About the Small Skellig
Just across the water from Skellig Michael is Little Skellig (An Scealg Bheag). From a distance it looks white, and that’s because it’s covered in birds. It has Ireland’s largest gannet colony, and one of the biggest in the world, with over 30,000 breeding pairs on its ledges.
Nobody is allowed to land on Little Skellig, so a boat tour is the only way to see it up close. As we go around the rock, you’ll see thousands of gannets diving, flying and nesting just metres from the boat. For a lot of people it’s the best part of the trip.
Seeing Little Skellig from the water
As the boat gets closer, you start to see how big the gannet colony is. Almost every bit of rock has a nest on it, and the birds are very noisy.
Our skippers know where to put the boat for the best views and photos, and our guides will tell you about the gannets and the other birds you see.
There are no age restrictions and we keep groups small, so the whole family can come.
Book NowBook your trip
Our Skellig Michael boat tour covers the history, the wildlife and the islands themselves. Places go quickly in the busy months of June to August, so it’s best to book ahead.
BOOK NOWWhat to bring on the tour
We’d suggest bringing these.
Sun cream and sunglasses, as the light off the sea can be strong on sunny days
A waterproof jacket, because it can be cool on the water even in summer
Comfortable clothes and shoes with good grip
A camera or binoculars for the birds and the views