Skellig Michael Landing Adventure
€140
14 years upwards
Max 12 persons
5 hours
Skellig Michael Landing Adventure
Operates mid-May to the end of September, weather permitting.
A basic level of English is needed to follow safety instructions and landing guidelines.
Eight miles into the Atlantic rises Skellig Michael, one of the most extraordinary places on earth. Guests join a shared experience aboard a covered, premium vessel, travelling in comfort to this UNESCO World Heritage Site shaped by solitude, endurance and elemental beauty.
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. At the summit, an ancient monastic settlement awaits, its beehive huts and stone structures preserved by a thousand years of wind and salt.
Standing within Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara in Kerry, Skellig Michael holds a raw and powerful presence. The approach reveals Small Skellig and its vast seabird colony, a dramatic welcome to this legendary Atlantic outpost. 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. It is a rare chance to walk in the footsteps of monks, to feel the Atlantic all around you, and to experience one of Ireland’s most awe inspiring places.
Reserve your place with AquaTerra for this rare experience.
Tour Gallery
Tour highlights
Ancient Beehive Monastic Huts
A purpose-built, luxury covered vessel offering a smooth and comfortable passage in all weather.
Challenging Ascent, Breathtaking Reward
Climb over 600 steep stone steps and witness views few ever experience.
Exclusive Multilingual Audio Guide
Discover preserved stone dwellings that have stood for over a thousand years.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Climb over 600 steps and explore Skellig Michael, where early monks craved out a life of sacred isolation.
Wildlife & Marine Encounters
Spot gannets, puffins (seasonal), seals and possibly dolphins or whales.
Historic Lighthouse Vistas
Admire Sceilig Mhichíl remote lighthouse from the sea, a striking symbol of Ireland’s maritime past.
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 so we can confirm landing 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.
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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.
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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 was built for this journey, offering comfort and stability in all conditions.
Our highly trained, Fáilte Ireland approved crew brings exceptional professionalism and ensures the highest standards of safety throughout the experience.
Our crews deep knowledge of local biodiversity enriches the journey and reflects our commitment to responsible guiding.
Our modern custom built vessel designed with sustainability in mind shows our respect for these waters, giving you a smoother, safer and more elevated way to reach Skellig Michael.
The Skellig Michael landing tour season typically runs from mid-May to the end of September, weather permitting.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) sets the schedule to ensure the perseveration of the island's delicate ecosystem and heritage.
Please not that exact dates may vary annually based on OPW directives and prevailing sea and weather conditions.
As of 2025, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has set a minimum age limit for the island due to the steep terrain, the physical demands of the landing, and their own health and safety regulations.
As this tour travels 8 miles into the open Atlantic, AquaTerra carries children aged 14 and over only, to ensure their comfort and safety.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) strictly regulates access to Skellig Michael (Sceilig Mhichíl) to protect its fragile ecosystem and heritage.
Each of the 15 licensed boats is permitted to land only once per day, carrying a maximum of 12 passengers.
This results in a daily cap of 180 visitors, in accordance with OPW conservation policies.
AquaTerra's Skellig Michael landing tours will depart from Knightstown village marina, Valentia Island.
You are responsible for providing accurate and correct contact information when booking.
AquaTerra Boat Tours will not be held accountable for any missed communication, schedule changes, or updates if we are unable to reach you due to incorrect or incomplete contact details.
Please ensure you include your county code with your phone number.
You MUST arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time to allow for check-in and briefing.
Address - Knightstown Village Marina, Valentia Island, Eire Code V23 XR88.
The crossing takes about 35–40 minutes, depending on sea conditions.
As the tour goes 8 miles out into the Atlantic, guests prone to motion sickness should consider this before travelling.
You will have approximately two and a half hours on Skellig Michael to explore the island at your own pace.
OPW Officers will provide a safety briefing before the climb begins.
There are 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 of the ascent, which also requires careful walking over uneven ground.
In line with OPW safety rules and guidelines, all 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 conditions.
Fashion trainers, wellingtons, sandals, flip-flops, open toe or open heeled shoes, Crocs, and long flowing garments are not permitted.
Guests should also bring water, a packed lunch in a backpack and any necessary personal medication.
There are toilets on the island.
No. 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 guests are required to watch the OPW Skellig Michael Safety Video in full before taking part.
Unfortunately, the boat and the Skellig Michael 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 adhere to the OPW’s rules that protect this sacred and environmentally sensitive site.
No. Swimming is strictly prohibited, and guests must remain within the designated areas at all times.
The OPW enforces these rules to protect visitor safety and the integrity of the site.
The final decision to cancel a landing tour rests with the OPW heritage guides on Skellig Michael, who assess sea and landing conditions each morning. A tour will not be cancelled unless they are sure it cannot proceed safely.
This decision may be made at short notice, including shortly before departure or even during the boat journey. We will notify you immediately if we receive any updates; however, the decision is entirely outside our control and can occur at any time.
The Office of Public Works establishes these rules to safeguard the safety of all visitors and maintain the integrity of the island.
You are responsible for providing accurate and correct contact information when booking. AquaTerra Boat Tours will not be held accountable for any missed communication, schedule changes, or updates if we are unable to reach you due to incorrect or incomplete contact details. Please ensure you include your county code with your phone number.
Yes. If your landing tour is cancelled due to weather or at the discretion of the OPW:
- You will be offered our Ultimate Skellig Coast Tour, a sea round-trip around the Skellig Islands.
- If that is unavailable, our Valentia Island Experience Tour will be offered.
- If neither is suitable, a full refund will be issued.
You are responsible for providing accurate and correct contact information when booking. AquaTerra Boat Tours will not be held accountable for any missed communication, schedule changes, or updates if we are unable to reach you due to incorrect or incomplete contact details. Please ensure you include your county code with your phone number.
Per Person
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The only covered vessel offering luxury and comfort on the Skelligs 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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