Three lighthouses
Ballycastle boat trip
Full Rathlin
Sail right around Rathlin Island from Ballycastle – towering cliffs, three lighthouses, puffins and the wild northern coast you can only see from the sea.
- Duration 2 hours
- Departs Ballycastle
- Route All the way round Rathlin
- Included Lifejackets
- Wheelchair accessible Yes
- Private charter Up to 12 guests
- Local skippers on MCA-coded boats
- Small groups – up to 12 guests
- Instant online confirmation
What you'll see
Three lighthouses
Bull Point West, built halfway down a cliff; Altacarry Head to the east; and Rue Point at the southern tip.
Puffins & seabirds
Puffins, razorbills, guillemots, fulmars, terns, skuas, kittiwakes and diving gannets.
The wild north
Cliffs and sea caves of Rathlin's untouched northern coast – a hidden treasure only visible from the sea.
Marine wildlife
Look out for seals, porpoises, dolphins, whales and even basking sharks. Sightings are never guaranteed!
About the trip
Set sail on a captivating journey around Rathlin Island, departing from Ballycastle. Drift alongside towering cliffs and dramatic sea stacks that provide sanctuary to hundreds of thousands of seabirds, who gather here each summer to raise their young.
Marvel at the island's trio of iconic lighthouses – Bull Point West Lighthouse, ingeniously built halfway down a cliff; Altacarry Head to the east; and Rue Point at the southern tip.
Venture toward the island's untouched northern wilderness, a hidden treasure visible only from the sea. This remote coast of cliffs and sea caves remains one of the most pristine natural landscapes around.
Along the way, look out for puffins, along with razorbills, guillemots, fulmars, terns, skuas, kittiwakes, common gulls and diving gannets. Keep your eyes peeled for seals, porpoises, dolphins, whales and even basking sharks.
What's included
- 2-hour boat tour around Rathlin Island
- Lifejackets
Choose your date
Pick a day and time, choose your tickets and pay securely. You'll get your confirmation by email straight away.
Meeting point
- Ballycastle Marina – your meeting time is in your booking confirmation
What to bring
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Binoculars and a camera
Good to know
- Wheelchair accessible.
- Wildlife sightings can't be guaranteed.
- All trips depend on the weather and sea conditions. If it isn't safe to sail, we'll contact you to rearrange.
- Bookings are non-refundable.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the trip?
About 2 hours.
Do we go all the way round Rathlin?
Yes – the tour takes in all three lighthouses and the island's northern coast.
Will we see puffins?
Rathlin's cliffs host hundreds of thousands of seabirds each summer, including puffins. As with all wildlife, sightings can't be guaranteed.
Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
Yes.
Can we book the boat privately?
Yes – choose the Private Charter option (up to 12 passengers) in the booking calendar.
What happens if the weather is bad?
All trips depend on the weather and sea conditions. If it isn't safe to sail, we'll contact you to rearrange.
