Skellig Michael Tours 2026
Casey | Skellig Michael Landing Tours & Skellig Islands Tours
Welcome to Portmagee & the Skellig Coast
There are two types of Skellig Michael Tour. On the Skellig Michael Landing Tour you get off the boat and step on to the island. With the Skellig Islands 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. The 2026 Skellig Landing Tour season is 11th May until 30th September. The Skellig Eco Tour runs from April to October.
You get a full refund if we have to cancel the tour because of the sea or weather conditions.
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: Tickets start from €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
- Onboard Restroom: All our boats are equipped with a toilet for your comfort.
- Capacity: Suitable for groups with multiple boats departing at the same time. Max 12 people per boat.
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
- Onboard Restroom: All our boats are equipped with a toilet for your comfort. There is also a toilet on Skellig Michael
- Capacity: Max 12 passengers - Not suitable for groups due to landing restrictions.
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Skellig Islands
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Bray Head
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Puffin Island
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Kerry Cliffs
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Portmagee
Skellig Michael
(Great Skellig Rock)
The Skellig Islands are 12 km (8 miles) off the coast. However, they can be accessed by boat from Portmagee in South West Kerry. Skellig Michael rises from the sea, reaching a height of 218 metres above sea level. On the summit of Skellig Michael there is a well-preserved 6th century monastic settlement. Skellig Michael gets its name from Saint Michael the Archangel.
What Our Customers Say
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
“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
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 April usually until around the 8th August. Gannets stay much longer and can be seen from March until October on Little Skellig.
BEFORE YOUR VISIT
OPW Skellig Safety Briefing
As an official 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 remain 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 20 minutes before your scheduled departure.
GPS Coordinates: 51.8864° N, 10.3656° W
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 REGIONAL 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.
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Skellig Islands
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Bray Head
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Puffin Island
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Kerry Cliffs
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Portmagee
Skellig Michael Guide
Get the most out of your journey to the edge of Europe. From essential packing lists and wildlife sightings to the deep history of our UNESCO World Heritage site, explore our blog to prepare for your tour or to learn about the area.
History of Skellig Michael
Skellig Michael is a rugged island rising dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean, a UNESCO World Heritage site that captures the essence of Ireland’s mystic past….
Read more about History of Skellig Michael
Star Wars filming on Skellig Islands
Discover the Cinematic Magic of Skellig Michael: The Star Wars Connection Tucked away off the rugged coast of County Kerry, Ireland, Skellig Michael is a…
Read more about Star Wars filming on Skellig Islands
St Michael’s Sword
If you’ve ever stood in awe of Skellig Michael, the towering sea crag off Ireland’s southwest coast, you may not realise that it’s part of…
Read more about St Michael’s Sword
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
Our ethos is simple: we believe the best way to experience the Skellig Islands is with the people who know them best. That’s why all our skippers, crew, and guides are locals who grew up in this area. We don’t just work here; we live and breathe this coastline every day.
When you book with us, you are joining a tradition that spans three generations. We navigate with expert maritime skills, while sharing local stories handed down through the years, authentic history you won’t find in a guidebook.
As OPW-approved operators, we combine this deep local heritage with a modern commitment to safety and sustainability, ensuring that the wildlife and history of the Skelligs are protected for generations to come.
MONASTIC SETTLEMENT
St Fionan of Skellig Michael
On our Skellig Michael Tours you will see the 6th century monastic settlement on the north peak of the island. Great Skellig was home to the monks of St Fionan. These monks led very simple lives out in the wild Atlantic, living in stone beehive shaped huts. The 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, it is thought that the rock was the permanent home to about 12 monks. In the 13th century the climate started to change and life became very harsh out in the Atlantic. For this reason, the monks left the Skelligs and moved to the mainland in Ballinskelligs. Subsequently, 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.
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 do our best to 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.
Where do the tours depart from?
All our tours depart from Portmagee Marina, Co. Kerry. We recommend arriving at the marina at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in.
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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