Marine Wildlife Tour: Your Marine National Park Cruise

Per Person

€75

Age

10 years upwards

Group Size

Max 12 persons

Duration

2.5 hours

Marine Wildlife Eco Cruise

Marine Wildlife Tour - Eco Cruise Experience

Dates for our special marine park wildlife tour will be released throughout the season, in line with weather and sea conditions.

Dates for this shared Marine Wildlife Tour are released throughout the season and scheduled in line with weather and sea conditions to ensure a safe and rewarding journey.

Embark on a guided marine wildlife tour through Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ireland’s Marine National Park, a protected seascape where marine wildlife thrives in open Atlantic water. Departing from Knightstown on Valentia Island, the route follows the coastline past Valentia Island Lighthouse before continuing towards the Fogher Cliffs beneath Geokaun Mountain.

As the boats travel along the Skellig Coast, the caves and inlets of Doulas Head come into view, shaped by centuries of Atlantic weather. The surrounding bay supports abundant marine life, with regular dolphin encounters and occasional whale sightings adding an element of anticipation to every voyage. This protected marine national park allows guests to explore marine environments responsibly while observing wildlife in its natural setting.

The experience takes place aboard the Skellig Bounty, one of Ireland’s first sustainable boats designed for small-group wildlife tours. Each sailing is carefully planned, with timings confirmed in advance by the captain to suit sea conditions, ensuring comfort, safety, and a meaningful connection with the marine environment throughout the journey.

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Marine Tours Through Ireland’s Marine National Park

Experience one of Ireland’s most distinctive marine tours as you travel through Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, a protected marine national park along the Skellig Coast. These eco tours are designed to balance meaningful adventures with conservation, allowing guests to explore marine environments while respecting wildlife and habitat.

Wildlife Tours Ireland: Coastal Adventures by Sea

This journey forms part of a select range of wildlife tours Ireland is known for, offering shared adventures aboard purpose-built boats operating in open Atlantic water. Travelling in small groups allows for flexible routes across the bay, creating varied adventures shaped by sea conditions, visibility, and wildlife activity.

Wildlife Tours by Boat in Ireland’s Marine National Park

All adventures take place aboard the Skellig Bounty, one of Ireland’s first sustainable boats dedicated to marine wildlife experiences. Designed for comfort and stability, these boats support responsible wildlife observation while navigating bays, cliffs, and offshore waters safely and efficiently.

Marine Park Wildlife

Marine Wildlife Tour Gallery

manx shearwaters at Marine Park Wildlife Tour

Marine Park Wildlife

Marine Park Wildlife Tour Highlights

co-Focused Skellig Bounty

Travel aboard one of Ireland’s first sustainable boats, purpose-built for marine wildlife experiences. Designed for stability and comfort, the Skellig Bounty supports responsible adventures at sea while minimising impact on marine habitats.

Ireland’s Marine National Park

Explore Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ireland’s Marine National Park, a protected bay where rich marine wildlife and seabird populations thrive. This marine tour offers a rare opportunity to experience a nationally protected seascape from the water.

Breathtaking Cliffs

Sail beneath towering cliffs and rugged headlands along the Skellig Coast, where exposed rock faces meet open Atlantic water. These coastal adventures reveal landscapes shaped by wind, tide, and time.

Secluded Coves and Inlets

Navigate into quiet coves and natural inlets carved into the coastline over centuries. These sheltered areas within the bay offer a different perspective on Ireland’s marine environment and island tours by sea.

Wildlife Encounters

Observe marine wildlife in its natural setting, from seabirds above to dolphin activity in the surrounding water. Occasional dolphin watching moments and seasonal movements make every journey unique.

Skellig Coast Biodiversity

This stretch of coast supports one of Ireland’s most diverse marine ecosystems. The combination of cliffs, bays, and offshore waters creates ideal conditions for marine life and ongoing wildlife adventures.

Marine Adventures at Sea

In Preparation for the Tour

To ensure smooth and enjoyable adventures marine-side, please review the following guidance before departure. These shared adventures take place aboard purpose-built boats operating in open Atlantic conditions, so preparation helps ensure comfort and safety for everyone on board.

Ensure your booking and contact details are correct prior to travel.
Guests are advised to allow extra travel time to reach the departure point on Valentia Island.
Please arrive at least 30 minutes before departure for boarding and safety checks.
It is recommended to check the weather forecast the evening before your scheduled adventure.
Dress appropriately for conditions on the water, including warm and waterproof layers.
Comfortable footwear is essential when moving around the boat during the tour.
Bring a small water bottle for the duration of the journey.
A digital copy of your booking confirmation is required on arrival.

These adventures operate as part of a shared marine experience, similar in planning and safety standards to a dingle boat excursion, with routes and timings adjusted to suit sea conditions within the bay.

Where Nature Meets the Sea

Marine Park Wildlife Tour Map

The Marine Park Wildlife Tour departs from Knightstown on Valentia Island, a sheltered harbour ideally positioned for safe access to the surrounding bay and open Atlantic waters. This departure point allows boats to reach Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara efficiently while adapting routes to daily sea conditions.

The location also makes this experience easy to combine with other coastal adventures, whether you are planning a longer stay on the island or joining a wider Ireland boat tour along the Wild Atlantic Way. Guests interested in exploring the area further can also pair this experience with a Valentia Island tour to discover the island’s landscape, history, and viewpoints on land.

From this starting point, adventures unfold across a dynamic stretch of coastline within Ireland’s Marine National Park. Routes may vary depending on conditions in the bay, wildlife movement, and visibility, ensuring each outing offers a slightly different perspective on the marine environment.

These final adventures complete the journey where nature meets the sea, bringing together wildlife, coastline, and conservation in one carefully managed marine experience.

Seal spotted during AquaTerra's Wildlife Tour

Per Person

€75

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Departs from Knightstown, Valentia Island.
Breathtaking Coastal Views.
Expert Local Crew.
Onboard toilet facility.

Testimonials

Hear from Our Happy Adventurers

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 263 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Brad S. 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an outstanding day with AquaTerra on our trip to Skellig Michael. Brendan and Elizabeth were professional, welcoming, and clearly knew exactly what they were doing. Their vessel, the Skellig Bounty, was a huge plus for us too.

You’re seated comfortably and securely, and the design of the boat keeps you dry and protected from the elements, which we especially appreciated given the sea state that day. We saw other boats heading out with passengers sitting exposed on deck in big rubber raincoats, so the comfort of the Skellig Bounty really stood out. Even with fairly lively conditions the ride felt comfortable and safe throughout, and we always felt like we were in very capable hands.

What really stood out was how helpful they were beyond the tour itself. Elizabeth gave us several genuinely useful local recommendations, including a great seafood spot and very specific advice about getting there before opening because of the queue. We followed her advice almost to the minute, had an excellent dinner, and watched the line grow enormous behind us.

A fantastic experience from start to finish and one of the highlights of our nearly two weeks in Ireland. We would happily book with them again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lewis Telschow 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We traveled with AquaTerra Boat Tours on Sept. 13th.
List of why we were so glad we went with AquaTerra Boat Tours, Kerry:
-Covered Cabin: other boats were open air but we were dry and comfortable.
-front facing seats: they were comfortable and had seat belts. This made riding the waves much more comfortable. When the boats comes down from a wave crest, you want a good chair for the landing.
-Modern Boat and well maintained
-great open air deck: we made several photography stops and having the back area to sit or hold onto some handles for taking pics was fantastic. Also Elizabeth made sure to cover safety precautions while out there and watched over us. Also if anyone felt seasick we could head back for fresh air.
Final thoughts:
Elizabeth and Brendan were lovely. Attentive to people with sea sickness. Maintained good airflow in cabin. Communicative with conditions and landing. Made sure to stop for some wonderful wild life photography. We saw some dolphins!
Landing is always depending on weather and waters but AquaTerra had enough experience to give a good estimate on our chances.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   David Adamson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Brendan & Elizabeth offer gold standard boat trips. I've sampled two already - Inishteraght & Skellig Michael Landing both of which were exceptional experiences in terms of booking and follow up communications, quality and comfort of boat, island history and commentary as you journey, etc. This is a really professional outfit that can bring you right to the westernmost point and edge of Europe and let you experience the isolation yet beauty of these places. If you love lighthouses, then you are in for a treat. Check out these not to be missed trips with Aquaterra Boat Tours.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Catherine Littleton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I went on the boat ride and adventure on Skellig Michael with my son. We are from Connecticut, USA.
It was such an amazing trip! Our team was Brendan and Elizabeth. They were both so enjoyable and caring. Always asking if we were alright and please don’t hesitate if you were feeling “Ick”. So compassionate.
They explained all the safety rules so simply and enjoyably if that’s possible.
It truly was a lifetime experience and they made it even better.
Thank you so much for an amazing adventure!!
Cathy and Paul Littleton
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tilly Campbell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great trip out to Skellig Michael with Brendan and Elizabeth! They were great guides, giving us lots of information about the islands and the surrounding areas, as well as some great local recommendations. We felt very safe and comfortable on their boat, despite the weather making it a bit bumpy. We were very grateful that their boat has a cover!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Warren Grenagh 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A wonderful modern boat and exceptional care. Brendan and Elizabeth took great care of us on our journey in their gorgeous boat. We had a wonderful day and were blessed with fine sunny weather. Skellig Michael is amazing. Wouldn’t thoroughly recommend
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sean Sugrue 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. WOW….I would highly recommend Aqua Terra Tours. Firstly the boat is fabulous, clean with modern comfy seats and it’s fully closed in. The life jackets are slimline so easy to put on and take off. Brendan and Elizabeth are brilliant hosts and gave us a perfect day out. An easy 5/5. Will definitely be back. Thanks guys :-)
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Paul Moran 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic service provided by Elizabeth and Brendan. Great boat that is both comfortable, dry and fast to get you out and back quickly for those who are not great at sea. Highly recommend using these guys for your trip.