Dingle Sea Safari: Rib Boat Tour & Blasket Islands Wildlife

Summary

Dingle’s wild coast by rib boat with close-up wildlife and sea air

You’ll speed along Dingle Bay by rib boat with just 12 people, feeling every splash and gust as your captain points out dolphins, seals, and puffins near the Blasket Islands. Hear stories about the cliffs’ geology and local life, duck into sea caves, and share laughs with fellow travelers — all bundled up in warm waterproof gear.

What’s the experience like?

There’s this moment when the rib boat leaves Dingle harbor — salt in the air, the engine humming under you, and suddenly you’re skimming past fishing boats and those bright houses fading behind. I remember clutching my waterproof jacket (they hand them out before you climb in), thinking I’d be cold, but the adrenaline sort of takes over. Our captain, Tomás, waved at a friend onshore and then shouted something about “watch for fins!” — which made everyone laugh nervously.

The first splash of sea hit my face right as we rounded a headland toward the Blasket Islands. The water was that deep blue-green you only see on this side of Ireland. Tomás slowed down so we could watch a pod of dolphins weaving around us — honestly, I didn’t expect to get that close. Someone pointed out puffins bobbing like tiny footballs (it was May, so they were everywhere). The cliffs looked almost unreal up close; layers of rock stacked like old books. Tomás told us about how storms had shaped them, and there was this weird silence as everyone just stared for a bit.

We zipped into a sea cave — echoey and cool inside — then back out into sunlight where seals lounged on slippery rocks. There was this smell of seaweed and engine oil mixed together, oddly comforting after a while. Tomás shared bits of Dingle history between jokes about tourists mispronouncing “Blasket.” Li laughed when I tried to say it in Irish — probably butchered it. The ride itself is bumpy but kind of addictive; I still think about that feeling of bouncing along with nothing but ocean all around.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dingle Sea Safari Rib tour

• Join rib tour with max 12 persons
• Travel around Dingle coast and Blasket islands
• Listen to captain's history and geology talk
• View marine mammals and sea birds
• See sea caves and cliff formations

Top questions

How many people are on each Dingle Sea Safari tour?

Each tour is limited to 12 people per rib boat.

Is warm clothing provided on the Dingle Sea Safari?

Yes, waterproof jackets, pants, and life jackets are provided for all guests.

What wildlife can you see during the Dingle Sea Safari?

You may see dolphins, seals, whales (occasionally), puffins (April-August), and other seabirds.

Does the tour include visiting the Blasket Islands?

The rib travels around much of the coast and near the Blasket Islands but does not land there.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

How long does the Dingle Sea Safari last?

The reference doesn’t specify duration; check with operator for details.

Is public transportation available to reach the departure point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby in Dingle.

Are children allowed on this rib boat tour?

The reference doesn’t specify age limits; contact operator directly for child policy.

What’s included

Your day includes waterproof jackets and pants plus life jackets for everyone onboard so you stay dry even when waves splash over. The group is small—just 12 people—with a local captain guiding you around Dingle Bay and near the Blasket Islands to spot marine wildlife up close before returning to harbor.