Rathlin Island is six miles long, one mile wide, “L” shaped and six miles across the Sea of Moyle from Ballycastle. It is a rugged and picturesque island steeped in a rich history, vibrant mythology, maritime heritage and diverse wildlife.
Rathlin has long associations with both Scotland and Ireland. It once lay at the heart of the ancient Dal Riada Kingdom.
As with all islands a boat tour is the perfect way to explore its scenic and fascinating coastline. We offer private charter tours from Ballycastle with just your group and the Skipper onboard for a personal, bespoke experience with family or friends. What better way to have fun and make memories together.
Each Rathlin Boat Tour is on fast RHIB boats which offer some exhilarating speed as well as the ability to slowly cruise at areas of interest and special protected wildlife areas. Rathlin Island and our Causeway Coast are havens for all sorts of bird and sea life and our Skippers Tim and Ben are Accredited Wildlife Safe Operators (trained by the WiSe scheme). They ensure that our tours do not interfere with or disturb wildlife whilst allowing our onboard guests a chance to see and learn about the wildlife. Our Skippers are also Accredited OCN Northern Ireland Tour Guides and well versed in the history and folklore of this very unique area.
We have various specially designed Rathlin Boat Tours which allow you to connect with this land and seascape.
The Full Monty is a 5 hour Rathlin Boat Tour which circumnavigates the island allowing you to see the whole Rathlin coast including its three lighthouses; West Lighthouse Seabird Centre, Rue Lighthouse and East Lighthouse at Altacarry Head. You will also enjoy Ushet Port where the seals rest, the clear waters where kelp farming takes place, and Bruce’s cave. This experience includes a stop on the island for up to 2 hours to allow you to explore the harbour and beach area, visit the old Kelp house for amazing views, dine at the island pub McCuaig’s or bring your own picnic and peruse the wonderful arts and crafts in the Breakwater Studio.
Click here – The Full Monty Rathlin Boat Tour
Bruce’s Cave Experience is a Rathlin Boat Tour which takes you on a journey along the east coast of the island from the Rue Lighthouse to the East Lighthouse at Altacarry Head. This allows you to see Ushet Port where the seals rest and Bruce’s Cave. On the return to Ballycastle you will visit the Grey Man on Fairhead and enjoy the fascinating geological spectacle of the basalt cliff face. This 2 hour experience is full of stories, history and folklore.
Click here – Bruce’s Cave Experience
Our Around the Sound Rathlin Experience is a 4 hour adventure exploring the sound of Rathlin, taking in some beautiful views, some lesser known sights and offering you a chance to hear history and stories. It is an authentic local experience giving you a chance to truly connect with the place. On this Rathlin boat tour you travel along the North Coast from Ballycastle to Kinbane Head and Carrick-a-rede Rope bridge before cruising swiftly across the sound to Rathlin Island. On this adventure you will visit the West Lighthouse, Rue Lighthouse, Ushet Port and Fairhead. A 60-90 minute stop on the island allows you to explore, dine, relax and get refreshment from the island pub. You can extend this tour to cover the east coast including Bruce’s Cave and the East Lighthouse. This is 5 hours duration and we call it Around the Sound Premium.
Click here – Around the Sound Rathlin Experience
Every Rathlin Boat Tour we offer gives you a chance to combine an exciting powerboat adventure at sea with an enriching and authentic experience steeped in the history, the natural land and seascape, stories and wildlife of this area. We aim for your group to learn about this unique place, laugh together and leave with wonderful shared memories.
Call, text or WhatsApp Lynn on +44(0)7845 370231 to ask questions, get prices, choose and book your Rathlin Boat Tour today.
We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming your family and friends onboard.
