Boat trip to the Skellig Islands

The magnificent Skellig Michael, rising dramatically from the Atlantic 13km off the South Kerry coast is one of Ireland’s most extraordinary heritage sites and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. A powerful symbol of the heroic monastic spirit of early medieval Ireland, the island is crowned by a remarkably preserved monastery built by monks in the 6th century, perched 183 metres (600ft) above sea level.

These early monks lived a life of remarkable self-sufficiency. They traded birds’ eggs, feathers and seal meat with passing ships in exchange for tools and vellum. They fished the surrounding waters, kept goats and sheep, and cultivated cereals and vegetables in small garden plots. In the 12th century, the monks eventually abandoned the island and relocated to Ballinskelligs, leaving behind one of the most awe-inspiring monastic settlements in Europe.

Today, visitors who climb the 630 stone steps to the summit are rewarded with unforgettable views and a rare glimpse into Ireland’s early Christian past. Beyond its human history, the Skellig Islands are a global wildlife sanctuary. Nearby Little Skellig hosts approximately 27,000 pairs of gannets, making it the second-largest gannet colony in the world, with birds nesting on virtually every available ledge. The surrounding seas are rich in marine life, and sightings of seals, dolphins, kittiwakes, storm petrels, gannets, and puffins are common.

Rising dramatically from the sea like floating pyramids of sandstone, Skellig Michael also gained international fame as a filming location for Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, making a visit both a journey through ancient history and cinematic legend. 

Puffin Season on Skellig Michael

Skellig Michael is also one of Ireland’s most important puffin breeding sites and a must-see for birdwatchers. Each year, over 3,000 puffins return from the open ocean to nest on the island. Arrival (Late March–Early April): Puffins begin returning to the island to start their breeding season.
Peak Season (May to mid-July): This is the best time to see puffins, as adults are busy nesting and feeding their chicks.
Departure (Early August): Puffins leave suddenly, often disappearing within days, sometimes all at once.

Visiting Tips & Boat Trips to Skellig Michael

Boat trips to the Skellig Islands operate from April to October, weather permitting. There are two options of boat tour, one allows landing on the island and the other allows viewing from the sea.
Landing Tours: Boats landing on Skellig Michael are strictly limited and permitted only from mid- May to September 30. As puffins usually depart in early August, the best window to see puffins on the island itself is mid-May to late July.
Eco Boat Tours: Non-landing eco tours that circle the islands run from April to late September, offering excellent wildlife viewing even outside the landing season.
Booking: Visitor numbers are capped at approximately 120–180 people per day, and tours book out quickly. Advance booking is strongly recommended for the landing season.
Weather: All trips are weather-dependent. Allowing buffer days in your itinerary is highly advisable in case of cancellations.

Boats typically depart from Bunavalla Pier in Caherdaniel at 10am (this is the closest to Sneem Hotel), travelling through the wildlife-rich waters of Kenmare Bay, passing Deenish and Scariff Islands en route. The highlight is a 2.5-hour stop on Skellig Michael, followed by close-up views ofLittle Skellig on the return journey. If conditions allow, dolphins may accompany the boat home, and local skipper John O’Shea often adds to the experience with epic stories. https://skelligtours.com

How to get from Sneem Hotel to Skellig Michael
Sneem hotel is actually the closest hotel to Skellig Michael. From Sneem Hotel, Skellig Michael iseasily accessed via a scenic journey along the Ring of Kerry. Guests travel approximately 20 minutes by car or taxi to Bunnavalla Pier in Caherdaniel, one of the main departure points for Skellig Michael boat trips. The drive itself is part of the experience, passing Derrynane Bay and the rugged Atlantic coastline before reaching the pier, where boats typically depart around 10am (weather permitting).
These boat trips to the Skellig Rocks are among the most mysterious and enchanting attractions in the region.
A visit to the Skellig Islands is not just a trip, but an unforgettable encounter with Ireland’s history, wildlife, and wild Atlantic beauty, and may well be the highlight of your holiday in Kerry.

To book a boat trip, contact Skellig Tours 

To enjoy a great break away and all that the magnificent Kerry coast has to offer see Special Offers