Q: What Activities Are Seasonal?

Our regular touring season in 2025 runs from March 9 th until October 21 st . Some activities and attractions do not operate year-round. March and October departures are particularly affected. Where possible, we will offer a suitable replacement activity. Mid-May to Mid-September Only 🛥️ Skellig Michael Landing (Only Available on the 12 Day Giant Irish Adventure ) 🐬 Skellig Islands Cruise (Available on the Following Tours ) April to October Only 🌼 Garnish Island Boat Trip - The gardens on Garnish Island are closed each March. For the tours featuring Garnish Island as an Optional Extra that depart during the month of March, a boat tour of Glengarriff Bay is available instead of the Garnish Island Gardens trip.

Question 1

What Is A Boat Trip To The Skellig Islands Like?

Accepted Answer

Whether you're planning to land on Skellig Michael or simply cruise around both Skellig Islands, the boats you travel on will be similar in size and oceangoing ability.

⚠️ NOTE: Guests must be at least 12 years old to book the Skellig Island Landing Tour.

They measure roughly 9 metres or 30 feet in length. Though they have powerful engines, they are open-decked vessels with little or no protection from rain, waves and water spray.

The trip is an open water crossing in the Atlantic Ocean. The ocean swell — the size of the waves — can be surprisingly high. Waves often splash over the sides of the boat. You are likely to get wet. Ponchos are provided in the boats — but you'll still get wet!

If you are particularly prone to sea sickness, we recommend either skipping the Skellig Islands boat trip or landing activities. If you are sure you want to take the risk, bring sea sickness medication along with you.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Both types of boat trip to the Skelligs are weather dependent and are frequently cancelled at late notice due to inclement sea conditions. Boat tours cancelled due to bad weather will not be charged for.

Where Do Skelligs Boats Depart From?

The small harbour at Portmagee is the departure point for all Vagabond & Driftwood boat trips to the Skellig islands.

For both the Skellig Michael Landing and Skellig Islands Cruise, on the day of departure, your boat will leave the pier in Portmagee early. This normally happens around 9am but can be earlier or later to account for changing weather.

How Long Is The Boat Trip?

The total length of the Skellig Michael Landing can be up 5 hours. The boat journey to and from Skellig Michael can last up to 60 minutes each way. You'll have about 2.5 hours to explore the sland.

The total length of the Skellig Islands Cruise can be up 2.5 hours.

Question 2

What Small Group Tours of Ireland Visit The Skellig Islands?

Accepted Answer

Only guests on the 12 Day Vagabond Giant Irish Adventure Tour get to land on Skellig Michael.

⚠️ Please note: Landing on Skellig Michael is only permitted for guests aged 12 years and over.

The following Vagabond & Driftwood tour itineraries can take a boat trip around both Skellig Islands:

☘️ 8 Day Vagabond Wild Irish Rover Tour
🌍 7 Day Vagabond World Tour of Ireland
🏰 7 Day Driftwood Castles & Kingdoms Tour

Question 3

Which Small Group Tours of Ireland Visit The Skelligs?

Accepted Answer

We offer two boat-based Skellig Islands activities.

Choose to land on Skellig Michael (€139) or take a cruise around both Skellig Islands (€70).

The Skellig Michael Landing is only available on one tour itinerary:

☘️ 12 Day Vagabond Giant Irish Adventure
⚠️ NOTE: Guests must be at least 12 years old to book the Skellig Island Landing Tour.

The shorter cruise circles both islands and is possible as part of the following tours:

Question 4

What Is Landing On Skellig Michael Island Like?

Accepted Answer

Landing on Skellig Michael with Vagabond Tours is DEFINITELY an adventure! Fitness is required.

The first challenge is the boat trip, followed by disembarkation and a steep hike to the summit of the island.

⚠️ NOTE: Guests must be at least 12 years old to book the Skellig Island Landing Tour.

Disembarkation on Skellig Michael

There is no marina or dock on Skellig Michael Island.

To disembark your boat, you step off directly onto the island.

Your boat is likely to be moving up and down on the waves, but the pier will not be.

Depending on the ocean swell, the gap that you need to step over to the island can vary. You'll need to be agile. It can be a leap of faith!

Hiking To The Summit of Skellig Michael

Hiking on Skellig Michael is a must.

That's because the summit is where you'll the 6th century monastery remains.

To reach the summit, you will have to hike up 600 rough stone steps

This not a conventional staircase. The steps on Skellig Michael are cut directly from the rock face. They are steep and of varying height and width. There is no handrail and a steep, vertical cliff face lies below.

A very limited number of visitors have died after falling on Skellig Michael.

You will need to be...

In good physical condition;
Used to steep and prolonged hikes;
Not scared of heights;
Sure on your feet.

We recommend wearing a good pair of comfortable hiking boots or shoes.

Remember, after your visit to the monastic ruins on Skellig Michael, you have hike back down the 600 steps.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EuJ8Dw_iNwU" title="View Video" target="_blank">View Video</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EuJ8Dw_iNwU" title="View View Video" target="_blank">View View Video</a>

Question 5

Where Can I See Puffins in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Puffins are one of Ireland's most iconic wild birds. You can see them only during their summer breeding season.

Puffins can be seen in many coastal areas around Ireland such as

Visit Skellig Michael on our 12 Day Vagabond Giant Irish Adventure Tour & The Cliffs of Moher on our 11 Day Driftwood Discover Ireland Tour

When Can I See Puffins In Ireland?

You can see puffins in Ireland from early April to early August, with the most likely viewing time being May through mid-July.

Puffin Season In Ireland

Arrival: Late March/Early April
Puffins begin to return from the open ocean to breed.

Peak Viewing: May to early July
This is when puffins are most actively nesting and feeding their chicks.

Departure: Late July to early August
Puffins leave Northern Europe and head south for warmer weather during winter.

What Are Puffins?

Puffins are small seabirds known for their bright orange beaks with a black and white feather coat. They can be found in Ireland, Scotland and other parts of Northern Europe during summer seasons.

Puffin on Skellig Michael

Where Do Puffins Go Beyond Ireland?

Puffins only come to land to breed, spending the rest of the year out at sea. During this short window, they nest in burrows along cliffs and islands, making them easier to spot for visitors.

Read more on our favourite islands off the coast of Ireland where puffins can be spotted!

Question 6

Do I Book Skellig Michael Tour In Advance?

Accepted Answer

If you’re a confirmed 12 Day Vagabond Giant Irish Adventure guest and you want to land on Skellig Michael island, you must pay the €139 fee at least 60 days in advance of your tour departure date. If you haven't received a payment link, let us know: enquiries@vagabond.ie

⚠️ NOTE: Guests must be at least 12 years old to book the Skellig Island Landing Tour.

The fee for the Skellig Michael Landing is non-refundable if you decide against the activity less than 60 days before your tour. If the landing is cancelled due to bad weather, a full refund will be made.

The Skellig Michael Landing is the only optional activity on all Vagabond & Driftwood tours where pre-booking is a requirement.

Prior payment is ONLY required for the Skellig Michael Landing. All other activities — including the Skellig Islands boat trip (you stay onboard and don't land on the island) — can be booked during your tour.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: This excursion is only available when you book the 12 Day Vagabond Giant Irish Adventure Tour

A shorter, Skellig Islands boat trip (without landing on Skellig Michael) is possible on the following tours:

Read our Skellig Michael Survival Guide

Question 7

Are There Toilets On Skellig Michael Island?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are limited toilet facilities on Skellig Michael Island. Due to lack of running water, the single toilet available is a 'dry' toilet with no flush capacity.

Please be aware that, if you are planning to land on Skellig Michael or to take our Skellig Islands cruise, you may not have access to a toilet for long periods of time.

Some boats do have toilet facilities, but this is not guaranteed. Please check in advance with your VagaGuide.

Question 8

What Activities Are Seasonal?

Accepted Answer

Our regular touring season in 2025 runs from March 9^th until October 21^st.

Some activities and attractions do not operate year-round. March and October departures are particularly affected. Where possible, we will offer a suitable replacement activity.

Mid-May to Mid-September Only

April to October Only

🌼 Garnish Island Boat Trip - The gardens on Garnish Island are closed each March. For the tours featuring Garnish Island as an Optional Extra that depart during the month of March, a boat tour of Glengarriff Bay is available instead of the Garnish Island Gardens trip.

The Skellig Islands

🐧 Skellig Islands