Dolphin & Whale Watching (4hrs) + Blasket Island Landing (3hrs)

This Dolphin & Whale Watching tour combined with a land visit to Great Blasket Island offers a compelling mix of marine adventure and scenic exploration. For $153.69 per person, travelers enjoy approximately 7 hours of activity starting from Ventry pier in County Kerry. The tour is limited to 12 participants, ensuring a small, intimate experience with knowledgeable guides. The tour’s standout feature is the 3 hours on Great Blasket Island, where visitors can hike, swim, or relax, coupled with excellent opportunities to spot whales, dolphins, puffins, and seals.

This tour is best suited for those interested in marine life and coastal landscapes, offering a balance of wildlife observation and island leisure. While it requires a moderate physical fitness level and is not suitable for children under 10, the combination of eco-tourism and cultural insights makes it a memorable choice for nature lovers. The small-group size enhances the personal atmosphere, and the free cancellation policy adds a layer of flexibility.

Key Points

• Price: $153.69 per person for approximately 7 hours of adventure
• Departure point: Ventry pier in County Kerry at 10 am
• Duration: 4 hours of marine wildlife watching plus 3 hours on Great Blasket Island
• Includes: A cultural tour of the deserted village and seal colony viewing
• Wildlife: Expect to see whales, dolphins, and puffins; basking sharks are seasonal
• Small group: Limited to 12 travelers for an intimate experience

Departing from Ventry Pier in County Kerry

This tour begins sharply at 10 am from Ventry pier, where the small vessel departs with no time to wait for latecomers. The boat, designed for up to 12 passengers, offers a cozy setting perfect for wildlife spotting and enjoying the scenic coastline. The small group size ensures personalized attention and fewer crowds.

Travelers should arrive 15-20 minutes early to park and prepare for the safety briefing. The boat takes you out into Dingle Bay toward the Blasket Islands, with a focus on observing marine animals along the way. The tour’s early start suits those eager to make the most of the daylight for wildlife sightings.

Marine Wildlife Observation: Whales, Dolphins, and Seals

While en route to Great Blasket Island, the boat’s crew actively searches for common dolphins and Minke whales. Seasonal sightings of bottlenose dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, and basking sharks are possible, depending on the time of year. The experience of seeing these animals in their natural environment is a major highlight.

Near the islands, seals are often visible from the rocks, and the guides provide insights into their behavior. The marine journey emphasizes eco-friendly viewing, with the boat staying respectful of the animals’ natural habitat, making each sighting an authentic encounter.

Exploring Great Blasket Island for Three Hours

Upon arriving around 11 am, the boat moors off the White Strand, offering easy disembarkation via licensed Zodiac dinghy. The island presents three hours of free time, during which visitors can choose to hike the 1.5-hour scenic loop trail, swim in its crystal-clear waters, or relax on the beach.

A small island tea room and toilets are available for comfort during the visit. The island’s deserted village, accessible through a guided tour, provides cultural insights into its past inhabitants. The seals off the rocks are a constant visual treat during this time.

Cultural and Historical Tour of the Deserted Village

The OPW guides lead a cultural tour of the village, sharing stories of the residents who once lived here. This deserted settlement offers a glimpse into Ireland’s rural history, with structures and ruins that tell a story of past hardships and resilience. The guides’ knowledgeable narration enhances the understanding of island life.

This tour is a valuable addition for those interested in local history and heritage, enriching the island experience beyond natural beauty.

Visiting the Outer Blasket Islands: Inishnabro and Inishvickillane

The boat continues its journey around Inishnabro, featuring the Cathedral Rocks, a dramatic natural formation resembling a gothic cathedral. Passing close underneath, travelers witness the power of the Atlantic that carved this imposing structure during winter storms.

Near Inishvickillane, puffins congregate in rafts on the water, offering excellent binocular viewing opportunities. Cliffs on Inishvickillane sometimes reveal native red deer stags, silhouetted against the sky. These stops showcase the diverse marine and bird life of the outer islands.

Exploring Tearaght and the Westernmost Lighthouse

Depending on weather conditions, the tour may include a cruise around Tearaght—the most westerly island in the Blasket group—and its famous lighthouse. As the most westerly lighthouse in mainland Europe, it marks a significant point in Irish maritime navigation.

The boat only passes Tearaght in settled weather with light swell, which is rare and weather-dependent. From here, views extend toward St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, at the same latitude, adding an international perspective to the tour.

Logistics and Practical Tips

The tour includes a cultural and historical exploration of Great Blasket Island led by OPW guides. No snacks are included, so travelers should bring drinks or light refreshments if desired. The tour is not suitable for children under 10 and requires travelers to have a moderate physical fitness, particularly for hiking or swimming.

Participants should wear warm, windproof clothing to stay comfortable during the boat ride. Since the boat departs promptly at 10 am, arriving early is essential for a smooth start. The tour ends back at Ventry pier, with no additional transportation included.

Customer Satisfaction and Overall Experience

With a rating of 5.0 out of 5 based on 20 reviews, this tour is highly praised for its expert guides, small-group intimacy, and the variety of stops. The auto-translated review highlights the quality of the captain and guide, along with the diverse wildlife sightings.

The tour’s flexible cancellation policy allows full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind for planning. Weather-dependent, the operation may be canceled or rescheduled in case of poor conditions, with options for a different date or full refund.

Why This Tour Stands Out for Marine and Land Experiences

This 7-hour tour offers the perfect blend of marine wildlife observation and island exploration. The small vessel ensures a personalized experience, and the three hours on Great Blasket Island allows ample time for relaxation, hiking, or swimming. The guided cultural tour enriches the visit, making it more than just a boat trip.

Compared to other tours, the inclusion of puffin and seal sightings, along with visits to outer islands and natural formations like Cathedral Rocks, makes this tour a comprehensive package for wildlife enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
This tour is not suitable for children under 10 years old, due to the physical activity involved and safety considerations on the boat and island.

What should I bring for the trip?
Participants should wear warm, windproof clothing, and bring snacks or drinks if desired, as none are included. It’s also recommended to bring binoculars for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, a full refund or alternative date is offered. The boat only goes around Tearaght in settled weather with light swell.

How long do I have on Great Blasket Island?
You get 3 hours to explore, hike, swim, or relax on the island, with a guided tour of the deserted village included.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Expect to see whales, dolphins, and seals in season. Out on the outer islands, puffins are common, especially near Inishvickillane.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The exact meeting point is Ventry pier in County Kerry. Be sure to arrive 15-20 minutes early to park and prepare for departure.

This small-group eco-tour from Dingle combines marine wildlife and coastal scenery with a delightful land visit to Great Blasket Island. It offers a rich, balanced experience for those eager to enjoy Ireland’s natural beauty and cultural history.