About Abhainn Cruises Boat Tours

Background

Our family business began in the year 2013 with the purchase of RHIB Endurance from Red Bay Boats Cushendall. We found that exploring by boat was an ideal way to experience the natural beauty of Northern Ireland and learn about its history and heritage. We wanted to share these memorable experiences with other people too, both locals and visitors from afar.

Skippers

Skipper Tim Griffin is the head of Abhainn Cruises, and as a local man, born and bred in the heart of Northern Ireland, there is no better person to help you explore. He can take you to our most famous tourist sites like Carrick-a-Rede and the Giant’s Causeway, but he can also show you the hidden gems along the way. Tim can tell you about the history and wildlife of an area, but also the legends, myths and the stories told only by locals and fishermen.

Tim is well known along our coast, on Rathlin Island, on Lough Neagh and the River Bann. As well as giving you an informative and friendly experience on your tour, you will also be guaranteed some famous Northern Irish ‘craic’ with Tim, and great hospitality at any pubs or shops if you’re in his company.

Skipper Ben Griffin, is also an RYA Commercially Endorsed Skipper. He has been acting as crew and driving the boat under Tims’ supervision for many years. He obtained his license after rigorous training and testing in March 2019. Since then he has put up many sea miles on numerous trips with other skippers and solo. As well as being a Skipper, Ben has a BSc Honours in International Travel and Tourism Management from the Ulster University.

Qualifications

Tim Griffin Offshore Yachtmaster Commercially Endorsed

First Aid and Fire Fighting

Radio Operators License

Local knowledge Certificate for Belfast Harbour

OCN Accredited Tour Guide

Accredited Wildlife Safe Boat Operator

Accredited Wildlife Safe Adventure Operator

Ben Griffin RYA Advanced Powerboat Commercially Endorsed

First aid and fire fighting

Radio operators license

OCN Accredited Tour Guide

BSc Honours International Travel and Tourism Management

Accredited Wildlife Safe Adventure Operator

Contact

Behind the scenes Lynn is available to answer any queries or take bookings. You can reach Lynn by phone/whatsApp on 07845 370231 or through our Twitter account Abhainn Cruises Boat Tours, or through our Facebook page;

Abhainn Cruises Boat Tours Northern Ireland

Health & Safety

We are committed to providing the highest standard of Health and Safety to our clients.

Our vessels and equipment are tested regularly and are Coded to Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) regulations, Coded to Category 4.

Our life jackets are serviced annually and our lifeboats are tested triennially by KTS safety.

All crew are highly trained and fully qualified.

We are fully commercially insured to carry passengers, carry out film work, survey work and act as safety and transfer vessel.

Boats

RHIB Endurance is an 8m Excalibur with a 350 Hp Suzuki Outboard Engine. She is Coded to carry ten passengers and two crew. All seats are removable and can be reconfigured to suit specific charter requirements. We designed and installed a removable T Top cover with clear sides to keep our passengers protected from sun and rain. RHIB Endurance was used during the filming of the HBO series Game of Thrones ®️.

RHIB Stormborn is a 10.50 Red Bay Stormforce with two 300 Hp Yamaha Outboard Engines. She is Coded to carry twelve passengers and two crew. All passenger seats are removable and can be reconfigured to suit specific charter requirements. She has an enclosed cabin and a open rear seating area which can be enclosed easily if needed. There is also copious storage space onboard.

Both Coded vessels are trailered so can be launched from various harbours/marinas.