Our guide to boat tours from Ballycastle reveals the best way for you to experience our captivating coast.
It should be noted that all our boat tours are private charters so only your group will be onboard with the Skipper. We strongly believe this affords you the best possible experience making your tour a personal and memorable occasion.
Additionally our boat tours are on fast RHIBs adding excitement, speed and fun to your day out. We can get to sights of interest faster and get closer to coastal features including caves. Our quiet engines and skipper’s dexterity allow us to cruise slowly near wildlife without causing disturbance. Consequently some restrictions apply so make sure this experience will suit everyone in your group. Fast RHIBs are not recommended for persons with limited mobility, who are pregnant, who have back or heart complaints or who have had recent surgery. Please talk to us if you have any concerns or questions.
We have two passenger boats: RHIB Stormborn has 12 seats including jockey seats, one suspension seat and a cushioned bench to the rear. RHIB Endurance is a safari style RHIB with 10 jockey seats and a canopy to protect from strong sunlight or rain.
We have two Skippers, Tim and Ben. They are a father and son team who are commercially endorsed skippers, OCN Accredited Tour Guides and Accredited Wildlife Life Boat Operators.
Carrick-a-Rede Sea Safari
Duration: one and a half hours long
Minimum Cost: £240 for up to 6 passengers
Additional passengers: £40pp
Carrick-a-Rede is our most sheltered sea tour as it hugs the coastline from Ballycastle. You will be immersed in stunning scenery, the vibrant colours of the land and sea and the intoxicating sea air. The unrivalled views stretch beyond Rathlin Island to the isles of Scotland and the paps of Jura. During your cruise you will come upon Kenbane Castle ruins, the Mermaid’s Tears Waterfall and coastal caves. Finally reaching the rope bridge you will view it from the perfect perspective with the turquoise waters all around you. Your skipper will reveal the stories of the rope bridge as you sit onboard with birds soaring overhead.
If you are adventurous you can jump in and swim at Carrick-a-rede if the sea is calm and the Skipper deems it safe. We provide personal buoyancy aids for swimmers (mandatory) but you will need your own wetsuits/swimwear and towels/drysuits. We recommend wetsuits for anyone not accustomed to cold water swimming. Good fitness and mobility is required to jump into the water from the RHIB and to climb back onboard. *Please note we cannot guarantee swimming will be possible on every tour.
Around the Sound Rathlin Experience
Duration: 4 hours
Minimum Cost: £390 for up to 6 passengers
Additional passengers: £65pp
This is a unique adventure designed to let you experience the rich connection between our Causeway Coast and Rathlin Island.
Your tour departs from Ballycastle and begins by travelling along the coast to the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge. Once here you can sit and listen to the skipper’s stories and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Revel in the wild ambience of the area or take a dip in the cool turquoise waters. Afterwards your skipper will take you on an exhilarating cruise to the West coast of Rathlin. Here you will watch the seabirds including Puffins at the West (upside down) Lighthouse and on the waters below.
Next the tour explores the limestone cliffs of the South coast and it’s fascinating geology. Your group will land on Rathlin Island to explore for 60-90 minutes. We have plenty of suggestions for your time on Rathlin whether you want to walk, photograph, learn more or shop. Lastly we visit the Rue Lighthouse, Ushet Port where the seals rest and the cliffs of Fairhead. Your boat tour can be extended to include the whole east coast of Rathlin including the East Lighthouse and Bruce’s Cave. Contact us for the Premium Around the Sound Option.
Bruce’s Cave Experience
Duration: 2 hours
Minimum Cost: £300 for up to 6 passengers
Additional passengers: £50pp
Your Bruce’s Cave adventure sets off from Ballycastle and crosses the Sea of Moyle. First sight at Rathlin is the Rue Lighthouse marking the start of your Rathlin tour. Next the boat moves off to Ushet Port where the seals rest. Bring binoculars if you have any or use the set onboard our boat. As Wildlife Safe Boat Operators you can rest assured we won’t disturb seals but view quietly from a safe distance. You will see the whole east coast right to the East Lighthouse where the seabirds nest. Importantly you will visit the legendary Bruce’s Cave and hear the infamous story about the Scottish King Bruce. Finally with the imposing cliffs of Fairhead in sight you will journey back to Ballycastle.
The Full Monty
Duration: 5 hours
Minimum Cost: £570 for up to 6 passengers
Additional passengers: £95 per person
This adventurous full circumnavigation of Rathlin Island is an epic expedition for thrill seekers and lighthouse enthusiasts. You will see the whole coast, including the three great lighthouses of Rathlin and hear their history. Moreover you will see all the cliffs, caves and sea stacks around the island. Bird lovers will delight in seeing the nesting grounds of the seabirds including puffins and watch as they soar and dip beneath the water. Sailors will love experiencing the dynamic seas around Rathlin and hearing of its shipwrecks. Finally an interlude on the island itself is a must so that you can explore and savour this special place.
Causeway Sea Safari
Duration: 3 hours
Minimum Cost: £390 for up to 6 passengers
Additional passengers: £65 per person
This scenic boat tour travels from Ballycastle hugging the shoreline to Kenbane Castle, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Ballintoy and up to the iconic Giant’s Causeway. You will discover a whole new perspective of this world famous heritage site and see parts which cannot be seen on land. This boat tour can be extended to include Dunluce Castle, a stop at Portrush or a visit to Rathlin Island. Please contact us for more information on bespoke changes to this tour.
