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Snorkel, Swim or Freedive with Seals through underwater canyons and caves
Come aboard the safari boat and meet the resident seal colony of the Skerries Islands a few miles off the coast of Portrush. Beginner snorkelers explore the amazing kelp forests and observe the curious seals around.
More experienced snorkelers and freedivers can discover underwater caverns, canyons, caves, and deep drop-offs. Diving with the curious Island seals is a very unique experience!
These trips are also suited for beginner swimmers and snorkelers (Minimum ability: being able to swim 100 meters unaided).
Boat Snorkel Tour Itinerary
You will be welcomed at 9.30 at the Portrush Harbour where you will receive your high quality equipment and instructions on how to properly use it. After a safety and responsible wildlife brief, you'll board the boat, meet the captain, and head out to the Skerries Islands.
As you head past the impressive Ramore Headland you will already encounter numerous wild birds, such as Gannets, Shags, Oystercatchers, Cormorants, Razorbills and more. On arrival, we enter the water and explore the awe-inspiring kelp forests and curious seals around us.
After about 1.5 hours in the water, you'll get back onto the boat and head back to the harbour for a warm cuppa, a pint of Guinness or some hot whiskey and to share your newly made memories around an open fire in the harbour bar!
More watersport fun!
Not sure if seal snorkeling is for you? Check out Freedive NI's page for all of their activities! From family-friendly swimming tours to romantic cave paddleboard tours for couples. From boat snorkel tours as part of your hen do weekend in Northern Ireland to freediving courses for beginner and advanced thrill seekers, they offer a wide range of new and exciting tours and packages!
How to Find Us
By Rail to Portrush
From Belfast
Translink operates a regular timetable, usually every hour or less between Belfast and Coleraine. You can find the schedule here, or use their app/website here. The journey from Belfast Central takes around an hour and 20 minutes through the Antrim countryside.
From Coleraine, you may have to change for trains to Portrush. Trains run every hour, and the journey takes around 10 minutes. There are two stations in Portrush. Dhu Varren, which is on the western entrance overlooking West Strand and Portrush Station in the centre of town.
From July 14 – 21, there will be extra trains as well as extra carriages (allowing more people on) on the regular timetabled train services. The majority of the extra trains will be early morning trains from Belfast
By Bus
Translink runs several bus options for getting to Portrush the Causeway Rambler, Ulster Bus and Goldline depending where you are coming from.
When coming from Belfast, you can use the regular 218 Goldline (Timetable here) coach service from Belfast or 234 Goldline from Derry~Londonderry (timetable here).
Both of these services arrive at Coleraine Rail and Bus station, where you can easily jump on theUlsterbus 140bus service to Portrush.
By Car
Via Belfast
Follow the M2 towards Antrim. Take the A26 to Ballymena and follow the M2/A26 towards Coleraine/Portrush. On approach to Coleraine, follow the yellow (AA) and electronic signs for Public Parking.
Via Causeway route
This is possibly the best route to take to get to Portrush, clinging to the Atlantic coast from Belfast to Portrush, the Causeway Coastal Route is adorned with stretches of sandy beaches, picturesque fishing villages, rolling gorse-covered valleys and fuchsia-edged clifftop paths. Taking in the fantastic scenery from the car is incredible, but the other senses could be missing out! The sounds of the crashing waves, the birds soaring up above, the salty taste from the sea on your lips and the wind whistling past your ears – these are all part of this legendary land’s beauty.
- Premium ION wetsuits
- Premium carbon paddles
- Premium Snorkelling Gear
Here's a list of things you might want to consider bringing for your adventure:
- Sunscreen - Protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays, especially if spending extended periods in the water
- Warm clothes and layers - for before and after you're in the water
- Towel - Essential for drying off after your water activities
- Water bottle - Staying hydrated is crucial, so bring along a reusable water bottle to sip on throughout the day
- Snacks - Energizing snacks like granola bars or fruit can keep you fueled up for your adventures
Waterproof bag or dry bag
A moderate level of fitness and mobility is required if you want to join in the water. You have to be able to climb a ladder back onto the boat
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