The 10 Best Boat Tours & Water Sports in County Cork, Province of Munster

SailCork provides lessons and holidays in dinghy sailing, powerboating, kayaking, cruiser sailing and outdoor adventure at the picturesque East Ferry in the magnificent Cork Harbour. Eddie English and his team of friendly, professional instructors have been welcoming visitors to the water since 1974. Enjoy learning in safety afloat. Sail in the historic waters where sailing has been a sport for over 350 years. Learn a new skill and enjoy traditional Cobh hospitality. Sail and stay aboard our cruisers and cruise the amazing South Cork Coast -see Ireland from the sea. Sail the Wild Atlantic Way! During the winter months SailCork operates Junior Sailing every w-end, adult Yachting and Powerboating on most w-ends and runs evening classes in Navigation (Beginners, Day Skipper and Yachtmaster) Electronic Navigation (including iPad navigation). Evening classes are also available in VHF Radio, Passage Planning an Pilotage. SailCork also runs "Sunshine Cruising" in the Caribbean and Croatia. Learn as you enjoy sailing in the sun. Sail aboard a comfortable, roomy and seaworthy 50 foot cruising yacht. SailCork Yachtmaster instructor Eddie English is the skipper and Jo English is the hostess who will look after your every need!

Based in the South West of Ireland along the Wild Atlantic Way and established in 1995. We are Ireland's premier sea kayaking company. We believe in providing a safe, enjoyable and memorable experience for all who join us. We also hire sit on top kayaks and Stand Up Paddle Boards. We include cultural and wildlife experiences.

If you're looking for an adventurous & healthy holiday activity sailing may have the answer.There's no need to don a wetsuit, all cruises are run aboard our cruising yachts based at the Trident Marina Kinsale. You can choose from a day or half day sail. Sailing TimesMorning: 10:00 to 13:00 Afternoon: 14:00 to 17:00 Sunset cruise: 18:00 to 20:30.

We offer RYA-approved sailing courses and chartered sailing trips on Ireland's beautiful Atlantic coast. Based in Ahakista on Sheep's Head peninsula all training takes place on our Hallberg Rassy 46 yacht. Our professional and friendly instructors cater for novice sailors and those looking to advance their sailing skills. Mini-cruises, milebuilding and chartered day trips are also available.

Baltimore Sea Safari is a family run boat trip business from Baltimore in West Cork, Ireland, providing coastal sightseeing tours, with whale, dolphin, porpoise, seal and wildlife watching. Our aim is to introduce our passengers to the outstanding beauty of the West Cork coastline, while looking out for the wildlife that may be in the area. The waters off Baltimore offer the perfect environment to see whales, dolphins, porpoise, basking shark, seals and a wide variety of seabirds. We operate in an area of exceptional unspoiled natural beauty within Carbery Hundred Isles, Roaringwater Bay (which is a designated Special Area of Conservation SAC) and the Ilen River, which are home to the most diverse range of sea and bird life to be seen anywhere in Ireland. During our boat trips we provide an informative commentary on the sights of interest, and on the fascinating history of the area and its wildlife. We visit seal colonies on all of our boat trips, and the shallow draft and high manoeuvrability of unique boat allows us to take passengers into sea caves previously used by smugglers and pirates. During all of our boat trips we collect data on the wildlife that we encounter, logging times, numbers, behaviour, positions and take photos for photo ID where ever possible. This data is shared with other agencies, groups and universities to help develop a better understanding of the whales, dolphins, porpoise, basking sharks, seals, ocean sunfish and other wildlife that frequent the waters around the West Cork coastline. We also have an onboard Hydrophone for listening to the sounds of the sea. Even though we have a good record for whale, dolphin and wildlife sightings, they are not guaranteed.

Afraid of the water? Cant swim? Don't worry! Its only an average of 3 feet deep. The Lagoon Activity Centre is a place where you can relax, feel free and take in the breathtaking serenity and beauty of West Cork and the Wild Atlantic Way. Why not take on West Cork's only and Munster's largest floating water park, rent a kayak, take the kids pedal boating, try your hand at stand up paddle boarding (SUP), or for the less adventurous, simply relax on our over water deck and pier and enjoy the local produce from our beach hut cafe.

Colin Barnes is Ireland's longest established and best known whale watch operator, and has been enthralling whale watchers and wildlife enthusiasts in West Cork since 2001. Cork Whale Watch offers wonderful opportunities to observe marine wildlife in West Cork. These productive coastal waters provide critical feeding habitat for a diversity of species including cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises), seals and sea birds, along with prolific fish life.If you've seen natural history documentaries on whales from anywhere in Co. Cork or Waterford, the chances are it was filmed from the MV Holly Jo. Among Colin's contributions are: RTE's "Wild trials", "Wild Journeys", "Living the Wildlife" and in recent years Colin has worked with both BBC Autumnwatch and Winterwatch and BBC Seasons to film large whales off the Cork coast. As a former fisherman of 40 years experience observing whales in West Cork, Colin may not have letters after his name, but those that do, know who to contact if they need to find, film or carry out research on whales and dolphins along the Cork coast. Colin has contributed to and co-authored scientific publications on both fin and humpback whales in collaboration with Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG), and contributes to the All-Ireland Cetacean Sighting Scheme, by reporting sightings data to IWDG. Colin is a rare breed of conservationist, who has evolved from the fishing industry, his passion and understanding of local marine ecosystems is second to none. Colin is available for longer filming and research charters year round.

As Cork's largest RIB operator, we are delighted to hold Certificates of Excellence from TripAdvisor in 2015 & 2016! We offer regular RIB boat trips, high speed safaris, tours and charters around Cork’s magnificent coastline and wildlife. Choose from group, family, corporate or unique Stag & Hen trips. ​ Don't see something that fits in with your plan? We will happily arrange a bespoke trip to fit in with your needs. Enjoy a high speed trip around the worlds second largest natural harbour, a family adventure,a Hen or Stag with your friends and even the odd dolphin for company! ​ On board with Ocean Escapes you will discover a wealth of information about the worlds second largest natural harbour and surrounding areas. You will have a chance to explore our beautiful Coastline from a unique perspective and take in breath taking views. Our RIB offers the chance to escape from the hussle and bussle and discover remote coves, leading to encounters with wildlife that call our coastline home. Join us on a unforgettable experience along the most dramatic coastline that will bring you to the heart of the action. Our tours combine the versatility of a fast, custom built RIBs with expertise of local knowledge creating opportunities for a once in a lifetime experience along the Cork coast. Follow in the footsteps of the legendary Titanic, taking in views of Fort Camden, Spike Island and Cobh. You will also have a chance to see some of the vast wildlife that call out coast home, from bottlenose dolphins to minke whales, even huge Basking sharks! a trip with us is a truly unique experience. be sure to bring your camera!

Cork Harbour Boat Hire allows you to explore the vast depths of Cork Harbour on a fantastic boating adventure. This is an ideal day out in Cork for groups of all ages and sizes, with the easy to drive boats making it very easy to navigate the waters with Cork Harbour Boat Hire. There is so much to explore in Cork Harbour, and this fantastic boat trip is an ideal way to take in the fresh sea air and see another side of Cork. The waters of Cork Harbour are full of fascinating history and captivating sights. With a vast array of wildlife known to inhabit the region, you will have great fun trying to spot all the different birds and sea creatures. Take a trip around Spike Island, the old monastic settlement and prison which resides in the middle of Cork Harbour. Cork Harbour Boat Hire makes this wonderful adventure on the open seas straightforward and accessible for everyone. These easy to drive boats make it possible for anyone to enjoy a brisk sail around Cork Harbour. With tours ranging from one hour to three and four hour adventure tours, there is something to suit groups of all ages. You will receive full training before setting out on the water, ensuring everyone can enjoy their trip around Cork Harbour safely. Cork Harbour Boat Hire are now open in Cork City and are based at The Port of Cork Marina. Take a trip under some of the historic bridges of Cork right up to the Franciscan Well or take a trip to Blackrock Castle and maybe spot a seal or two on your way! No matter which route you take, you are guaranteed an enjoyable boat trip. Our tours are led by a fully qualified safety boat guide, who allows you to independently explore and discover Cork Harbour while showcasing the Harbours natural beauty. From the water visit the Irish Naval base, cruise past Spike Island, spot the sights; St.Colman’s Cathedral, Cobh’s seaside Promenade, view the historic White Star line ticket office and original pier where the last Titanic passengers disembarked on its fatal voyage and more all while skippering your very own boat.

45 minutes from Cork city and you will be transported on an exclusive historical natural visitor experience. A charming 10-seater passenger ferry 'Yassy' and a local guide will transport you to the previously inaccessible island; up the steep grassy incline to the summit and inside the black tower and onto the lantern balcony. Only goats live on the island.. sometimes they come and say hello!