There’s something almost otherworldly about pointing your bow towards the Skellig Islands. One moment, you’re chatting with fellow travellers on the pier at Portmagee, and the next, you’re bouncing across the Atlantic swells towards two jagged rocks that rise from the sea like something from a fantasy novel.
As it happens, they quite literally became when the filming of Star Wars discovered them. But here’s the thing about Skellig Michael—it was spectacular long before Hollywood arrived. For over 1,400 years, this breathtaking island has been drawing visitors on what can only be described as a pilgrimage. Whether you’re tracing Irish heritage, seeking adventure, or simply wanting to experience one of Europe’s most remote UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a Skellig Michael boat tour isn’t just another tick on your Irish itinerary. It’s the sort of experience that reshapes how you think about this country entirely, making it a profound highlight for many, including those undertaking solo tours in Ireland seeking unique and deeply personal encounters.
Meet the Skellig Islands: Where History Meets Hollywood
Skellig Michael: The Great Skellig
Picture this: sometime around the 6th century, a group of early Christian monks looked out at the Atlantic Ocean and thought, “You know what? That terrifyingly remote rock pile would make an excellent place to worship.” Skellig Michael became their monastery, and what they built there is truly remarkable.
The ancient monastic settlement features 618 steps carved into the cliff face—though you’ll often hear them referred to as the 618 steps to the monastery. A collection of perfectly preserved stone beehive huts made from dry stone. All of it clinging to a summit 218 metres above the churning Atlantic. The monks who lived here weren’t just devout—they were architectural geniuses and quite possibly fearless beyond measure.
Today, that same monastic settlement has earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and rightly so. It’s also where Luke Skywalker found his exile in the recent Star Wars film; however, the real history is far more impressive than any science fiction. Any tour with Skelling Michael reveals why this Skellings rock has captivated visitors for centuries.
Little Skellig: The Gannet Capital
You can’t land on Little Skellig—it belongs entirely to the birds. But what birds they are. The second-largest colony of gannets in the world calls this craggy outcrop home, with over 30,000 pairs creating one of the most spectacular wildlife displays on the Irish coast. From the boat, the Small Skelligs look like the rock itself is alive, shifting and moving with thousands of white wings. It’s simultaneously beautiful and slightly overwhelming in the best possible way.
Your Skellig Adventure: Landing or Cruising?
Here’s where you need to make a choice, and it’s worth thinking through properly because each option offers something quite different.
The Skellig Michael Landing Tour
This is the full immersion experience that awaits you upon arrival at Skellig Michael. You’ll actually step onto the island and climb the 618 ancient steps that the monk carved centuries ago. It’s not for everyone—the climb is steep and exposed, and there are no handrails or modern safety features. The monks clearly did not seem concerned with health and safety regulations.
A Skellig Michael landing tour allows you to spend roughly 2.5 hours exploring the island itself, with the entire boat trip taking around five hours, including travel time. Any Skelling experience visitor will tell you it’s absolutely magical for history enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone who enjoys a proper adventure. Please note that Scaling Michael takes considerable effort and requires a reasonable level of fitness, as well as a head for heights.
The landing tour season is frustratingly short—typically mid-May to late September—and entirely dependent on sea conditions. Early booking is essential, be flexible with dates, and have a backup plan.
The Skellig Islands Cruise
Don’t think of this as the consolation prize. An eco-cruise around Skellig Michael and Little Skellig offers something the landing tour simply can’t: a complete 360-degree perspective of these remarkable formations. You’ll cruise around both islands, getting close enough to the gannet colony on Little Skellig to hear the cacophony of thousands of seabirds, with your boat navigating around Skelling Michael and Little Skellig for the ultimate viewing experience.
The eco-tour typically lasts around 2.5 hours in total, making it perfect for families, those with mobility concerns, or anyone who prefers to experience the islands from the comfort of a boat. You’ll still see puffins during their season (late April to early August), spectacular rock formations, and sea caves that aren’t visible when you explore Skellig Michael on foot. The advantage of staying on the boat is that islands can get right up close to areas that land visitors simply cannot access.
The Real Atlantic Experience
Let’s be honest about what you’re signing up for. These aren’t leisurely harbour cruises. Skellig Michael boat trips use small, sturdy vessels—typically around nine metres long—that are built for Atlantic conditions, not comfort. You’ll be out in the open ocean, experiencing real swells, spray, and wind from the wild Atlantic.
Most boat tour operators provide rain ponchos, but getting wet is part of the adventure. The boats are designed to handle the conditions, but you’ll feel every wave. If you’re prone to seasickness, take precautions beforehand to minimise its effects. The journey to the islands takes about 45 minutes each way, and those Atlantic swells don’t care about your stomach’s preferences.
That said, it’s exactly this raw, unfiltered encounter with the ocean that makes the experience so memorable. You’re not just visiting the Skelligs—you’re earning them.
Portmagee: Your Gateway to Adventure
Every Skellig adventure begins in Portmagee, a fishing village so perfectly Irish it almost looks staged. Brightly painted houses line the harbour, fishing boats bob alongside tour vessels at Portmagee Marina, and a healthy dose of Atlantic mist usually adds atmosphere to everything. The boats navigate through the Portmagee Channel before heading out into open Atlantic waters.
The village sits on the Iveragh Peninsula in Kerry, making it easily accessible whether you’re exploring the Ring of Kerry, staying in nearby Waterville, or working your way around the Wild Atlantic Way. Most Skellig Michael tours depart from the marina in Portmagee between 8:30 am and 10:00 am, although departure times are dependent on weather and sea conditions.
Here’s something worth knowing: tours are very dependent on weather, and cancellations are common. The Atlantic doesn’t compromise, and boat operators won’t take risks. It’s frustrating when you’ve planned your entire itinerary around a Skellig boat tour, but it’s also why these islands have remained so pristine and challenging to reach.
Landing on Skellig Michael: The Full Experience
The approach to Skellig Michael is breathtaking in every sense. As the island looms larger, you begin to grasp just how ambitious those early monks were. When you get off the boat, the landing isn’t exactly a gentle pier arrival—expect some waves, a bit of scrambling, and possibly wet feet.
Once on the island, you’re entirely self-sufficient. No shops, no toilets, no modern conveniences whatsoever. Just you, the ancient stones, and one of the most spectacular views in Ireland. The climb to the monastery takes about 20 minutes for most people, though you’ll want to pause frequently—partly for breath, partly because the views are extraordinary.
At the summit, you’ll find yourself face-to-face with structures that have survived 1,400 Irish winters. The beehive huts are remarkably well-preserved, and the sense of isolation is profound. On a clear day, you can see the mainland, but it feels impossibly distant. You’ll have several hours on the island to fully explore Skellig Michael and absorb the atmosphere.
During puffin season, you’ll share the summit with Ireland’s most charismatic seabirds. They’re surprisingly tolerant of visitors, though maintaining a respectful distance is both required and sensible. You might even spot dolphins during your journey, as these waters are rich with marine life.
Why the Cruise Option Deserves Respect
Some people assume the eco-tour option is for those who “can’t handle” the landing experience. That’s complete nonsense. The cruise offers perspectives and experiences that simply aren’t available to those who land. You’ll see sea caves, witness the full drama of the gannet colonies, and appreciate the islands’ geology in ways that aren’t possible from the summit.
An eco-cruise that circumnavigates both islands offers access to areas near Skellig Michael that landing visitors rarely see. Plus, there’s something to be said for experiencing the Skelligs as the monks would have seen them from approaching boats—as mysterious silhouettes rising from the Atlantic, growing more impressive with every nautical mile.
Timing Your Skellig Adventure
The window for Skellig Michael tours is frustratingly narrow but entirely logical. These islands face the full fury of the Atlantic, and summer is the only time when regular boat access is remotely feasible.
Puffin season runs from late April to early August, with peak viewing typically in May and June. If seeing puffins is important to you, plan your booking accordingly. July and August offer the most reliable weather but also the largest crowds. September can be spectacular—fewer people, settled conditions, and often the clearest skies of the season. Landing time slots are limited and fill quickly, so advance booking is crucial for any tour to Skellig Michael. The available Skellig Michael landing tours are booked out months in advance during peak season. Planning around the best time of year to tour Ireland is always wise, but for the Skelligs, it’s absolutely essential due to the short season and high demand.
Making the Skelligs Part of Your Irish Story
The beauty of a Skellig Island experience is how perfectly it complements a broader exploration of southwest Ireland. If you’re driving the Ring of Kerry, the islands represent the dramatic climax of that coastal journey. Many visitors find that combining this iconic boat trip with their tour of the Ring of Kerry creates an unforgettable itinerary showcasing the best of County Kerry’s natural wonders. They pair beautifully with overnight stays in Waterville or Cahersiveen, both of which offer excellent restaurants and comfortable accommodations.
Consider exploring the Skellig Ring road as well—a lesser-known coastal loop along the Skellig coast that’s arguably more dramatic than its famous Ring of Kerry cousin. For travellers who cherish discovering such hidden gems and dramatic landscapes, embarking on a tour around the Beara Peninsula offers another fantastic opportunity to experience the wild, unspoiled beauty of Ireland’s southwest.
It’s the sort of detour that rewards curious travellers with emptier roads and equally stunning scenery. From a practical standpoint, Skellig Michael serves as a seamless transition point between Killarney and Dingle or as a notable highlight during a longer journey along the Wild Atlantic Way. Incorporating the Skelligs into a comprehensive tour of the Wild Atlantic Way allows travellers to fully appreciate the dramatic beauty of Ireland’s western seaboard. Just remember to build flexibility into your schedule—weather delays are part of the Skellig experience.
What to Pack for Your Atlantic Adventure
Essential kit includes waterproof layers, warm clothing (yes, even in July), and non-slip shoes. The Atlantic doesn’t care what month it is, and conditions can change rapidly around the Skellig Islands. Sunscreen and sunglasses are crucial—the sun’s reflection off the sea can be intense even on cloudy days.
If you’re planning to explore the island on a landing tour, bring water and snacks. Skellig Michael has no facilities, and you’ll be there for hours. A camera with good waterproof protection is worth considering, though be prepared for salt spray on everything.
For those prone to seasickness, take precautions before your tour departs. The boat operators are experienced, but they can’t control the Atlantic swells as you tour around these historical sites.
An Experience Unlike Any Other in Ireland
What makes Skellig Michael special isn’t just its beauty or history—it’s its uncompromising nature. This island doesn’t cater to modern expectations of comfort or convenience. It demands effort, respects weather conditions, and offers rewards proportional to the challenges it presents.
Whether you choose to land or cruise, you’re engaging with one of Europe’s most remarkable historical sites that represents something profound about human determination and faith. The monks who built here weren’t seeking easy living—they were pursuing something transcendent. In a small way, so are you.
This isn’t just another Irish attraction. It’s a pilgrimage to one of Europe’s most remote and spectacular sites, where Atlantic weather, ancient history, and raw natural beauty combine into something genuinely unforgettable. When you book your Skellig Michael landing or cruise experience, you’re investing in memories that last a lifetime.
The Skelligs will challenge you, potentially soak you, and quite possibly cancel on you due to the weather. But when everything aligns—calm seas, clear skies, and that moment when the islands first appear on the horizon—you’ll understand why this experience has been drawing visitors for over a millennium.
While the Skelligs offer a uniquely rugged and spiritual adventure, those planning a wider exploration of Ireland’s famed coastlines might also consider other renowned experiences, such as a Cliffs of Moher and Burren tour, to witness different facets of the island’s dramatic beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fit do I need to be to land on Skellig Michael? You’ll need to manage 618 steps with no handrails when you climb the 618 steps to reach the monastic settlement. Most reasonably active people can handle it, but it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or significant fitness concerns.
Are Skellig boat tours safe? Absolutely. Operators are licensed and experienced, prioritising safety above all else. However, this is the Atlantic Ocean—expect a proper sea journey with swells and spray around the Skellig Islands.
What happens if the weather cancels my tour? Operators typically offer rebooking for the next available sailing or a full refund. Weather cancellations are common and entirely for safety reasons around these exposed islands.
Can I bring children? Most operators welcome children, although the experience can be pretty physical. The minimum age is typically around 12 for Skellig landing tours and younger for eco cruises.
Do I need to book in advance? Absolutely essential, especially during the summer months. Ireland tours fill up quickly, and the season is short. Early booking ensures you don’t miss out on available Skellig Michael experiences.
Landing or cruise—which should I choose? Landing offers deeper historical engagement and the full monastery experience. Cruising provides better wildlife viewing and spectacular 360-degree perspectives around Skellig Michael. Both are excellent choices for different reasons.
How likely is a cancellation? Quite likely—possibly 30-40% of scheduled tours, depending on weather patterns. It’s part of the Skellig experience, frustrating but necessary for safety when touring around these exposed Atlantic islands.
Tour now or contact for more information? Most reputable operators offer online booking systems and detailed information about what each type of Skellig Michael eco-tour includes.
[For those desiring a more personalized travel plan encompassing the Skelligs and other destinations, exploring options for private tours of Ireland can provide the flexibility and tailored experiences to craft a truly unique journey.] Don’t hesitate to contact operators directly with specific questions about your planned boat trip to these remarkable islands.
Don’t hesitate to contact operators directly with specific questions about your planned boat trip to these remarkable islands.
