From valentia’s Shores to skelligs
AquaTerra Boat Tours was born from the passion and vision of Brendan Curtin and Elizabeth McCooey, a husband-and-wife team whose love for the sea, history, and the untold stories of Kerry’s coastline inspired them to create unforgettable experiences.
Brendan, a Valentia Island native, grew up immersed in the wild beauty of South Kerry’s Atlantic coast. A former Irish Navy Commissioned Officer, he developed a deep respect for the sea and its rich maritime history, which became the foundation of his dream to share Valentia Island’s untapped wonders with the world. His connection to the sea is personal and profound, with a lifelong passion for exploring and protecting the waters that shaped his upbringing.
Elizabeth ensures that every tour offers an immersive experience. Guests witness stunning landscapes and discover the fascinating layers of history that have shaped the coastline. From the ancient stories of seafaring ancestors to the enduring influence of Kerry’s engineering and maritime culture, Elizabeth brings the past to life, offering a deeper connection to the local communities and the region's historical landmarks.
Brendan and Elizabeth officially launched AquaTerra Boat Tours in 2019. They are driven by a shared passion for offering authentic, personalised, and custom experiences that immerse guests in the breathtaking beauty and rich heritage of Valentia Island and the Skellig Coast.
From the beginning, they have both been committed to authentic regenerative tourism. They ensure that each tour showcases Valentia Island's breathtaking landscapes and contributes to its preservation, restoration, and the well-being of its community. Each experience seamlessly blends luxury, history, and adventure, focusing on lasting positive impacts on the local ecosystems, cultural landmarks, and the local economy.
Unveiling Hidden Histories
Elizabeth and Brendan’s dedication to research has been fundamental in transforming AquaTerra Boat Tours into a series of captivating and immersive experiences. Before the official launch, Elizabeth spent over three years exploring archives at Killarney Library, Trinity College Dublin, and the University of Ireland, Galway, uncovering forgotten stories that enrich every tour. This ongoing research is woven into the stories shared onboard, enhancing guests’ understanding of the region’s rich heritage.
A special part of these stories comes from Brendan’s family, who lived and worked on the lighthouses along the Kerry coast. Their experiences create a personal connection to the maritime past, adding an intimate and authentic layer to the journey.
Due to their dedication, AquaTerra is the only operator in the region to offer multilingual audio guides, ensuring international visitors have an immersive experience. Their collaboration with the Great Lighthouses of Ireland further strengthens the connection between visitors and the region’s maritime heritage, creating an unparalleled storytelling experience that continues to evolve and inspire.
Moments That Stay With You
There’s something almost mythical about a journey with AquaTerra.
Whether it’s a humpback whale breaching in Dingle Bay or the sun dipping into the Atlantic behind the Skelligs, the waters here have a power that stays with you long after the voyage ends. Valentia Island and the Skellig Coast are steeped in history; monks once sought solitude on Sceilg Mhichíl while generations of mariners bravely navigated these wild shores.
Guests can rest assured that their safety and comfort are our top priorities. Aboard ‘Skellig Bounty’ or ‘The Navigator’, guests trace the paths of those who came before, following a coastline shaped by time, where towering cliffs and hidden coves reveal the raw, untamed beauty of the Atlantic.
This is more than a boat tour; it’s a journey through Ireland’s seafaring past. The salty air, the crashing waves, and the shifting light bring history to life, creating an experience that lingers long after you return to shore.
For Brendan and Elizabeth, AquaTerra is more than just a business. It’s a way of life driven by a deep passion for sharing the untamed beauty of South Kerry. As AquaTerra continues to grow, their vision remains unchanged to ensure that every journey brings guests even closer to the heart of this extraordinary, unforgettable place. We invite you to book your journey with us today.
A special part of these stories comes from Brendan’s family, who lived and worked on the lighthouses along the Kerry coast. Their experiences create a personal connection to the maritime past, adding an intimate and authentic layer to the journey.
Due to their dedication, AquaTerra is the only operator in the region to offer multilingual audio guides, ensuring international visitors have an immersive experience. Their collaboration with the Great Lighthouses of Ireland further strengthens the connection between visitors and the region’s maritime heritage, creating an unparalleled storytelling experience that continues to evolve and inspire.
