The Skelligs Coast’s Church Island Tour

Discover the Mystical Church Island 1hr Tour 

Step into a world where history and legend intertwine on our exclusive Skellig Boat Tour. Journey to the heart of Valentia Harbour and set foot on the sacred grounds of Church Island, a treasure of the Skellig Coast. This 1-hour tour offers adventurers a rare glimpse into the serene life of 6th-century monks, whose stories of faith and endurance are etched into the very landscape of this historic island.

Tour Notes

  • This tour involves climbing uneven surfaces to access Church Island
  • This tour/boat is wheelchair accessible – If individuals cannot climb the island, the tour can still be enjoyed from the water’s edge while enjoying the comfort onboard ‘The Navigator’.
  • Departs from Knightstown, Valentia Island & Renard Point.
  • Tour last approximately 1 hour 
  • This tour requires sensible footwear.

€50 per adult, €35 per child under 10 (Min. 4 persons for the tour to operate.

**Please be advised that this tour requires sensible footwear**

Things to do in Valentia island
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Why visit Church Island?

Church Island stands as a monument to the monastic lives that inhabited the island. Here, amidst the ruins of their 6th-century monastery, you can feel the pulse of a bygone era, a time when monks and Vikings crossed paths. Only 200 meters from the shores of Beginish Island, the site of a Viking settlement established in the early 8th century.

Immerse yourself in the rich Celtic history as your guide leads you through an experience that transcends time, offering peace and tranquillity reminiscent of the monks’ existence, harmoniously intertwined with the land and sea. As you leave Church Island, let your imagination wander with local myths and folklore, tales of the strange and supernatural that have coloured the narrative of these remote islands for centuries. Decide for yourself: are these stories mere myths, or do they hold a kernel of truth?

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Real Reviews, Real Experiences

  • star ratingHighly recommend,amazing views of Valentia Island and great history background of Valentia given on the tour

    Book your trip and you won’t regret it !

    Geraldine F
    June 5, 2023

    star ratingWe took the Ultimate Skellig tour with Kerry Aqua Terra from Knightstown on Valentia. The crew, Elizabeth and JP were excellent... we really felt so safe heading off out into... read more

    PMB3000
    February 1, 2023

    star ratingI went on the tour last year with 7 friends,It was brillant and going into the caves was the highlight.This year I went with 7 guests from America. They were... read more

    815eilleenh
    July 9, 2022
  • star ratingA boat trip not to be missed when visiting Valentia Island. Elizabeth our tour guide was excellent and was very knowledgeable of all the history attached to the island... read more

    Siobhan S
    May 26, 2019

    star ratingThis is the third time we've used Kerry AquaTerra and every trip has been great. Brendan and Elizabeth are so welcoming and knowledgeable and really passionate about the area and... read more

    jeanmevans13
    June 5, 2023

    star ratingThe whole experience of Valentia Harbour was fabulous and was one of the highlights on our trip to Valentia Island while touring the Wild Atlantic Way. The history of Valentia... read more

    FrankyEM8685
    May 31, 2019
  • star ratingBrilliant ! Themed trip for heritage week about the world famous Maud de Lap , marine biologist and Valentia resident . Loved it , will be back to do other trips

    patricia m
    August 22, 2023

    star ratingFantastic trip to view the Skelligs - absolute must. Great treatment from very knowledgable guides Brendan and Elizabeth - thousands of seabirds, dolphins, and Minke Whale.

    Stephen R
    July 10, 2023

    star ratingWent into a beautiful sea cave. Scenery fab/lots of historical information from our guides Elizabeth and Brendan. Highly recommend it

    MagsCotter
    July 21, 2023
  • star ratingWhat a great tour we had with Pat and son Paul. Visited Beginish and Church Island . Paul gave us history of island while walking around taking his time to... read more

    jackgL4552XH
    August 21, 2019

    star ratingHighly recommend this trip. Fantastic scenery, lovely guide Elizabeth and pilot (JP?). The sea was very choppy with spray and swells but it only added to the whole experience for... read more

    MarshmallowT
    August 9, 2022

    star ratingIt was a fantastic tour. Liz provided a wealth of knowledge and I fell so assured with Brendan driving thr boat. They made my experience of this trip a great.... read more

    535gordono
    July 19, 2022