The Valentia Island Tour Experience
€60
2 years upwards
Max 12 persons
1.5 hours
The Valentia Island Experience
Set sail on a shared experience with fellow guests and enjoy a Valentia Island tour from the water. This journey offers a welcoming and atmospheric introduction to one of Ireland’s most remarkable places along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Gliding across the sheltered waters of Valentia Harbour, guests discover a coastline shaped by centuries of stories. Once a Viking stronghold and a haven for monks seeking solitude, these waters later carried the world’s first successful transatlantic telegraph cable, linking Europe and North America and transforming global communication.
As the tour continues, cliffs rise from the sea and quiet coves reveal hints of the island’s layered past. Wildlife brings the journey to life with a resident seal colony resting on sun warmed rocks, gannets diving with effortless precision and dolphins often appearing near the harbour entrance. In the right season, a basking shark may drift silently beneath the surface, a gentle presence in these waters.
Designed as a comfortable and engaging experience for all, this scheduled afternoon tour allows guests to relax and take in Valentia’s timeless beauty at a gentle pace. It is a shared journey through heritage, wildlife and coastal character, an ideal way to discover the spirit of Valentia Island from the sea.
In Preparation For the Tour
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Ensure contact details, including email and full phone number with country code, are correct.
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Guests must be reachable up to 72 hours before departure should we need to contact you.
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Guests are advised to allow extra travel time for delays.
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Arrive 30 minutes before departure.
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It is recommended to check the weather forecast the night before.
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Dress for changing weather conditions on the day of the tour - opt for light layers.
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Closed footwear is essential on the boat - no flip-flops / Crocs / open shoes.
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Bring a small water bottle.
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A digital copy of the booking confirmation is required.
Tour Highlights
Adventure awaits
Experience the freedom of the Atlantic aboard our luxury vessel, where every detail is designed for comfort and discovery.
Spectacular Coastal Scenery
Admire Kerry’s rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, and hidden coves from the water.
Wildlife Encounters
Spot seals basking, cormorants diving, oystercatchers wading, and gulls soaring.
Local Expertise
Our crew are more than guides; they bring Valentia’s history, legends, and seafaring heritage to life.
Sea Caves & Rock Formations
Explore hidden caves and towering rock formations sculpted by the Atlantic.
Iconic Lighthouse
One of Ireland’s oldest lights, this beacon has guided vessels through the Atlantic since 1841.
Moments Worth Mooring For
Knightstown Village Marina, Valentia Island - Eircode V23 XR88
Per Person
€60
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Departs from Knightstown Marina, Valentia Island.
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Timeless Stories, Expertly Told.
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Breathtaking Coastal Views.
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Harbour Life & Seabirds.
Hear from Our Happy Adventurers
EXCELLENT Based on 170 reviews Posted on Google Malcolm WeeksTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service, very friendly crew that are extremely knowledgeable and professional!Posted on Google Jennie McManusTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Skellig Landing was the most incredible experience - we loved touring around the islands, exploring the monastery and seeing puffins and gannets up close. Elizabeth and Brendan were wonderful guides and made us feel very safe as they expertly navigated the choppy waters. They also provided some great stories and recommendations of local highlights. The boat was very comfortable, warm and dry, which was a huge bonus considering most of the other boats we saw were open and the passengers got soaked. I couldn't recommend this tour more - it was the trip of a lifetime!Posted on Google Nick & KarenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent experience, we were very fortunate to have blue skies and great weather. Brendan and Elizabeth were fantastic hosts and very knowledgeable. The boat was more than capable and extremely comfortable. The audio guide was filled with information which added to the experience. Now the views - WOW - photos don't do the island justice. Must see experience. Thanks to AquaTerra for your care and expertise.Posted on Google Hanna HTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Skellig Michael Landing Tour was an absolute highlight of our holiday!!! Elizabeth and Brendan were absolutely fantastic. They gave us lots of information, were very helpful and took us safely to the island and back. Unfortunately, our first tour booking had to be cancelled due to the weather. However, we were immediately offered alternatives or a refund. Communication was straightforward and easy, so we were able to enjoy our tour two days later in beautiful sunny weather. We would book the tour again anytime ☀️Posted on Google Aileen MaherTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A fabulous day out. Brendan and Elizabeth were so engaging with their history and stories. They made sure everyone on the boat had a great experience. I would highly recommend it. AileenPosted on Google Nuala RiordanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We couldn’t have wished for better weather. The boat was gorgeous and we were well looked after by Elizabeth and Brendan. Lots of info and no prob stopping to spot Dolphins, Whales and seals along the way. Highly recommend.Posted on Google Anneke HeldermanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastische ervaring. Met vriendelijke en geduldige bemanningPosted on Google Kate R (SN2016)Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend using Aquaterra boat tours for your trip to view Skellig island. Elizabeth and Brendan are great guides, providing an audio listening device for in-depth story telling and also sharing lots of information along the route. They take safety very seriously which I appreciated. Great value at an affordable price! We saw 4 seals, a couple of puffins, many Gannets and several razorbills.Posted on Google Niamh O'SullivanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We did the 1.5 hour harbour boat trip and it was great. The guide, is as entertaining as she is knowledgable and there is a great boat pilot. The boat is immaculately clean and very comfortable. We saw some beautiful scenery and seals. We were lucky to go into an amazing cave. Really good value and we will most definitely be back!Posted on Google Nicolas SchuthTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had so much fun on our first tour – we booked again for the next day!