Puffin Express
Ballycastle boat trip
Puffin Express- Rathlin and Carrick-a-Rede Ropebridge boat trip from Ballycastle
A fast boat tour from Ballycastle to Rathlin Island's seabird colonies and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
- Duration 2 hours
- Departs Ballycastle Marina
- Visits Rathlin Island & Carrick-a-Rede
- Group size Up to 12 guests
- Private charter Available
- Wheelchair accessible Yes
- Local skippers on MCA-coded boats
- Small groups – up to 12 guests
- Instant online confirmation
What you'll see
Rathlin's seabirds
Thousands of birds including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, gannets and fulmars – especially in breeding season.
Lighthouses & Bruce's Cave
Depending on the weather, see the West Lighthouse at Bull Point, or Altnacarry Lighthouse and Bruce's Cave on the east side.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
The iconic bridge spans a 20-metre chasm 30 metres above the sea, first built by salmon fishermen.
Seals & dolphins
Seals are often seen, and with luck dolphins and porpoises too.
About the trip
Depart Ballycastle marina on one of our two fast charter vessels, travelling across Rathlin Sound to the west or east side of Rathlin depending on the weather. On the west side we see the West Lighthouse at Bull Point; on the east, Altnacarry Lighthouse and Bruce's Cave.
Rathlin Island is home to thousands of birds including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, gannets and fulmars, with a bustling puffin colony especially during breeding season. Seals and hopefully dolphins or porpoises can also be sighted.
The trip then takes in the iconic Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which spans a 20-metre-wide chasm and offers stunning views of the Antrim coastline. Originally built by salmon fishermen, the 30-metre-high bridge is a sight to see from the sea.
Choose your date
Pick a day and time, choose your tickets and pay securely. You'll get your confirmation by email straight away.
Meeting points
- Ballycastle Marina – your meeting time is in your booking confirmation
What to bring
- Waterproof clothing
- Binoculars and a camera
- Warm layers – it's cooler on the water
Good to know
- Whether we visit the west or east side of Rathlin depends on the weather on the day.
- 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
Will we see puffins?
Rathlin has a large puffin colony, best seen during the breeding season. As with all wildlife, sightings can't be guaranteed.
Which side of Rathlin do we visit?
It depends on the weather – either the west side with Bull Point lighthouse, or the east with Altnacarry Lighthouse and Bruce's Cave.
How long is the trip?
About 2 hours.
Can children come?
Yes, we offer tickets for children aged 11 and under.
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.
