The Dingle Sea Safari

The Dingle Sea Safari offers a very different experience to some of the town’s other attractions.

Arguably one of the most unique things to do Dingle, this tour offers you the chance to witness marine life in its natural environment.

From the sturdy open RIB you’ll see the stunning Dingle coastline, caves, cliffs, seals, cormorants, puffins, dolphins and more.

What to know about the Dingle Sea Safari

Although these Dingle Boat Tours are fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

Dingle Sea Safaris depart from Dingle Pier on Strand Street. Dingle Town is 48km southwest of Tralee on the Corca Dhuibhne Peninsula, also known as the Dingle Peninsula.

2. Cost

Ticket prices for the tour are, at the time of typing, €90 per person (affiliate link). Please note that prices may change.

3. How long it lasts

These Dingle boat tours tend to last between 2.5 and 3 hours in total.

4. What to expect

You’ll see majestic cliffs, islands and sea caves along the coastline along with many marine mammals and birds. Dolphins love to jump in the wake of the boat and seals bask on the rocky shores.

About the Dingle Sea Safari

Dingle Sea Safaris take place in a commercial RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) that provides an exciting ride with unobstructed views. The fleet includes a range of sizes from 8-11.5m in length.

They are powered by two 245bhp Yamaha diesel engines and can reach thrilling speeds of up to 33-50 knots (38-57mph).

The trip takes in the breathtaking coastline of Dingle Bay all the way to the Blasket Islands. Each tour takes a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 persons .

Sea Safaris are led by an experienced captain who will also provide plenty of interesting information about the marine creatures and the locality as you ride the waves.

Nothing is more exciting than seeing birds and marine-life in their own natural habitat. Every safari is different but you’re likely to see many gulls, seabirds, seals, dolphins and more.

What you’ll see (and hopefully see) on the Dingle Sea Safari tour

One of the reasons that the Sea Safari is one of the more popular things to do for families in Dingle is due to the volume of things you see along the way, like:

1. Seals

You may see hundreds of seals swimming or basking on the shores around the Great Blasket Islands. It is one of the largest colonies of seals in Ireland. Learn about their thick fur and layer of blubber that keeps them warm in these cold Atlantic waters.

You may see young seal pups that are fed on fat-rich milk from their mothers. They grow fast, gaining 3-5 pounds a day. Seals are able to go stay underwater for 2 hours.

2. Puffins

Cute puffins with their orange and black banded beaks can be seen off the West Coast Ireland between March and July.

They are most commonly spotted bobbing on the waves and resting when not swimming and diving for fish. You’ll get plenty of photo ops on your Sea Safari from the RIB.

3. Whales and dolphins

Even more thrilling is the chance to spot dolphins and whales. Dolphins love to swim along beside the RIB, leaping in the white water wake. These Atlantic waters around West Kerry are also a great place for whale sightings.

Look for the telltale water spouts or perhaps the salute of a tail fluke as they dive. Whales traverse this shoreline in migratory seasons and sightings include Minke Whales, Humpbacks, Fin Whales and black-and-white Killer Whales (Orca).

4. Islands and coastline

The trip provides an up-close look at the remote Great Blasket Islands that were once inhabited before the Great Famine. You’ll also see many beaches, rock formations, arches and caves carved out by the sea.

It’s a great way to take in the breathtaking beauty of the Dingle Peninsula from the water.

Things to do nearby

One of the beauties of the Sea Safari is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best places to visit in Kerry.

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from these Dingle Boat Tours.

1. Food in the town

There are heaps of really good places to eat in Dingle. The Fish Box is great for fish and chips and their fishbowl includes seafood caught on their own trawler.

My Boy Blue does some of the best breakfast in Dingle before you set sail and the upscale Boat Yard Restaurant serves Kerry lamb, homemade burgers and more.

2. The Slea Head Drive

Discover beautiful and remote Slea Head on a 47km circular drive around the Dingle Peninsula. Slea Head Drive (Slí Cheann Sléibhe in Irish) is one of Ireland’s most scenic routes, starting and ending in Dingle.

It passes Gaeltacht villages, historic sites, Dunbeg Fort, Beehive Huts, a Hollywood film location and glimpses of the Blasket and Skellig Islands.

3. Beaches Galore

There’s some gorgeous beaches near Dingle. Visit Coumeenoole Beach surrounded by steep cliffs with views of the Blasket Islands. Ventry, Bandon Bay, Inch Beach, Béal Bán and Wine Strand are all beautiful places to spend a sunny day.