Kayaking Donegal: 7 Arches sea caves and hidden beach

Paddle into sea caves and land on a private beach only kayaks can reach

The 7 Arches Kayak Tour is a 4-hour guided paddling experience along the Fanad coastline in Donegal, where you navigate 9km past sea caves, arches and stacks to a private beach with a waterfall hidden inside a cave. The tour includes a guide, wetsuit, buoyancy aid and helmet, with rest stops built into an easy pace. Best suited to paddlers with some experience, not first-timers. An English-speaking guide leads the group.

The experience

Four hours on the water covers 9km of the Donegal coast, where the sea has carved caves, arches and stacks into the cliffs over millions of years. You paddle past the Portsalon Caves and hidden coves along the Fanad headland, stopping to rest and take in the rugged coastline. The centerpiece is a private beach tucked inside a sea cave with its own waterfall: reachable only by kayak, so you'll be one of the few who ever set foot there.

Wildlife sightings are common: dolphins, minke whales, seals, sea otters, swans, gulls and eider ducks often appear along the route. The pace is easy with built-in rest stops, so you're not paddling flat-out for four hours. Bring a snack to eat on the beach or during a rest break. Wetsuits, buoyancy aids and helmets are provided. You supply the paddling experience. The tour is best suited to those with some kayaking background, not complete beginners.

Weather and sea conditions decide whether the tour runs. Calm seas and settled weather are essential for safety, and the operator monitors conditions constantly. If conditions aren't favorable, the tour may be cancelled as a last resort, so check the forecast and be ready to reschedule if needed.

What’s included

• Kayak, paddle, wetsuit, buoyancy aid and helmet.
• an English-speaking guide leading the group.
• rest stops and an easy pace along the 9km route.
• landing on a private beach with a waterfall cave accessible only by kayak.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturdayDeparts at 12:00

AgesAdult (21 to 60 years) · Senior (61 to 65 years) · Youth (17 to 20 years) · Under 17: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

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 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

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Eco Atlantic Adventures

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and leads at an easy pace with rest stops, so you can focus on paddling and the coastline rather than struggling to keep up. Book this if you have paddled before and want to explore sea caves and hidden beaches. It's not designed for first-time paddlers or anyone without prior kayaking experience.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (17 to 20 years). Children under 17 can't be included in the booking.

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 are the 7 Arches and where do I see them?

The 7 Arches are sea caves, arches and stacks carved into the Fanad coastline by millions of years of coastal erosion. You paddle past them along the 9km route, with the private beach and waterfall cave, only accessible by kayak, as the highlight of the tour.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this tour?

The tour is best suited to paddlers with some experience and is not recommended for first-timers. You should be comfortable handling a kayak and paddle in open water. The guide will lead an easy-paced route with rest stops, but prior paddling ability is expected.

What wildlife might I see on the Donegal coast?

Dolphins, minke whales, seals, sea otters, swans, gulls, herrings and eider ducks are spotted often on these tours. Sightings depend on the day and conditions, but marine life is a regular part of the paddling experience along the Fanad headland.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes a kayak, paddle, wetsuit, buoyancy aid, helmet and an English-speaking guide. You bring your own snack or lunch to eat during rest stops or on the private beach.

When does the tour run and can it be cancelled?

The tour runs for 4 hours and is best scheduled when calm seas and settled weather are forecast. The operator monitors conditions constantly and may cancel as a last resort if safety cannot be assured. You would be offered a reschedule in that case.