Clew Bay Cruise from Westport: 365 Islands & Seal Colony

Sail past 365 islands and watch seals from the water

A 90-minute guided cruise from Westport through Clew Bay passes Croagh Patrick, John Lennon's Island, Inishgort Lighthouse and a seal colony of around 400 animals. The modern passenger ship includes a heated enclosed lounge, upper viewing deck, on-board bar and café, and restrooms. Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure. Arrive at least 5 minutes early or your space is forfeited. Free on-site parking and WiFi are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

90-minute Clew Bay sightseeing cruise

• Begin cruise with Westport Harbour history
• Pass Clew Bay oyster farms
• View Achill Disaster site
• Admire Croagh Patrick mountain
• See Maharishi Island of World Peace
• Cruise among southern Clew Bay islands
• Visit John Lennon's island
• View Inishgort Lighthouse
• Spot Clare Island in distance
• Observe seal colony habitat

The experience

Westport Harbour was once the third largest tonnage harbour in Ireland, and the cruise opens with that history before moving into Clew Bay itself. You'll pass over oyster farms where more than a million oysters are harvested each year, then sail toward Croagh Patrick, the "holy mountain" that rises from the south side of the bay. The place where Saint Patrick is said to have prayed and fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. The guide narrates the route throughout, and the ship's upper viewing deck gives you a vantage point to take in the scale of it.

The route takes you through the southern islands of Clew Bay, where you're surrounded by flooded drumlin islands, then to John Lennon's Island: a private retreat the Beatle bought and visited. From there, the cruise heads toward Inishgort Lighthouse, standing at the bay's entrance since 1806. Clare Island appears in the distance as the guardian of the bay. The seal colony, around 400 strong, is the final stop (though timing varies depending on where they're located that day). You'll cruise within metres of them as they bask on rocks and in the water.

The ship itself is built for comfort in Irish weather. An enclosed heated lounge keeps you warm, the upper seated viewing deck offers open-air sightseeing, and the on-board bar and café let you grab a drink or snack during the 90 minutes. Restrooms are available, and card payments work on board. Free parking is at the harbour, and WiFi is included. Boarding opens 30 minutes before departure, but you need to be there at least 5 minutes before the scheduled time or you'll lose your spot.

What’s included

• 90-minute guided cruise with live commentary in English.
• heated enclosed lounge and upper viewing deck.
• on-board bar and café.
• restrooms.
• on-board gift shop.
• free on-site parking.
• WiFi on board.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to Saturday7 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 16:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (5 to 17 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Westport Cruises

Is this one for you?This cruise suits anyone visiting Westport who wants to see Clew Bay's landmarks and wildlife from the water without navigating a boat themselves. The fixed 90-minute route and live guide mean the day is structured and you're not managing the schedule. You board, sit, and the bay unfolds around you.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 17 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Croagh Patrick and why does the guide point it out?

Croagh Patrick is the "holy mountain" on the south side of Clew Bay, where Saint Patrick is said to have prayed and fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. You'll see it from the water as the cruise passes, and the guide explains its significance as part of the bay's history and landscape.

How close do you get to the seal colony on this cruise?

The seal colony of around 400 seals basks on rocks and in the water, and the ship cruises within metres of them so you can watch and photograph them without disturbing the animals.

What was John Lennon's Island and why is it on the route?

John Lennon's Island is a private retreat that the Beatle bought and visited as a hideaway. The cruise passes it as one of the notable landmarks in Clew Bay, though it remains a private property.

What amenities are on board during the 90-minute cruise?

The ship has an enclosed heated lounge for shelter from the weather, an upper seated viewing deck for open-air sightseeing, an on-board bar and café, restrooms, a gift shop, and WiFi. Card payments are accepted on board.

When do I need to arrive for boarding, and is parking available?

Boarding begins 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time, but you must arrive at least 5 minutes before departure or you risk losing your space. Free on-site parking is included at Westport Harbour.

How many islands are in Clew Bay, and what else will I see besides them?

Clew Bay has 365 islands. Beyond the islands themselves, the cruise takes you past Croagh Patrick, oyster farms, the site of the 1894 Achill Disaster, Maharishi Island, John Lennon's Island, Inishgort Lighthouse (standing since 1806), Clare Island, and the seal colony.