Outdoors Ireland - Glengarriff Bay Sea Kayaking
Outdoors Ireland - Glengarriff Bay Sea Kayaking
Outdoors Ireland - Glengarriff Bay Sea Kayaking
5
Climbing ToursNight ToursNature & Wildlife ToursKayaking & Canoeing
06:00 - 21:00
Monday
06:00 - 21:00
Tuesday
06:00 - 21:00
Wednesday
06:00 - 21:00
Thursday
06:00 - 21:00
Friday
06:00 - 21:00
Saturday
06:00 - 21:00
Sunday
06:00 - 21:00
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About
Spend A Relaxing & Thrilling Half-Day Exploring Glengarriff Bay By Sea Kayak. Beginning at an old stone fishing pier, sea kayak through deserted wooded islands, exploring sheltered coves and rugged coastline. Experience the abundant wildlife and friendly seals of Glengarriff Bay; a tranquil sheltered inlet, part of the larger expanse of Bantry Bay and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. Or Experience A Magical & Awe-Inspiring Sunrise Kayak On Glengarriff Bay. Whether you experience a dazzling orange and gold sunrise over the quiet waters of Glengarriff Bay; or a mysterious grey and misty dawn over the ancient oak woods - this is an unforgettable kayak trip. While the mountains slumber in their misty blankets; while the oak and birch woods doze beneath the dawn chorus; and the sea sleeps under pillows of seaweed - you will explore the intricacies of one of Ireland's most sheltered bays, with abundant seals, rich birdlife and numerous rocky islands. No Previous Kayaking Experience Is Needed.
Glengarriff, County Cork, Ireland
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Outdoors Ireland - Glengarriff Bay Sea Kayaking
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5.0
146 reviews
Excellent
144
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2
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Merlinr
Brighton, UK29 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Did the Bioluminescence night kayak trip in Glengariff / Bantry Bay with my wife and our 13 year old son the other night, and it was an incredible, magical experience. We set out at around 1030pm with Nathan from Outdoors Ireland and another couple, so a nice small group of just 6 in total. We were very lucky with the weather and the water was flat calm, like glass. After only about 5 minutes, every paddle stroke and splash triggered the bioluminescence and lit up the water like fireflies. It was beautiful, and with the clear sky full of stars it was utterly magical, like a dream. After a while we started to see seals popping up near the kayaks in the moonlight, and their splashes also lit up the bioluminescence every now and then. We heard a noise which Nathan said was a whale breathing near us, and we all kept quiet for 5 minutes hoping to hear it again but no luck. A very exciting 5 minutes though! Nathan was very good at keeping everyone together in the dark, and managed to give instructions without making you feel like you'd screwed up. He also had lots of fascinating local historical information to share. All the gear was top notch, the thick wetsuits kept us all warm and the kayaks were very stable and easy to handle. My phone camera couldn't capture the actual bioluminescence, but there are pictures online which give the general idea. I doubt any camera could capture exactly what we saw, so this really has to be experienced first hand. This was the highlight of our week in Ireland, and was something we'll all remember for the rest of our lives.
Written 26 August 2023
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.
Michelle
2 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
We travelled from North Clare to Glengarriff especially to do the bioluminescence kayaking with Nathan. We were worried the weather would put a dampener on our trip as it was extremely wet and windy.
We were greeted by Nathan, equipped in brand new wetsuits and with a quick refresher on how to kayak we headed out into the dark bay in the pouring rain.
I couldn't help thinking we would see nothing with the rough weather....as we turned the corner the wind died down and the rain subsided. Suddenly we could saw some flickers of light in the water. At first I thought it was light reflecting from the bay....but we were in the middle of the bay, no light around.
This was the start of what I can only describe as being transported to the world of Avatar. We were surrounded by blue glowing light and when we dipped our hands in, we were covered in neon blue. It started to rain again but this was a gift as all of a sudden the water around us started to dance with blue as the rain hit the sea.
We headed off to more nooks and crannies of the bay to be greeted again by more blue magic. Nathan told us it was the best he ever saw. He explained that sometimes you can see the fish light up, so we waited patiently and saw one dart across the water.
We had no concept of time and great chats with Nathan and the other couple who came. We returned to shore after 2.5hrs of magic.
Words do no justice to this incredible experience. I was hesitant at first but that probably made the whole experience even more amazing!
This is a must do and I hope when you go you have just as incredible experience as us.
We were greeted by Nathan, equipped in brand new wetsuits and with a quick refresher on how to kayak we headed out into the dark bay in the pouring rain.
I couldn't help thinking we would see nothing with the rough weather....as we turned the corner the wind died down and the rain subsided. Suddenly we could saw some flickers of light in the water. At first I thought it was light reflecting from the bay....but we were in the middle of the bay, no light around.
This was the start of what I can only describe as being transported to the world of Avatar. We were surrounded by blue glowing light and when we dipped our hands in, we were covered in neon blue. It started to rain again but this was a gift as all of a sudden the water around us started to dance with blue as the rain hit the sea.
We headed off to more nooks and crannies of the bay to be greeted again by more blue magic. Nathan told us it was the best he ever saw. He explained that sometimes you can see the fish light up, so we waited patiently and saw one dart across the water.
We had no concept of time and great chats with Nathan and the other couple who came. We returned to shore after 2.5hrs of magic.
Words do no justice to this incredible experience. I was hesitant at first but that probably made the whole experience even more amazing!
This is a must do and I hope when you go you have just as incredible experience as us.
Written 26 July 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.
eralel
Cork, Ireland42 contributions
Jun 2021
Awesome trip. I would highly recommend, I look forward to returning again. Our experienced guide Mark was very knowledgeable, set a chill and fun tone for the 3 hours, safety was a priority. I felt so comfortable after an hour on the water that Mark was even able to teach me to flip and upright my kayak!
All the right gear was provided as part of the fee, I didn’t feel cold once, even after being in the water.
Saw loads of seals, they swam near us as we kayaked and were on the rocks around us! and I loved that we were encouraged to stay well back from them to not interfere with their natural habitat.
All the right gear was provided as part of the fee, I didn’t feel cold once, even after being in the water.
Saw loads of seals, they swam near us as we kayaked and were on the rocks around us! and I loved that we were encouraged to stay well back from them to not interfere with their natural habitat.
Written 21 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.
Mary
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Solo
I did the evening kayak on Glengarriff Bay. It was a chilly night but Nathan’s gear kept me warm and dry. As we paddled, Nathan helped me learn about the wildlife and history of the area. We even had a few curious seals follow us along our journey. It was beautiful to watch the colors melt together while the sun was setting. A really special experience that I won’t forget.
Written 17 October 2023
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.
Inspiration52984
Dublin, Ireland43 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Completed the 6 day scrambling course with Nathan and it was absolutely brilliant. It bridges the gap between hiking and mountaineering. Nathan took up from beginners to scrambling on the Hag’s Tooth Ridge by day 4/5. He ensured our safety was priority and that we were fully comfortable with all the gear and methods by the end of the course so we could be competent heading out our selves in the future. Locations were stunning, appropriate and challenging. I would def recommend this course for anyone who wanted to up their hiking game and take on more varied peaks within Ireland and beyond.
Written 7 November 2023
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.
Susan
8 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We went out kayaking and had an amazing day. From the moment we met our guide Nathan he was brilliant.He explained everything to us and had loads of information about the area and the wild life that live in and around the area. We saw jellyfish, and seals up close and an Eagle flying about us with it's chick calling from a nearby tree, but the high light of our trip was getting up close to see basking whales. The are only there a few days so it was amazing to see them jumping in the water and blowing out water so close, something we might never get a chance to see again at such close proximity. If you ever want to go kayaking and experience the beautiful scenery and wildlife west cork have to offer then you should look no further then Outdoor Ireland Glengaŕiff Bay Sea Kayaking . A wonderful day out for adults and children , my two daughters 10 and 12 came with me and they said it was amazing and we will be going back soon.
Written 26 August 2023
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.
Cathy S
12 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
We had a fantastic time paddling into the bay late in the evening. As darkness fell, the bioluminescence became apparent and it was an extremely brilliant experience. Nathan was a great guide. He provided very good equipment, was knowledgeable of the area, and helpful for the paddlers. Great time was had by all!
Written 19 June 2023
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.
Adrian S
4 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
Set out last weekend on the sunset kayake with our guide William and under a bright autumn sky. From the moment we emerged from under the tiny bridge beside Ross Castle, the experience of transiting the beautiful lower lake of Killarney filled me with joy and appreciation of nature at its best. Half way across the wind picked up and quickly the lake bearded its teeth as if to remind us of how lucky we were to share the sheer beauty of the area. After three exhilarating hours we silently returned back to Ross Island through the masses of rushes and beside the lilyponds. A wonderful night trip under the guidance of an engaging and accomplished guide.
Written 25 September 2023
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.
Ruth G
2 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
We had a really magical evening kayaking around Glengarriff Bay. The sun was setting as we set off. We were fortunate to hit on a calm night to experience the sparkle of the bio luminescent plankton once the sun set and our guide Nathan brought us into darker waters. All equipment was supplied. Id highly recommend this tour as relaxing way to spend an evening in West Cork.
Written 20 June 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.
Lucy W
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • Family
We made a knee jerk decision to kayak with Nathan having seen a sign by the road on the way over from Black Valley.
A few hours later we were kayaking in the sunset round the island and inlets of Garnish island.
We felt super lucky to be immersed in such a beautiful place, surrounded by wildlife and setting sun beauty. Of course the seals and roosting white tail eagle were a well appreciated bonus.
The finish in the dark with the bioluminescence was just magical. A dreamlike quality none of us will ever forget.
Nathan is a super guide, responsive to messages, very polite, very calm, very reassuring and very informative.
More money than we would usually pay for
an experience but definitely well worth it.
Up there with out best Irish moments of the week alongside wild swimming in wonderful locations along the coasts and rivers. And mountain biking at Ticknock.
Advice from my 8 year old son….Take your kids out there. They’ll love ,it I’m sure. The nighttime sparkles are amazing. Hopefully you’ll be lucky and see the seals and eagles too!
Thank you Nathan for the bonus photos, much appreciated !
A few hours later we were kayaking in the sunset round the island and inlets of Garnish island.
We felt super lucky to be immersed in such a beautiful place, surrounded by wildlife and setting sun beauty. Of course the seals and roosting white tail eagle were a well appreciated bonus.
The finish in the dark with the bioluminescence was just magical. A dreamlike quality none of us will ever forget.
Nathan is a super guide, responsive to messages, very polite, very calm, very reassuring and very informative.
More money than we would usually pay for
an experience but definitely well worth it.
Up there with out best Irish moments of the week alongside wild swimming in wonderful locations along the coasts and rivers. And mountain biking at Ticknock.
Advice from my 8 year old son….Take your kids out there. They’ll love ,it I’m sure. The nighttime sparkles are amazing. Hopefully you’ll be lucky and see the seals and eagles too!
Thank you Nathan for the bonus photos, much appreciated !
Written 22 September 2024
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 there, we are hoping to be staying in Glengarrif first week in August, will we need to book ahead and is there an age restriction please
Written 18 March 2019
So sorry for my delay. Are you still looking to sea kayak with us? Email gets me best. Thanks, Nathan
Written 16 August 2019
Hi we are staying in the area in July, if we wanted to do kayaking would we have to pre-book and what would the cost be please? Jo
Written 25 April 2018
Hi Jo, Thanks for getting in touch. Yes pre booking as far in advance is best.
Would you like to email me your dates please and I will sort that out for you. The cost is €60 per person for a half-day guided trip.
Thanks, Nathan - Outdoors Ireland
Written 28 April 2018
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