Land on the rock, walk the monastery
A full day trip to Skellig Michael with a 45 minute sea crossing each way and around 2.5 hours on the island itself. Climb 600 hand-cut stone steps to the 6th century monastery perched 180 metres above the Atlantic.
A full day on a UNESCO World Heritage island
Skellig Michael Tours operates Landing Tours from Portmagee marina to Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 12 kilometres off the Kerry coast. This is the only tour that allows visitors to step ashore on the island itself.
After a 45 minute sea crossing, passengers disembark at the small harbour and climb 600 stone steps to the 6th century monastery at 180 metres (600 feet). The full experience, from departure to return, takes most of the day.
Landing Tours operate 9 May 2026 to 30 September 2026. Places are limited by OPW permit conditions and are available on a waiting list basis for 2026.
What the Tour Includes
- Departure from Portmagee marina
- 45 minute sea crossing each way
- Around 2.5 hours on Skellig Michael
- OPW-permitted landing at the island harbour
- Access to the 6th century monastery and beehive huts
- Skipper commentary on wildlife, history, and the sea crossing
Check-in at Portmagee
Arrive at the marina at the agreed time. The skipper assesses sea conditions and confirms departure. Passengers board the boat with waterproof gear, packed lunch, and water.
Sea crossing to Skellig Michael
The boat crosses 12 kilometres of open Atlantic. On the way, Puffin Island and Little Skellig come into view. Dolphins, seals, and seabirds are often spotted during the crossing.
On the island
Disembark at the small harbour. The OPW guide gives a safety briefing. Visitors then walk at their own pace up the 600 stone steps to the monastery and back down again, with time at the top.
Return crossing and Little Skellig
Re-board the boat. The return journey passes Little Skellig and its 70,000-strong gannet colony, time permitting. Back at Portmagee marina by mid-afternoon.
600 stone steps, cut by hand
The path from the harbour to the monastery is a climb of 600 stone steps, cut by the monks who built the settlement and used without interruption for more than a thousand years.
Steps are uneven, narrow in places, and exposed. There are no handrails. The ascent rises 180 metres (600 feet) above sea level and takes most visitors between 45 minutes and an hour, with pauses on the way up.
Walkers set their own pace. OPW guides are stationed on the island to advise on the climb and to turn back any visitor who should not continue. Sturdy footwear with ankle support is required.
The 6th century monastery
The monastery sits on a ledge just below the northern summit. Six dry-stone beehive huts, two oratories, and a small cemetery, all still standing after 1,400 years exposed to the Atlantic.
The settlement was occupied by early Christian monks from around the 6th century until the 12th or 13th century. The construction techniques, corbelled dry-stone walls with no mortar, have kept the buildings watertight through centuries of storms.
UNESCO inscribed Skellig Michael as a World Heritage Site in 1996, recognising the monastery as one of the best preserved examples of its kind in Europe. Visitors have time at the top to explore, rest, and take in the view across to Little Skellig and back toward the Kerry coast.
What to Expect on the Day
The Landing Tour is a full day commitment. From the moment the boat leaves Portmagee to the moment it returns, expect to be on the water or on the island for six to seven hours in total.
Good to Know
Minimum age 18
Skellig Michael Tours applies a minimum age of 18 on the Landing Tour, stricter than the OPW minimum of 12. The climb and the exposed nature of the site require adult judgement throughout.
Fitness required
The 600-step climb is the equivalent of walking up a 60-storey building on uneven stone. Visitors should be in good general health and comfortable with heights and exposure.
What to bring
Sturdy walking shoes with ankle support, a waterproof jacket, warm layers, packed lunch, and water. There are no facilities on the island. A small backpack is useful for the climb.
Sea conditions
The skipper assesses conditions each morning. Landing at the small harbour on Skellig Michael requires calm seas. When a landing is not possible, alternative arrangements are discussed with passengers.
Meeting point
Boats depart from Portmagee marina in Co. Kerry. Free parking is available at the marina. Departure times are confirmed once booked, typically early morning.
On board
The fleet is inspected annually by the Marine Survey Office. Life jackets are available on board for any passenger who wishes to wear one. The skipper gives a full safety briefing before departure.
Consider the Sea Tour instead
For many visitors, viewing the island from the water on the Skellig Sea Tour provides a complete perspective of its scale and setting, with no climb required.
How long is the Skellig Michael Landing Tour?
The Landing Tour is a full day trip, typically six to seven hours from departure to return. The sea crossing is 45 minutes each way, and visitors spend around 2.5 hours on Skellig Michael. Tours depart from Portmagee marina, Co. Kerry, and operate 9 May 2026 to 30 September 2026. Landing is subject to sea conditions and an Office of Public Works permit, which Skellig Michael Tours holds.
Who the Landing Tour Suits
The Landing Tour suits visitors who want the full experience of Skellig Michael, who are in good physical condition, comfortable with exposure and heights, and who can commit to a full day. It is the only way to walk the ancient pilgrim path, stand among the beehive huts, and see the island from the perspective of the monks who built it.
Visitors who prefer a shorter experience, who are travelling with children, or who have any concerns about the climb should consider the Skellig Sea Tour instead. For a side by side breakdown of both options, see the Sea Tour vs Landing Tour comparison.
Join the 2026 Waiting List
Landing Tour places for 2026 are allocated from a waiting list. Submit the form below with your preferred dates and we will be in touch as availability opens up. If a landing place does not become available in time for your trip, we offer a discounted Skellig Sea Tour as an alternative.
Name, email, phone, preferred dates, group size, experience requirements