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.