Skellig Michael Landing Tour Adventure
€140
14 years upwards
Max 12 persons
5 hours
Skellig Michael Landing Adventure
Operates mid-May to the end of September, weather permitting.
Standing within Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara in Kerry, the Skellig Islands holds a raw and powerful presence. Eight miles into the Atlantic rises Skellig Michael, one of the most extraordinary places on earth. This unforgettable tour offers a once-in-lifetime opportunity to land on one of Ireland’s most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites while travelling aboard a modern, fully covered vessel designed for comfort, protection and a smooth Atlantic crossing.
The tour departs from Knightstown Village Marina, Valentia Island, offering breath taking coastal views along the Skellig Coast before reaching Skellig Michael. The approach reveals Small Skellig and its vast seabird colony, a dramatic welcome to this legendary Atlantic outpost in the Skellig islands.
After a guided journey along the Skellig Coast, guests land on the island and begin the ascent of more than 600 steep stone steps carved by monks in the sixth century. A high level of fitness, balance, and confidence is essential for this landing tour. At the summit, an ancient monastic settlement awaits, its beehive huts and stone structures preserved by a thousand years of wind and salt.
The island’s haunting atmosphere has drawn pilgrims and seekers for centuries and more recently became known worldwide as the setting for Luke Skywalker’s refuge in the Star Wars saga. This is not simply a landing, its a boat tour that offers a rare chance to walk in the footsteps of monks, feel the Atlantic all around you, and experience one of Ireland’s most awe-inspiring islands.
Tour Gallery
Tour highlights
Our Skellig Michael boat trips are designed for discovery. Here are the highlights of your skellig landing tour:
Built for the journey
Experience the Atlantic aboard a vessel purpose-built for its waters, where comfort, performance and protection come together.
Wildlife & Marine Encounters
Spot gannets, puffins (seasonal), seals, and possibly dolphins or whales during your boat tour.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Land on a UNESCO World Heritage Site carefully protected for its historical significance.
Ancient Beehive Monastic Huts
Climb more than 600 steep stone steps, the beehive huts and stone structures, offering a glimpse into early monastic life.
Historic Lighthouse Vistas
Admire Skellig Michael’s remote lighthouse from the sea, a striking symbol of Ireland’s maritime history and rugged Atlantic coastline.
Star Wars Filming Location
Experience Skellig Michael, the iconic backdrop for Luke Skywalker’s exile in Star Wars.
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 time to confirm Skellig Michael landing tour arrangements.
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Watch the OPW (Office of Public Works) Skellig Michael Safety Video before travelling, as part of official landing regulations.
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This tour requires a good level of fitness and mobility.
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This voyage takes you 8 miles into the Atlantic, so be ready for open sea conditions during our Skellig Michael cruises.
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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 you book or travel.
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Dress for changing weather conditions on the day of the tour - opt for light and water proof layers.
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Closed gripped footwear is essential for walking and climbing Skellig Michael - no flip-flops / Crocs / open toe shoes open heeled shoes / sandals or wellingtons.
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A packed lunch and water in a backpack.
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Departure may be delayed due to tides, sea conditions, or OPW scheduling. Please remain available until 5:30 PM.
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A digital copy of the booking confirmation is required.
The Scenic Route, Reimagined
Knightstown Village Marina, Valentia Island - Eircode V23 XR88
Frequently Asked Questions
Our covered, premium boat is built for comfort and stability, perfect for Skellig Michael boat tours around the Skellig Islands.
Our highly trained, Fáilte Ireland approved crew brings exceptional professionalism and ensures the highest standards of safety throughout the boat trip experience.
Our crew’s deep knowledge of local biodiversity enriches the journey and reflects our commitment to responsible guiding.
Our modern, custom-built vessel is designed with sustainability in mind, giving a smoother, safer, and more elevated way to reach Skellig Michael. We also offer private tours for those looking for a bespoke experience.
The season typically runs from mid-May to the end of September, weather permitting.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) sets the schedule to protect the island's delicate ecosystem and heritage.
Exact dates may vary annually based on OPW directives and prevailing sea and weather conditions
As of 2025, the OPW has set a minimum age limit due to the steep terrain, physical demands, and safety regulations.
AquaTerra carries children aged 14 and over only, ensuring their comfort and safety during this tour, which travels 8 miles into the open Atlantic.
The OPW strictly regulates access to Skellig Michael to protect its fragile ecosystem and the UNESCO heritage site.
This results in a daily cap of 180 visitors, in accordance with OPW conservation policies.
AquaTerra Skellig Michael boat tours depart from Knightstown Village Marina, Valentia Island, a few minutes drive from Portmagee Marina.
Please ensure your contact information is accurate, including full phone number with country code, so we can reach you with updates about your tour departure.
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow for check-in and briefing.
Address: Knightstown Village Marina, Valentia Island, Eire Code V23 XR88.
The crossing takes approximately 35 to 40 minutes, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the journey and surrounding Skellig scenery.
Guests prone to motion sickness should plan accordingly, as the Skellig Michael landing tour travels 8 miles into the Atlantic.
You will have roughly two and a half hours to explore the island at your own pace.
OPW Officers provide a safety briefing before the climb begins.
There are over 618 stone steps leading to the monastery on Skellig Michael.
In addition to the climb, there is a pathway from the landing area to the base, which requires careful walking over uneven ground.
All visitors are required to watch the OPW Skellig Michael Safety Video before they book and take part in the tour.
Guests must wear sturdy walking boots or shoes with good grip and ankle support, as well as a waterproof jacket and light layers for changing weather.
Fashion trainers, sandals, flip-flops, Crocs, or open-heeled shoes are not permitted.
Bring water, a packed lunch in a backpack, and any necessary personal medication. Toilets are available on the island.
Unfortunately no, as this tour requires a high level of fitness, balance, and mobility.
The climb includes 618 steep, uneven steps without handrails, making it unsuitable for anyone with limited mobility, balance issues, or serious health conditions.
All visitors must watch the OPW Skellig Michael Safety Video in full before participating in any of our landing tours.
Unfortunately, the boat and landing tour is not wheelchair accessible.
The terrain is steep, uneven, and exposed, with no paths suitable for mobility devices.
Drones are not permitted on Skellig Michael.
Photography is allowed, but guests must remain on designated paths and follow OPW rules protecting this sacred and environmentally sensitive site.
No, swimming is strictly prohibited, and guests must remain within designated areas at all times.
These rules have been set by the OPW to protect both visitor safety and the integrity of the island.
The final decision to cancel a tour rests with OPW heritage guides, who assess sea and landing conditions each morning.
Tours may be cancelled at short notice, even shortly before departure or during the boat journey.
You will be notified immediately if updates occur, but the decision is entirely outside our control.
Yes, if your landing tour is cancelled due to weather or OPW directives:
- You will be offered our Ultimate Skellig Coast tour, a round-trip sea experience around the Skellig Islands.
- If the round trip option does not work, a full refund will be issued.
Please ensure your contact information is accurate, including full phone number with country code, so we can reach you about any schedule changes or alternative tours.
Per Person
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Covered vessel offering luxury and comfort on the Atlantic crossing.
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Departs from Knightstown Village Marina, Valentia Island.
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Breathtaking Coastal Views.
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Onboard Toilet Facility.
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