should expect to walk carefully and at a steady pace. There are no handrails for much of the route, and the path includes exposed areas with significant height drops.
Important Considerations
If you are uncomfortable with steep climbs, uneven surfaces, heights, or have limited mobility, the Eco Boat Tour is the recommended alternative.
The Landing Tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, prams, or visitors who require step-free access. Due to the historic and natural condition of Skellig Michael, there are no ramps, lifts, or accessible toilet facilities on the island.
There are no toilet facilities on our boats or on Skellig Michael, so please plan your visit accordingly.
Visitors should also consider their personal fitness and confidence on steep, uneven ground before booking the Landing Tour.
Because the island is a protected historic site in a natural Atlantic setting, conditions can vary throughout the day. Even on a calm departure, the sea state can change quickly, and landing may still be affected by swell at the island.
Sensory and Environmental Information
Our tours take place in an open marine environment. You may experience wind, sea spray, changing sunlight, and boat movement during the journey.
Engine noise is present throughout the boat trip, and the Landing Tour also includes narrow, uneven paths and exposed areas with significant height drops.
For some visitors, the combination of movement, noise, exposure, and changing weather conditions may feel intense. If you are sensitive to motion, loud noise, or exposed outdoor environments, please take this into account when choosing your tour.
Visitors should also be aware that the island experience is outdoors for the full duration of the landing visit. There is very little shelter, so weather protection and comfortable clothing are important.
Emergency and Medical Information
The safety of our visitors is our priority. In the event of an emergency, please alert a crew member immediately.
Our crew are experienced in marine procedures and will do their best to support visitors safely on the day.
If you have heart or respiratory conditions, balance concerns, or any condition that may be affected by physical exertion or boat motion, please consult a healthcare professional before booking the Landing Tour.
If you are unsure whether the Landing Tour is suitable for you, it is better to choose the Eco Boat Tour or seek medical advice before travelling.
Support Companions
Yes, companions are welcome. Please ensure they are able to assist you with your mobility needs, as our crew may have limitations in providing physical lifting or direct personal support during the tour.
Companions should also be comfortable with the marine environment and, if accompanying a visitor on the Landing Tour, with the same steep, uneven and exposed conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are landing tours guaranteed?
No. Landing tours are subject to weather, sea conditions, and landing availability. Places are limited, so we recommend booking well in advance.
Can I choose the easier option on the day?
If you have booked the Eco Boat Tour, you will remain on the boat. If you have booked the Landing Tour, the experience is designed for visitors who are able to complete the climb and handle the conditions described above.
What should I bring?
We recommend warm layers, waterproof clothing, suitable footwear, and anything you may need to stay comfortable during the journey.
Can I bring medication or personal items?
Yes, and we strongly recommend that visitors bring any personal medication they may need during the day.
Our Commitment
We want to provide clear and honest information so that every visitor can choose the most suitable experience before booking. Skellig Michael is a remarkable but challenging destination, and we encourage all visitors to review the access information carefully in advance.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard and helping you enjoy the Skellig Islands in the way that suits you best.