Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL QUESTIONS

​

Where are you located?  

You can find us on The Railway Pier, Bantry which is a short walk from the town centre of Bantry, just past the Supervalu supermarket.

​

Is there parking at the pier?

There is limited parking near the pier, we suggest you drop other members of your group off at the pier and park on the road nearer to the supermarket or the public car-park beside it.  You can also park on the main town square and walk down to us on the pier, it’s only a 5min walk away.

​

Do I need to book in advance? 

Yes, we recommend to book as far in advance as possible. Weekends are particularly busy, especially bank holidays and sometimes our boats are booked by private groups well in advance.

​

How do I book a trip?

You can book all trips on our website and will receive a confirmation email upon booking.  We use a secure booking system called ‘FareHarbour’ to manage our bookings.  If your trip is cancelled, you will be offered a rescheduled trip or a refund. Groups or private tours need to be booked by email or by phone.

​

What if my trip is cancelled?

We may decide to cancel a trip at our discretion due to unsafe weather or sea conditions, as your safety is our priority.  If this happens, an alternative date for the trip will be offered and if this is unsuitable, a full refund will be issued.

​

How many people can go on the boat tours?

Our Sea Safari RIB is licensed for 9 passengers and our self-drive boats have a maximum of 4 adults or 2 adults with 3 children (talk to us if you have more than 3 children for the tour).

​

Do you provide life-jackets?

Yes, you will be provided with a life-jacket for all boat tours, boat hire, kayak hire, kayak camps and paddle board hire.  Life-jackets MUST be worn at all times.

​

What time of year do you operate?

Our season is usually from mid-March to end of September.  We always keep our hours updated on the bottom of this page and on our social media.

​

Are wet-suits available for hire?

Yes, we have short wet-suits available for €5 per hour or €10 for the 3-day kayaking camps.

​

General Terms & Conditions

• A non refundable deposit is required to secure a group or private booking.
• Full payment is required before the activity commences.
• Guests are required to arrive 10 minutes prior to departure.

• Your guide will give a pre-departure safety briefing and issue life-jackets to everyone.

• All tours and activities are operated subject to weather and sea conditions.
• Guests with back problems or who are pregnant should not participate.

• Children must be 8 years and over to use our kayaks and be accompanied by an adult on the water – if they are in our kayaking camps where they will be with their guide at all times.

• Life jackets must be worn at all times.
• Warm clothing is recommended as sea conditions can change rapidly.
• Third party liability insurance is provided

 

BOAT TOURS – Self-Drive Boats, Sea Safari & RIB Experience

​

Is it €65 for the self-drive red boat? 

Yes, €65 per boat for a 1hr tour for either 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 children.

​

Will I get wet?

Not usually but there is always a chance you will get a little wet.  Sea spray and showers are sometimes a part of the experience depending on the sea/weather.conditions.

​

What age do children need to be?

We welcome children of any age on our self-drive boat tours as long as they will sit down in the boat or be held by an adult.  We do have lifejackets available for children under 2yrs. Children must be 10yrs or over  for our Sea Safari RIB and RIB Experience tours.

​

What should I bring on a boat tour?

A cap, sunglasses and sun cream on warm sunny days. A waterproof jacket if showers are expected.  A bottle of water and your camera. Always bring an extra layer as it will be cooler than you expect on the water.

​

Can I bring a bag?  

Space is limited onboard our boats, so please only bring small bags and keep personal items to a minimum.

​

Will I see dolphins?

Although we regularly see seals & dolphins on our boat trips, wildlife and bird sightings are not guaranteed.

 

KAYAKS

 

Can a beginner with no experience go kayaking?

Yes, our kayaks are renowned for their stability on the open water.  If you are nervous of the water and would like to gain more confidence, we offer a Private Kayaking Lesson or you could also join one of our Guided Kayak Tours.

​

Will I get wet?

There is a likelihood your feet/legs will get a little wet, so wear something comfortable like leggings/tracksuit pants and suitable shoes that you don’t mind getting wet.

​

Are kids allowed on double kayaks?

Yes, kids of any age are allowed on the kayak with an adult.  If they are aged 8yrs+ they should manage a single kayak on their own, accompanied by an adult and we will give you a tow rope so you can tow them on your kayak should they get a little tired.

​

Will my legs be enclosed on the kayak?

No, our kayaks are sit-on, open kayaks.  All kayaks have backrests for your comfort and are stable on the open water.

 

KAYAKING CAMPS

​

What is the minimum age for the kakaking camps?

All children must be aged 8yrs or over for the children kayaking camps and aged 13yrs-17yrs for the Teen camps. 

 

Do children need to be able to swim?

Yes, all participants in both the children and teen camps must be able to swim.

​

What do I need to bring?

The following is a list of items needed for the camp

• Wetsuit (shorty is fine), we will have a limited supply of rental wetsuits for hire for €10 for the three days

• A packed lunch wrapped in a plastic bag + a bottle of water

• Shoes or water booties (Must have closed toes)

• A towel and a change of clothes

• All Participants must have an adequate amount of sun screen applied prior to coming to camp

 

Are wetsuits available for hire?

Yes, we have short wetsuits available €10 for the 3-day kayaking camps.