Where Adventure Meets Regeneration
AquaTerra Boat Tours was founded with a bold vision to redefine marine tourism in South Kerry. Combining authentic experiences with sustainability, it has become a leader in eco-conscious marine adventures, seamlessly blending heritage, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
More than just exploration, every journey with AquaTerra protects Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ireland’s only marine park, and the SKellig Coastline.
By integrating eco-conscious practices and innovative marine tourism, AquaTerra ensures these waters are not only admired but actively safeguarded for generations to come.
AquaTerra Boat Tours is setting a new standard in responsible tourism that values conservation, cultural heritage, and community impact.
Global Sustainability Initiatives & Destination Stewardship
AquaTerra Boat Tours is proud to be part of County Kerry, Ireland’s #1 Sustainable Tourism Destination, ranked #19 globally in the 2024 Global Destination Sustainability Index.
As Kerry leads in environmental protection and sustainable tourism, AquaTerra champions regenerative tourism, ensuring the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage continues to thrive.
Innovation with Purpose
AquaTerra is leading the way in eco-conscious boating, with vessels designed to minimise environmental impact while ensuring a world-class marine experience.
The Skellig Bounty is Ireland’s first vessel built under marine survey with a dedicated sustainability plan, setting new standards for the responsible exploration of the Skellig Coast.
The Navigator, our custom-built wheelchair-accessible boat, ensures that everyone can experience the beauty of Valentia Harbour with comfort and ease.
By integrating greener technologies, AquaTerra continues to advance sustainable marine tourism, protecting the waters of Valentia Island, the Skellig Coast and Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara for future generations.
Aligning with Global Sustainability Goals
AquaTerra Boat Tours is committed to responsible tourism that actively supports environmental conservation, community well-being, and sustainable development. Our approach aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that every journey contributes to a healthier marine environment and a thriving local economy.
From reducing emissions and promoting accessibility to protecting marine biodiversity and fostering responsible tourism, AquaTerra sets a new standard for sustainability in marine tourism. Through ongoing innovation and strategic partnerships, we continue to advance initiatives that enhance Kerry’s Wild Atlantic Way while safeguarding its future.
For more details on AquaTerra’s environmental and responsible tourism initiatives, contact us at info@kerryaquaterra.ie.
Driving Sustainable Tourism Through Collaboration
AquaTerra Boat Tours believes that meaningful collaboration is key to sustainable tourism. By working with local businesses, tourism organisations, and sustainability initiatives, we contribute to a more responsible and resilient tourism industry in South Kerry.
Through these partnerships, we create exceptional visitor experiences while supporting environmental conservation and community well-being, ensuring that tourism benefits both people and place.
Current Partnerships Driving Sustainability
Fáilte Ireland’s Climate Action Programme
AquaTerra is proud to be part of Fáilte Ireland’s Climate Action Programme, supporting the transition towards a more sustainable tourism industry. This initiative helps businesses implement responsible practices that reduce emissions, conserve resources, and protect Ireland’s coastal environment.
By taking proactive steps in marine conservation and sustainability, AquaTerra ensures that these waters remain thriving, unspoiled, and protected for years to come.
DIBEST – Sustainable Solutions for Tourism Microenterprises
AquaTerra is proud to participate in DIBEST (Digital Innovation for Blue Enterprises & Social Tourism), an international initiative supporting tourism microenterprises in coastal regions.
Through this collaboration, AquaTerra is enhancing digital innovation, visitor engagement, and sustainable tourism practices, contributing to a broader effort to strengthen coastal communities' economic and environmental resilience.
Global Partnerships: Collaborating with International Cruise Companies
AquaTerra partners with international cruise operators to provide authentic, immersive shore excursions along the Skellig Coast. These experiences offer guests exclusive access to Valentia Island’s maritime heritage, dramatic landscapes, and rich cultural stories, with select trips extending from Dingle to Valentia.
By working closely with cruise companies, AquaTerra ensures that every tour aligns with sustainable tourism principles, supporting local communities while minimising environmental impact. Through small-group, high-quality experiences, we create meaningful connections between global travellers and Ireland’s Atlantic coastline.
Great Lighthouses of Ireland – Preserving Maritime Heritage
AquaTerra is the only active tour provider in Kerry partnered with Great Lighthouses of Ireland, a collective dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of Ireland’s iconic coastal beacons.
Through this collaboration, AquaTerra integrates the maritime history of the Skelligs, Cromwell Point, and Inishtearaght Lighthouse into its tours, amplifying awareness of Ireland’s lighthouse heritage while promoting responsible tourism.
By supporting the legacy of these historic sites, AquaTerra ensures that their cultural and environmental significance remains part of Ireland’s coastal identity.
Kerry Tourism Industry Federation Collaboration
AquaTerra is proud to support the Kerry Tourism Industry Federation (KTIF), which advocates for sustainable tourism at both the county and national levels.
As a KTIF’s Sustainability Subcommittee member, Elizabeth contributes to initiatives that position Kerry as a leader in responsible and regenerative tourism, ensuring the region’s environmental and cultural heritage is safeguarded.
AquaTerra is also actively involved in Discover Kerry and the Skellig Coast Tourism Group, supporting efforts to showcase the region’s maritime heritage and unique coastal experiences. AquaTerra helps strengthen Kerry’s reputation as a world-class sustainable destination through this collaboration.
Completed Initiatives & Lasting Impact
Island Sustainable Tourism Action through Resilient SMEs
AquaTerra participated in the I-STARS project, an EU co-funded initiative supporting island-based tourism businesses in their transition to sustainability and resilience. AquaTerra gained valuable expertise in energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, and stakeholder engagement through this programme, strengthening its environmental commitments.
By integrating key learnings from I-STARS, AquaTerra continues to enhance sustainability efforts, ensuring responsible tourism practices that benefit both the environment and island communities.
Recognition in Sustainability & Tourism Excellence
In May 2025, Aqua Terra was recognised at the Villa Maria Women of Vision Awards, where co-founder Elizabeth McCooey received the Environmental Steward accolade. Judges described the business as a champion of responsible tourism and marine conservation, setting the standard for climate-conscious travel rooted in community.
AquaTerra has been recognised for its leadership in sustainable tourism, earning industry accolades highlighting its commitment to environmental responsibility and regenerative tourism.
In 2024, AquaTerra was a finalist in the Chambers Ireland Sustainable Business Impact Awards and was shortlisted for the Sustainable Family Business of the Year Awards, reinforcing its role as a pioneer in responsible marine tourism.
These recognitions reflect AquaTerra’s dedication to eco-conscious initiatives, coastal conservation, and sustainable business practices.
AquaTerra: Shaping the Future of Regenerative & Sustainable Tourism
AquaTerra is redefining marine tourism, not just by minimising impact but by actively regenerating the natural and cultural landscapes of Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí, Valentia Island and the Skellig Coast. Every journey contributes to marine conservation, lower-emission travel, and responsible tourism, ensuring that tourism is a force for restoration and sustainability.
AquaTerra is shaping a future where the sea is explored, protected, and celebrated through innovation, collaboration, and a deep commitment to responsible travel. Guided by the Leave No Trace principles, we ensure that every journey respects the natural environment, minimises impact, and fosters a greater appreciation for Ireland’s coastal heritage.
Driving Sustainability & Innovation
Sustainability is an ongoing journey, and AquaTerra continues to research and adopt the best environmental practices to enhance its marine operations.
AquaTerra ensures that every decision supports the long-term protection of Ireland’s coastal waters by staying at the forefront of sustainable tourism. The company is committed to advancing sustainable tourism best practices and environmental certifications, supporting conservation initiatives that protect biodiversity, and fostering responsible visitor engagement to safeguard Kerry’s coastal beauty.
Tourism That Learns and Leads
As part of AquaTerra’s commitment to leading in regenerative tourism, Elizabeth completed a Regenerative Tourism module at Level 9 with Munster Technological University during Autumn/Spring 2025. The course explored how tourism can actively support healthy ecosystems, vibrant communities, and long term sustainability.
The insights gained have been embedded across the business, shaping how AquaTerra designs its experiences, collaborates locally, and plans for lasting impact. This training has reinforced Aqua Terra’s role as a forward-thinking operator creating meaningful change along the Skellig Coast.
Biodiversity Means Business
As part of AquaTerra’s drive to lead with environmental integrity, Elizabeth completed the Biodiversity Leaders Programme through the Skillnet Climate Ready Academy in Spring 2025. This science-based course explored how businesses can protect and enhance biodiversity while building long term resilience.
Biodiversity plays a central role in how AquaTerra operates, shaping decision-making, guiding responsible practices, and influencing how we care for the marine and coastal environments we rely on. It’s not an add-on. It’s a core value woven into everything we do.
Protecting What Matters
AquaTerra isn’t just preserving Kerry’s marine heritage, it’s shaping a sustainable future. By leading industry change, strengthening partnerships, and championing responsible tourism, AquaTerra ensures that its impact extends far beyond today.
As a National Tour Guide-accredited business, AquaTerra is dedicated to delivering immersive, knowledge-driven experiences that connect visitors with the region’s rich maritime history and delicate ecosystems. Through expert storytelling and education, every journey fosters a deeper appreciation for the land, sea, and heritage of South Kerry.
For more details on AquaTerra’s environmental and responsible tourism initiatives, contact us at info@kerryaquaterra.ie.
