Skellig Michael Tours FAQ
Skellig Island FAQ Answers to Your Questions
Dreaming of exploring the Skellig Islands? Discover the essentials with our comprehensive Skellig Island FAQ. These ancient, rugged islands off Ireland’s southwest coast offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical wonders. From the famous Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Star Wars filming location, to Little Skellig’s thriving seabird colonies, it’s a journey unlike any other. This FAQ page helps you plan your adventure with booking advice, must-have packing tips, tour options, and insider recommendations, ensuring your Skellig Island experience is smooth and unforgettable.
1.
Where do the tours depart from?
All our tours depart from the marina in Portmagee, Co. Kerry, Ireland
2.
Do I need to book in advance?
Availability for the Landing Tour is very limited so you really need to book well in advance. The Eco Tours also fill up quite quickly especially in the busy season so it is advisable to book well in advance to reserve your desired departure date and time.
3.
Weather Conditions and Cancellations
All our tours are dependent on both the sea conditions and weather conditions. If we need to cancel you will be given a full refund. Refunds are transferred back on to the credit/debit card you used to make the booking.
4.
Can I reschedule my Landing Tour booking if it is cancelled due to adverse sea/weather conditions?
No, this is a very limited tour with very few places available each day due to government restrictions on landing on the Skelligs. Unfortunately if your landing tour is cancelled we will not be able to reschedule you on subsequents days’ tours if they are already fully booked. We realise this can be very disappointing so in the following days, if the sea/weather conditions have improved, we put on extra Eco Tours to accommodate those who may wish to go on this tour instead.
5.
Can I reschedule my Eco Tour if it is cancelled due to adverse sea/weather conditions?
Yes, if your Eco Tour is cancelled we will try our best to get you on the next available Eco Tour when the weather/sea conditions improve. We also put on extra Eco Tours to accommodate as many people as possible.
6.
What times of the year do the tours take place?
The Eco Tour season runs from April until the beginning of October. The season for the landing tour begins mid May and finishes at the end of September. There are no landing tours outside of these dates.
7.
Which month is best weather-wise to visit the Skelligs to avoid a possible cancellation?
It is impossible to say. Our sea and weather conditions are very changeable and unpredictable and there is no way of knowing what the best month will be in a given year. There has been no consistent pattern over the past number of years to suggest that a particular month will have better weather than another. It fluctuates every year.
8.
How do I book the tours?
All bookings are done online through our website. If you have a large group for the eco tour please contact us and we can help you make the booking.
9.
Do you take group bookings?
For the Eco Tour we can accomodate large groups. It is advisable to book well in advance to ensure you get your desired date and time. We do not do group bookings for the Landing Tour.
10.
Cancellation/Waiting List
Unfortunately we don’t have a cancellation list. All our bookings are taken online and if there is a cancellation the spots automatically become available again on our website.
11.
What happens if I need to cancel a tour?
If you need to cancel for any reason please let us know as soon as possible to allow someone else to book the places. If you cannot call or text please send an email.
12.
Departure times for the Skellig Michael Eco Tour around both Islands.
There are multiple departures for the Eco Tours and the trip takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. The boat tour circles both Islands and you get right up close to Skellig Michael and the small Skelligs to see both the wildlife and the historical sites. This tour does not land on the Island.
13.
Departure times for the Skellig Michael Landing Tour
There is one trip per day for this tour with a daily morning departure from Portmagee Marina arriving back at the marina in the afternoon. The whole trip take approximately 5 hours. You require a reasonable amount of fitness to undertake the landing tour. The tour is not suitable for children under 14 years of age. Click here to view the Skellig Michael Safety Video (We have toilet facilities onboard)
14.
What do I need to wear for the Skellig Michael Eco Tour?
Wear warm comfortable clothing and shoes. We do have rain wear on the boat but you can bring your own if you wish.
15.
What do I need to wear for the Skellig Michael Landing Tour?
Wear warm comfortable clothing and good walking shoes (not flat soles) for climbing the steps to the monastery. You also need to bring rain wear and something to eat and drink with you. You should also bring sunscreen. You require a reasonable amount of fitness to do this tour. Click here to view the Skellig Michael Safety Video (We have toilet facilities onboard)