Connemara Coast Wildlife Fishing Cruise: Private Full-Day

You might see a 500-pound sunfish drifting past the boat.

A private full-day wildlife watching cruise on the Atlantic off the Connemara coast, with a local guide, fishing rods and the chance to walk Inishturk Island's cliffs for seabirds. The boat searches for whales, dolphins, porpoises, seal colonies and the occasional sea otter. You fish en-route and can join a 3-hour guided walk on the island if you choose.

Step-by-step itinerary

Wildlife cruise and island walk

• Depart from Connemara coast
• Fish around bays and reefs
• Search for marine wildlife sightings
• Arrive at Inishturk Island
• Join guided 3-hour bird watching walk
• Explore island cliffs and ruins

The experience

The boat leaves the Connemara coast and heads into open Atlantic waters where the wildlife changes with the season and the weather. Whales, dolphins and porpoises move through these waters; several seal colonies live on the rocks and reefs; sea otters surface now and then. The guide knows where to look and what the sightings mean. You fish around the bays, islands and reefs as you travel, with rods and lures provided, and the species you might catch shift with the depth and the time of year.

Inishturk Island rises from the ocean in steep cliffs and bold walls 722 feet above the water, with the ruins of an old signal tower at the top. Those who want to walk can join the guide for a 3-hour route to the cliffs, where the bird species list runs long enough to satisfy any serious watcher. The walk is steep and the island is remote, so it suits travelers with a moderate level of fitness. Children need an adult with them. If you'd rather stay on the boat or explore the island at your own pace, that's your call.

The full day runs 8 hours on the water. The boat operates in all weather, so bring layers and waterproof gear. A life jacket is strongly recommended when you're on or near the water. There's no lunch included, so pack what you need. Public transport reaches the departure point, though you'll arrange your own way there.

What’s included

• Private sea boat charter for the full day.
• fishing rods and lures.
• a local guide in English.
• the option to join a 3-hour guided walk on Inishturk Island to the cliffs for seabird watching.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday and FridayDeparts at 10:30

Book up to1d before

GroupPrivate

Live 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Ireland Wild Escapes

Is this one for you?This is a private charter, so the boat, the guide and the day move at your pace and your interests. If the whales are running, you stay; if the fishing is good, you fish longer; if the island walk appeals, you take it, and if it doesn't, you don't. It suits travelers who want to search for wildlife on their own terms, with a guide who knows the waters, rather than following a fixed itinerary with a group.

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Top questions

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 kind of marine wildlife might I actually see on the Connemara coast?

Whales, dolphins, porpoises, seal colonies and sea otters all live in these waters. Basking sharks and sunfish show up occasionally. What you see depends on the season and the weather on the day you go.

Can I fish if I've never done it before?

Yes. Fishing rods and lures are provided, and you fish around the bays, islands and reefs as the boat travels. The guide knows the waters and the species you might encounter.

What's the walk on Inishturk Island like?

It's a 3-hour guided route to the cliffs, steep and on a remote island, so you need at least a moderate level of fitness. The bird watching from the top is the payoff. You can skip the walk and stay on the boat if you prefer.

How long is the full day on the water?

The cruise runs 8 hours total. The boat operates in all weather, so dress warmly and bring waterproof layers.

What's included and what do I need to arrange myself?

The boat charter, fishing rods and lures, and a local English-speaking guide are all included. You bring or pack your own lunch, and you arrange your own transport to the departure point.