Connemara: Coastal Kayaking Tour & Seal Colony Stop

Summary

Kayak the wild Connemara coast to quiet beaches & seals

You’ll paddle along Connemara’s rugged coastline with a local guide, weaving between hidden coves and white sand beaches. Watch seals sunbathe near their colony and listen to stories about sea life as you glide over clear Atlantic water. Includes wetsuit, changing rooms, and expert guidance—a morning or afternoon here leaves you quietly changed.

What’s the experience like?

We slid our kayaks into the water just south of Clifden, toes sinking into cold sand—honestly, I hesitated at first. The Atlantic looked almost too clear and blue to be real, but our guide (I think his name was Eoin?) just grinned and said we’d warm up fast. He was right. The wetsuit helped, but paddling out with that salty breeze on my face did more. You can hear nothing but your paddle and the odd gull. It’s strange how quickly you forget about your phone or what time it is.

There’s this part where we drifted close to a little island—suddenly everyone went quiet because a few seals were just lounging there, watching us like we were the weird ones. Eoin told us some stories about the local sea life and pointed out tiny shells stuck to the rocks (he called them “periwinkles”—I’d never noticed them before). I tried pronouncing one of the Irish beach names and got it so wrong that he laughed out loud. The sun kept slipping in and out behind clouds, making everything shift from silver to bright greenish-blue.

I still think about that feeling of gliding along those empty stretches of white sand, nothing around except maybe a heron in the distance. We ended up back at the same beach, peeling off wetsuits with numb fingers—someone said their hands smelled like seaweed for hours after. There’s something about coming back to shore together that sticks with you. I didn’t expect to feel so calm after just a few hours on the water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayaking along Connemara coastline

• Meet at The Connemara Sands Hotel
• Change into wetsuit
• Receive safety brief and kayaking introduction
• Practice kayaking skills on shore
• Kayak along the coast
• Enjoy views of beaches and seal colony
• Listen to guides' sea life and history info
• Return to beach and change out of wetsuit
• Head back to accommodation

Top questions

How long does the Connemara coastal kayaking tour last?

The kayaking experience can be enjoyed in a morning session, afternoon outing, or evening experience.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is at The Connemara Sands Hotel near Clifden.

Is equipment provided for kayaking?

Yes, all necessary kayaking equipment including wetsuits is provided.

Will I see wildlife during this tour?

You are likely to see local sea life including a seal colony along the route.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, it includes a safety briefing and introduction to kayaking skills before heading out.

Are changing rooms available after kayaking?

Yes, there are on-site changing rooms available at the beach after your session.

Can children join this kayaking tour?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the meeting point.

What’s included

Your day includes all kayaking equipment with wetsuit rental, expert guidance from a professional local guide who shares stories along the way, plus access to on-site changing rooms before heading back refreshed to your accommodation.