Bantry Bay Boat Hire
Bantry Bay Boat Hire
5
Boat ToursBoat HireFood ToursStand Up PaddleboardingKayaking & Canoeing
10:00 - 19:00
Monday
10:00 - 19:00
Tuesday
10:00 - 19:00
Wednesday
10:00 - 19:00
Thursday
10:00 - 19:00
Friday
10:00 - 19:00
Saturday
10:00 - 19:00
Sunday
10:00 - 19:00
Full view
About
Bantry Bay Boat Hire offers guided boat tours, boat hire, sunset kayaking, kayak and paddle board hire, kids kayaking camps and so much more! Experience our beautiful part of the Wild Atlantic Way from the water and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Bantry Bay. Take a spin on our Sea Safari out around the bay as you go dolphin and whale watching and hopefully spot some seals too! Enjoy a boat trip like no other in our Seafood Tour as you taste Bantry Bay mussels on Whiddy Island or why not try our food tour, Picturesque Picnic and enjoy a picnic on your boat! For a great outdoor activity in West Cork why not hire a kayak or paddle board and explore the Bantry Blueway, which is a marked kayaking route around the bay, or join a guided kayak tour and let our guide lead your around the calm waters of Bantry Bay. For a chance to see bioluminescence in the bay, go kayaking with our sunset kayaking groups and enjoy sea kayaking at the magical hour of sunset.
Bantry, County Cork, Ireland
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingRevenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Similar Experiences
Bantry Bay Boat Hire
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show optionsTravellers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
262 reviews
Excellent
255
Very good
8
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Cillian B
6 contributions
Sept 2020 • Friends
18-9-2020
John and Robyn lead us out across bantry bay, guiding us along and were very informative of the locality, even pointing out whiddy island's city centre :P
A rogue single cloud tried its hardest to block out our views but its efforts were futile, as we seen a beautiful sunset dropping behind hungry hill.
Coming back along the shoreline, we got to stop and agitate the bioluminennce plankton giving off bright blue sparks as they are agitated.
We'd highly recommend heading out on the harbour with the lads
C
John and Robyn lead us out across bantry bay, guiding us along and were very informative of the locality, even pointing out whiddy island's city centre :P
A rogue single cloud tried its hardest to block out our views but its efforts were futile, as we seen a beautiful sunset dropping behind hungry hill.
Coming back along the shoreline, we got to stop and agitate the bioluminennce plankton giving off bright blue sparks as they are agitated.
We'd highly recommend heading out on the harbour with the lads
C
Written 19 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for your lovely review, it really means alot to our business. We just noticed there were a few reviews we never said thanks to! All the best, Aaron
Written 3 February 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ashwani sehrawat
1 contribution
Aug 2021
It was a really good experience. The boat driver/trip guide is passionate about his job and very well aware about the area history. I would highly recommend Bantry boats trips for anybody visiting West Cork.
Written 20 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your great review, I will pass on your lovely feedback to our fantastic team. All the best, Aaron
Written 21 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nicola K
25 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Our Sea Safari Tour of Bantry Bay with Aaron was without doubt the highlight of our weekend together.
From the moment I called to enquire about availability and booking the trip, to when we stepped ashore, Aaron was exceptional in attending to every detail.
There were plenty of giggles as we were fitted up with life jackets but what was most evident and admirable, was Aaron's absolute respect for water safety and best practice at sea. He delivered an excellent safety talk and notified the Coast Guard of the voyage as we set off, and again upon our safe return.
It was a fantastic trip, beyond expectation. Despite having grown up in Bantry, I never knew that there were sea caves, a sea stack and so many hidden treasures along our immediate coastline. Aaron generously shared a tremendous knowledge of the history, biodiversity, geography, marine life and economics of Bantry Bay throughout the centuries. He had a captive audience in us throughout.
We were lucky to enjoy the company of his Dad whose keen eye spotted a dolphin and her calf and a porpoise. Aaron expertly steered the rib, to track and observe these beautiful animals at a respectful distance.
I highly recommend Bantry Bay Boat Hire if you are planning a visit to Bantry. You are guaranteed an expectional experience. Next up for me is the sunset kayaking trip which has been on my 'would love to do' list since they opened!
Thanks Aaron and team for a brilliant couple of hours on beautiful Bantry Bay.
From the moment I called to enquire about availability and booking the trip, to when we stepped ashore, Aaron was exceptional in attending to every detail.
There were plenty of giggles as we were fitted up with life jackets but what was most evident and admirable, was Aaron's absolute respect for water safety and best practice at sea. He delivered an excellent safety talk and notified the Coast Guard of the voyage as we set off, and again upon our safe return.
It was a fantastic trip, beyond expectation. Despite having grown up in Bantry, I never knew that there were sea caves, a sea stack and so many hidden treasures along our immediate coastline. Aaron generously shared a tremendous knowledge of the history, biodiversity, geography, marine life and economics of Bantry Bay throughout the centuries. He had a captive audience in us throughout.
We were lucky to enjoy the company of his Dad whose keen eye spotted a dolphin and her calf and a porpoise. Aaron expertly steered the rib, to track and observe these beautiful animals at a respectful distance.
I highly recommend Bantry Bay Boat Hire if you are planning a visit to Bantry. You are guaranteed an expectional experience. Next up for me is the sunset kayaking trip which has been on my 'would love to do' list since they opened!
Thanks Aaron and team for a brilliant couple of hours on beautiful Bantry Bay.
Written 15 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Nicola, Thanks so much for your kind review and such lovely comments about our tours. We really do love what we do and sharing the special gem of Bantry Bay with everyone. Hopefully see you again soon, All the best, Aaron
Written 5 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bryan C
Dublin, Ireland17 contributions
Aug 2021
Did the 1 hour self drive boat tour with the family of 4, including 2 kids. The boats and life jackets were in great condition. Good equipment and well maintained. I have spent a lot of time on boats and I was impressed with the standard.
The boat was well sized for the 4 of us and the 15hp outboard was perfect for the type of trip. The boat can easily be handled with no previous experience and the instructions given are easy to follow. On our trip the kids did most of the driving and they had a ball with it,
The tour route allowed us to explore the bay and see a fair bit. Our guide, Matt, was very good and able to impart lots of interesting info about the locality.
The boat was well sized for the 4 of us and the 15hp outboard was perfect for the type of trip. The boat can easily be handled with no previous experience and the instructions given are easy to follow. On our trip the kids did most of the driving and they had a ball with it,
The tour route allowed us to explore the bay and see a fair bit. Our guide, Matt, was very good and able to impart lots of interesting info about the locality.
Written 17 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your excellent review Bryan, it really means alot to us. We are delighted to read your comments about our equipment, it's an example of all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes before, during and after our season and this makes me really proud. We never will compromise on safety and quality of product as we want to ensure everyone has the safest and most enjoyable experience on Bantry Bay, always. Thanks again, Aaron
Written 18 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Martin F
8 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Fantastic experience around Bantry Bay . Robin was a great guide . He gave us a great account of Bantry Bay histories, English and French invasions, Bantry House , Whiddy Island as well as the local Geography. We stopped to say hello to some seals . A lovely experience , great for children , fantastic value for money . We ( 3 adults and one 12 year old who was entertained) Would highly recommend the activity to anyone and we will do it again.
Written 9 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for your lovely review, it really means alot to our business. We just noticed there were a few reviews we never said thanks to even though we read all the reviews. Do pop back and see us again one day! All the best, Aaron
Written 3 February 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Johnnie C
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Family
Excellent, even though it rained....Robin was an excellent guide and stopped along the Bantry blueway to give some historical facts, we even seen how the mussel farms are harvested. Trip was great but a little pricey at 60 euro
Written 17 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for your 5-star review Johnnie. All the best, Aaron
Written 18 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Linda B
11 contributions
Jul 2021
Our family of five had a great 1-hour self drive boat tour of the bay. Our three children aged 6, 8 and 10 can't wait for a trip again later in the summer, particularly when they each had a turn to drive the boat.
We got to see stunning views of the bay and Bantry House from the water. The children were fascinated with the amount of jellyfish moving gently in the clear water and we managed to glimpse a seal and her pup out for a swim.
Our guide Robin, explained the geography and history of the bay and pointed out the historical evidence left on the landscape surrounding the bay.
We felt safe and Robin instructed clearly how to drive the boat and how to stay safe while out in the boat.
We had great fun, we really enjoyed the tour and would recommend this as a great family experience.
We got to see stunning views of the bay and Bantry House from the water. The children were fascinated with the amount of jellyfish moving gently in the clear water and we managed to glimpse a seal and her pup out for a swim.
Our guide Robin, explained the geography and history of the bay and pointed out the historical evidence left on the landscape surrounding the bay.
We felt safe and Robin instructed clearly how to drive the boat and how to stay safe while out in the boat.
We had great fun, we really enjoyed the tour and would recommend this as a great family experience.
Written 26 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for your lovely feeback Linda, we really appreciate it! I'll also pass on your kind comments to Robyn. All the best, Aaron
Written 26 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GAFallon
Dublin9 contributions
Jul 2021
We did a combination of Stand Up Paddle and Kayaking for one hour on the Bay. The team of young people working at the club are so experienced, friendly and helpful. It was a little windy so as I am a beginner at SUP they told me I would find it difficult and there was no issue swapping to another kayak. My 10 year old managed the SUP and the rest of us had a lovey kayak in gorgeous weather around the bay and marina. It is well worth doing one of their many activities when in the area.
Written 16 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for your lovely feedback, it really mean alot to us all. Come back and visit one day soon, Aaron
Written 21 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sam C
2 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Aaron took the both of us on an incredible sunset kayaking session. Honestly one of the best things I ever did. Set off at 8:15, the weather was absolutely ideal. Very clear sky and no wind so the water was flat calm. We kayaked at a very relaxed pace, easy for anyone to keep up. Aaron gave us the history of Bantry House and Whiddy Island, as well as some tips for things to see in the area. While the sun was setting we noticed dolphins in the distance and we moved to get closer while the sun set over the mountains. Incredible experience getting up close with the pod of 20 dolphins that live in Bantry bay. Can’t recommend the experience enough.
Written 19 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for your lovely review, it really means alot to our business. We just noticed there were a few reviews we never said thanks to even though we read all the reviews. Do pop back and see us again one day! All the best, Aaron
Written 3 February 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kathleen F
Cork, Ireland5 contributions
Jun 2021 • Solo
Behind the backdrop to beautiful Bantry Bay is Bantry Bay Boat Hire within the town centre. (Bantry, by the way, is one of Ireland’s tidy towns.) I was looking for something different to do outside of Bantry’s local shops, great food/dining, movie theatre and museums while on one of my weekend staycations. Well, I found it with Bantry Bay Boat Hire. A two-hour Sea Safari excursion with Erin as our guide was fabulous and brought giggles and laughter to everyone onboard as we were led around to various locations to witness the beauty of the Bay and learn a lot about the Bay’s ecosystem and town history. Bring your binoculars so that you can get a closer look at the Harbour seals and birds. And don’t forget the rain jacket. 😉
Written 28 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for you lovely review and it's so good to hear ye all had enjoyed your trip out on Bantry Bay. Do come back and visit one day soon, Aaron
Written 21 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience