Everything You Need to Know About Our Boat Tours

Our season typically runs from mid-March to late November for tours within Valentia Harbour, extending into early December weather permitting.

Skellig and Sea Adventures are available from mid-April to late September, or early October, depending on weather conditions.

As a small boat tour provider, the safety and enjoyment of our guests are our top priorities. Therefore, all Aqua Terra Tour Arrangements are weather-dependent. 

We operate only when conditions are safe, ensuring that your experience with us is a memorable adventure when exploring Valentia Island & The Skellig Coast.

While English is the primary language spoken during our tours, we offer language options for specific tours: – 

Our ‘Ultimate Skellig Coast Tour’ provides personal headsets for narration in English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German. These headsets are provided to guests before departure.

Coming Summer 2025:

The ‘Valentia Island Experience’ tour will also feature narration in French, Spanish, Italian, and German, with headsets provided before departure.

Please note that this multilingual option for the ‘Valentia Island Experience’, is exclusively available for privately booked groups or private charters of 4 persons and above.

Due to live commentary throughout, the option for different languages cannot be offered on our scheduled tour.

Our prices and transactions are conducted in euros (€). Pricing is structured as follows:

• Adult Seat: Age 10 and above;
• Children’s Seat: Age 9 and under;
• Infants under 2 years typically join for free.

Please note that all Aqua Terra Tour Arrangements fares are subject to potential changes without prior notice, either due to inflation or adjustments in business operational costs.

For the most accurate pricing details, please refer to the specific tour on our website or contact us directly at +353 (0) 87 922 0544 for further assistance.

We implement age restrictions on certain tours:

1. The Ultimate Skellig Coast Tour and the Wildlife & Eco Cruise are suitable for individuals aged 10 and above.

For safety purposes, children 9 years of age and under are not permitted. We apologise for any inconvenience.

2. The Pirates of Dingle Bay Cruise is designed for those aged 14 and above, featuring historical content and adult humour.

The price listed on our website covers all essential elements, including the booking fee, ticket, reservations, and entrance fee.

While walk-ins are accepted, we highly recommend booking in advance online or by phone, especially during the summer season when availability may be limited.

Please note that for any Aqua Terra Tour Arrangements, bookings can no longer be made via text message or through our social media platforms.

All bookings must be completed online, by phone, or via email.

Bookings can be made conveniently through our website, by phone, or via email.

To reserve your seat, you can reach us at info@kerryaquaterra.ie or call us at +353 (0) 87 922 0544.

A 50% deposit or full payment is required to secure your booking(s).

Please note that failure to submit the required deposit or full payment will result in the cancellation of your booking.

We regret to inform you that we no longer accept enquiries, bookings, or cancellations via text messages or our social media platforms.

All bookings must be completed through our official channels: online, by phone, or via email.

Additionally, please be aware that all Aqua Terra Tour Arrangements are subject to weather conditions.

When booking by phone, we will ask for an email and full name to set up and confirm the booking.

You will receive an email from info@kerryaquaterra.ie with a payment link. Click the link to pay.

To secure the booking, we require full payment or a 50% deposit.

Failure to submit payment will cancel the booking.

Upon payment receipt, you will receive an email confirmation with directions to the meeting point.

All Aqua Terra Tour Arrangements are weather-dependent, please check the forecast or call us at +353 (0) 87 922 0544 for advice.

Click on the “Book Now” tab and choose your desired tour.

Select your number of persons, select the pick-up point, provide accurate details, and agree to the terms and conditions.

Then, click the “Pay/Confirm” button. Enter your email address and proceed with payment.

Full payment is required to secure your booking – failure to complete payment will result in cancellation.

Upon payment confirmation, you’ll receive an email receipt with directions to the meeting point. Please keep this receipt as proof of payment.

All bookings are subject to weather conditions, please check the forecast or call us at +353 (0) 87 922 0544 for further assistance.

We accept cash or credit card payments before boarding.

However, during our busy summer season, same-day availability cannot be guaranteed, so we recommend booking in advance to secure your seat.

Cancellations must be made via email at info@kerryaquaterra.ie or by phone at +353 (0) 87 922 0544.

We do not accept cancellations through Text Message or Whatsapp, or social media platforms (Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, or LinkedIn).

Refunds are only issued for cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled tour date.

Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the tour are non-refundable, including for no-shows or late arrivals.

Please note that our cancellation policy may differ for picnics and food/beverage options; refer to our full terms and conditions for details.

We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule tours at any time for reasons beyond our control. If Aqua Terra cancels any Tour Arrangements due to unsuitable weather or sea conditions, unforeseen circumstances, or safety concerns, you will be notified via email or phone. You are responsible for ensuring the correct contact information has been entered if we need to contact you.

We may be able to offer alternative tour options, however, prioritising passengers and crew safety is of the utmost importance to us.

In such cases, you will receive a full refund, typically processed within 5 to 10 working days. 

We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding of our commitment to safety.

Kindly note that Cruise Ship Excursions and Preferred Business Partner cancellations are subject to different terms and conditions.

Please allow ample time for travel to account for any potential delays due to any possible road works.

To facilitate the pick-up and ensure timely arrival, we strongly suggest pinning the pickup location on Google Maps.

Guests are kindly asked to arrive at their selected pick-up location 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Review the weather forecast the night before your tour for appropriate preparation.

To ensure your comfort during sunny days, we suggest bringing sunscreen, water and snacks, a hat, and sunglasses, particularly for tours near water. During cooler weather, consider bringing a coat, and possibly a rain jacket or umbrella.

For tours involving walking or climbing, comfortable footwear is advised.

We kindly request that the primary booking contact bring either a printed or digital copy of the email confirmation.

**There are no toilet facilities at Renard Point!**

Public Toilets in Cahersiveen

Bridge Street Cahersiveen;

The marina in Cahersiveen;

Fitzpatrick’s Market House and in Supervalu.

Public Toilets in Knightstown, Valentia Island

On the waterfront in Knightstown village opposite The Royal Valentia Hotel.

Public Toilets in Portmagee

Located at the public car park in Portmagee village.

Public Toilets in Waterville 

Located at the public car park on the waterfront opposite The Butler Arms Hotel.

We kindly request guests to review the directions provided the evening before their tour and to pin the location on Google Maps.

This ensures clear direction and allows for time allocation, including any necessary rest stops.

To avoid delays, we ask guests to arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled tour departure time.

Pick up – Knightstown, Valentia Island 

Eircode assistance V23 XR88

Meet at the public marina in Knightstown on the L leg.

Walk past the RNLI (Lifeboat) Station, down the pier/gangway, and onto the top of the public marina.

Please wait at the top of the public marina leg for the guide to complete check-in just before the group is directed to the boat.

Pick up – Renard Point

Eircode assistance V23 HK06

Meet at the public ferry slipway.

Please wait on the pier wall and remain away from the busy slipway while the Aqua Terra boat is secured alongside. The guide will complete check-in just before the group is directed to the boat.

Please ensure to stay clear of oncoming ferry traffic on the public slipway.

Pick up – Cahersiveen Pier

Drive into Cahersiveen town, passing Fitzpatrick’s The Market House shop/gas station on the left.

Take the next road on the right, which is Bridge Street. Continue along this road until you reach The Old Barracks building (the white and black building will be on the right).

At The Old Barracks, take the road on the left, which is Quay Street. Follow this road until you see the sign for the Marina and turn right.

Please wait on the public pier wall while the Aqua Terra boat is secured alongside. The guide will complete check-in just before the group is directed to the boat.

We kindly request guests to arrive 30 minutes before their tour departure time to avoid any delays.

For convenient parking when visiting Aqua Terra, we recommend the following public options:

Knightstown Parking

Public parking at the harbour is limited.

We suggest utilising the free public parking spaces scattered around the centre of Knightstown village.

Additional free parking spaces are available near the Church on the seafront. Please allocate extra time for parking on busy days to avoid any delays.

Renard Point Parking

Parking at Renard Point is limited.

We advise parking along the main roadside across from Kerry Fish / Quinlan’s Fish Factory.

Please note that the car park at O’Neills, the Point Seafood Bar, is designated for patrons only. Please allocate extra time for parking on busy days to avoid any delays.

Cahersiveen Pier Parking

There is ample free public parking available at Cahersiveen Pier and the marina area.

Please note that Aqua Terra is not liable for any loss or damage to property or vehicles parked at the above public locations.

We kindly request all guests to arrive at the tour meeting point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

If you anticipate being late or need assistance finding the meeting point, please do not hesitate to call us at +353 (0) 87 922 0544 or refer to the information provided in the tour meeting point section.

During our peak season, we operate multiple tours throughout the day and cannot accommodate late arrivals due to time constraints and other scheduled bookings.

Please be reminded that late arrivals and no-shows are non-refundable, as stated in our booking conditions.

This policy applies to all tour participants or groups who fail to arrive or arrive after the scheduled departure time for any Aqua Terra Tour Arrangements.

At Aqua Terra Boat Tours, we prioritise. Therefore, we reserve the right to cancel or reschedule tours at our discretion, even at short notice, due to factors such as weather changes, safety concerns, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.

Ensuring your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities, especially during adverse weather conditions.

For Tour Arrangements on ‘The Navigator’:

• Tours will proceed in light drizzles, but cancellations depend on factors like heavy rain, strong winds, dangerous sea conditions, or unclear sky viewing.
• In extreme weather, tours may be relocated to our enclosed boat, if possible. However, rescheduling or cancellation may be necessary.

We will contact you in advance on such occasions, so please ensure your contact details are up to date when booking.

For Tours Arrangements on the ‘Skellig Bounty’:

• As conditions can vary significantly outside the Harbour, our skipper may cancel a tour if weather or sea conditions are deemed unsafe.
• In such cases, your tour will be rescheduled or cancelled. If weather allows alternative tour options within Valentia Harbour can be provided upon request.

Your safety is paramount, and we appreciate your understanding in these circumstances.

At Aqua Terra Boat Tours, we strive to accommodate all guests, including those with reduced mobility or wheelchair users. 

‘The Navigator’ is our wheelchair-accessible vessel, designed to ensure comfort and ease for guests with restricted mobility or wheelchair users.

Our crew assists with special ramps for boarding, prioritising your comfort and safety.

For any specific requirements or inquiries, please get in touch with us directly. We’re happy to discuss your needs and make the necessary arrangements.

To ensure a seamless experience, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance if you require mobility or wheelchair ramps for your tour.

Please note that while we provide accessibility options, guests are responsible for propelling their chairs during the tour. Our guides and crew are unable to assist with this aspect.

Your comfort and enjoyment are important to us, and we’re committed to providing an inclusive experience for all our guests.

At Aqua Terra Boat Tours, safety is our priority, and we adhere to maritime regulations to ensure the well-being of our guests.

Kerry Aqua Terra Ltd. (Aqua Terra, Boat Tours) is fully licensed by the Irish Maritime Administration (IMA) and the Department of Transport, certifying us as a safety-compliant boat tour operator.

Under maritime law, life jackets are stored onboard each of our boats to provide one for every individual in case of an emergency.

While life jackets are not worn during some of our tour arrangements due to the safety features of the boat, including safety railings over 1.5m in height, they are readily accessible in case of need.

Onboard “The Navigator,” life jackets are available for all 12 passengers and two crew members.

Similarly, on the “Skellig Bounty,” which ventures offshore, life jackets are available for all 12 passengers and two crew along with a liferaft.

We prioritise the safety and security of our guests and crew.

For tours within Valentia Harbour, motion sickness is unlikely due to the sheltered waters and minimal boat motion.

However, if you’re prone to motion sickness in cars or have experienced it before, we recommend preparing for your trip to the Skelligs or the Wildlife Eco Cruise.

Visit a pharmacy beforehand to discuss the best options for managing motion sickness tailored to your needs and preferences. This proactive approach ensures you can fully enjoy your Aqua Terra Tour Arrangement without discomfort.

While our tours offer fantastic opportunities to spot wildlife like whales, dolphins, seals, and birds, please understand that nature can be unpredictable.

Wildlife sightings are subject to the animal’s natural behaviour and environmental factors, so we cannot guarantee sightings on every tour.

Rest assured, our experienced crew and skipper will make every effort to maximise your chances of spotting wildlife during your trip.

We uphold a policy of respect and non-interference with wildlife, allowing them to approach us naturally. This means no chasing, feeding, or swimming with animals, and maintaining a safe distance at all times.

Please note that refunds are not provided for tours without wildlife sightings, as this is beyond our control. Nonetheless, your Aqua Terra experience promises unforgettable moments amid the stunning scenery of Valentia Island and the Skellig Coast.

Our staff are fully trained in Stay Safe COVID-19 Awareness protocols and continue to stay updated with the latest guidance from the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Gov.ie to implement recommended measures.

Your well-being is paramount, and we are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience as you explore the beauty of Valentia Island and the Skellig Coast with us.