Discover Northern Ireland's Coastal Wonders: Boat Trips from Portstewart and Ballycastle

Northern Ireland's dramatic coastline offers some of the most spectacular maritime adventures in the British Isles. With Aquaholics' boat trips, you can explore iconic landmarks like the Giant's Causeway from a unique perspective, encounter incredible wildlife, and visit remote islands that few people get to experience. Whether you're departing from Portstewart or Ballycastle, these sea safaris promise unforgettable memories along one of the world's most stunning coastlines.

Giant's Causeway Coast by Boat: A World Heritage Site from the Sea

Seeing the Giant's Causeway from land is impressive, but witnessing this UNESCO World Heritage Site from the water reveals its true majesty. Our boat trips along the Giant's Causeway Coast take you past towering basalt columns, dramatic cliffs, and hidden sea caves that are completely inaccessible from shore.

From the water, you'll appreciate the geological wonder of 40,000 interlocking hexagonal basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity. The coastal perspective also reveals formations like the Chimney Stacks, the Organ, and Runkerry Head in their full glory. Your skipper will share fascinating stories about local legends, including the famous tale of giant Finn McCool, while navigating the crystal-clear waters of the North Antrim Coast.

Rathlin Island Boat Trips: Journey to Northern Ireland's Wildlife Haven

Located six miles off the Ballycastle coast, Rathlin Island is Northern Ireland's only inhabited offshore island and a paradise for nature lovers. Aquaholics offers regular ferry services and sea safaris to this L-shaped island, where wildlife thrives in protected habitats.

The journey to Rathlin Island takes approximately 45 minutes from Ballycastle, crossing the Sea of Moyle. Once there, visitors can explore the RSPB Seabird Centre at the West Light, home to thousands of nesting seabirds between April and July. The island's rugged cliffs, sheltered harbours, and rich maritime history make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Causeway Coast.

Exploring the Skerries: Hidden Gems of the Causeway Coast

The Skerries are a collection of small rocky islands and dramatic sea stacks scattered along Northern Ireland's north coast. These isolated formations provide crucial nesting sites for seabirds and hauling-out spots for seals. During Aquaholics boat trips, we navigate carefully around these natural sanctuaries, allowing passengers to observe wildlife in their natural habitat without disturbance.

Each skerry has its own character, from towering pillars of basalt to low-lying rocks that disappear at high tide. The waters surrounding the Skerries are often crystal clear, offering glimpses of kelp forests and marine life beneath the surface. These hidden gems epitomise the wild beauty of the Causeway Coast and are best experienced from the unique vantage point of our boats.

Wildlife Spotting on Northern Ireland Boat Tours

One of the most exciting aspects of Aquaholics boat trips is the opportunity to encounter diverse marine wildlife in their natural environment. The waters off the Northern Ireland coast are rich with life, and every trip offers the potential for memorable wildlife sightings.

Seabirds of the Causeway Coast

The cliffs and islands along our routes support internationally important seabird colonies. Depending on the season, you might spot:

• Puffins: These charismatic seabirds with their distinctive colourful beaks nest in burrows on Rathlin Island and other coastal sites from April to July.
• Razorbills and Guillemots: Black and white auks that nest in dense colonies on cliff ledges, diving deep to catch fish.
• Fulmars: Graceful grey and white seabirds that glide effortlessly along cliff faces on stiff wings.
• Kittiwakes: Delicate gulls named for their distinctive "kittee-wa-aaake" call, nesting on narrow cliff ledges.
• Gannets: Large seabirds with impressive wingspans that dive spectacularly from height to catch fish.
• Black Guillemots: Small seabirds with striking red legs and white wing patches, found around rocky shores year-round.

Marine Mammals

The waters off Northern Ireland are visited by various marine mammals throughout the year:

• Harbour Seals and Grey Seals: Regularly seen hauled out on rocks or bobbing in the water, watching boats with curious eyes. The Causeway Coast supports important breeding populations of both species.
• Harbour Porpoises: Small cetaceans often spotted in groups, surfacing briefly with their characteristic small triangular dorsal fin.
• Common Dolphins: These playful dolphins occasionally visit coastal waters, sometimes riding the bow waves of boats.
• Minke Whales: During summer months, lucky passengers might spot these small baleen whales feeding offshore.
• Basking Sharks: The world's second-largest fish visits Irish waters in summer, filtering plankton with its enormous mouth.

Other Marine Life

Sharp-eyed passengers often spot jellyfish pulsing through the water, including the impressive barrel jellyfish. Sunfish occasionally surface in warmer months, and the rocky shores host crabs, starfish, and colourful anemones visible in the clear shallow waters.

Why Choose Aquaholics for Your Boat Trip Adventure?

Aquaholics combines experienced seamanship with genuine passion for Northern Ireland's marine environment. Our twin-engined boats accommodate up to 12 passengers, ensuring an intimate and personalised experience. Departing from both Portstewart and Ballycastle, we offer flexibility to suit your travel plans.

Our experienced skippers know these waters intimately and prioritise both safety and wildlife welfare. They're adept at reading the sea conditions and positioning the boat for optimal wildlife viewing while maintaining respectful distances from sensitive species. Commentary throughout the journey enriches your understanding of the geology, history, and ecology of this remarkable coastline.

Planning Your Boat Trip with Aquaholics

Whether you're interested in a short sea safari along the Giant's Causeway Coast, a ferry service to Rathlin Island, or an extended wildlife-watching expedition, Aquaholics offers options to suit different interests and schedules. The best time for seabird watching is between April and July when colonies are most active, while seal watching is excellent year-round. Summer months offer the best chance of spotting cetaceans and basking sharks.

The Causeway Coast's weather can be changeable, so we recommend dressing in warm, waterproof layers even on sunny days. Don't forget binoculars for wildlife watching and cameras to capture the stunning scenery. Check our website at aquaholics.co.uk for current availability and booking information.

Experience the Causeway Coast from a New Perspective

There's something magical about experiencing Northern Ireland's coastline from the water. The sense of adventure as you depart from the harbour, the salt spray on your face, the cry of seabirds, and the possibility of extraordinary wildlife encounters combine to create truly memorable experiences. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, photography lover, history buff, or simply seeking adventure, Aquaholics boat trips offer a unique way to discover the natural wonders of the Causeway Coast.

Book your boat trip today and discover why the Giant's Causeway Coast, Rathlin Island, and the surrounding waters are considered one of Europe's most spectacular coastal destinations. From the comfort and safety of our boats, you'll gain access to a world of natural beauty that simply cannot be experienced from land.