Islay and the Ardbeg Distillery boat trip

Cross from Ballycastle to Islay by fast boat, land at Ardbeg Distillery and spend the day as you wish before we bring you home.

Departs Ballycastle 8:00am
Leaves Port Ellen 4:00pm
Back in Ballycastle Around 5:30pm
Arrive at Ardbeg Distillery
On board Seating inside & out, toilet, heating
Wheelchair accessible Yes

Live prices and availability in the booking calendar

Check dates & book or call 028 7083 2584

Local skippers on MCA-coded boats
Small groups – up to 12 guests
Instant online confirmation

What you'll see

Rathlin on the way

Pass the lighthouses of Rathlin, the legendary Bruce's Cave or Bull Point lighthouse and bird sanctuary.

Ardbeg Distillery

We take you through the island's reefs to arrive right at Ardbeg, where you're welcome to walk the grounds.

Lagavulin & Laphroaig

Follow the coastal path to Lagavulin, then a 15-minute walk to Laphroaig, and another 15 minutes back to Port Ellen.

Your day, your way

Visit the distilleries, play a round of golf or take in the sights on a hike.

About the trip

Depart Ballycastle on one of our two fast hard boats. Both are large, stable vessels with inside and outside seating, an on-board toilet and heating.

We take in the lighthouses of Rathlin, the legendary Bruce's Cave or the spectacular Bull Point lighthouse and bird sanctuary, then continue over to Islay, where you can spend the day as you wish – from visiting the island's famous distilleries to playing a round of golf or hiking.

Aquaholics will take you up through the island and reefs to arrive right at Ardbeg Distillery, where you are welcome to walk the grounds. You can then follow the coastal path to Lagavulin Distillery for a dram or two, and from there it's another 15-minute walk to Laphroaig. After Laphroaig it's another 15-minute walk back to Port Ellen, where the Aquaholics boat will be waiting to pick you up at 4pm.

For distillery tours, please book directly with the distilleries – we recommend booking if you'd like a tour.

Timings

Depart Ballycastle 8:00am
Depart Port Ellen 4:00pm
Arrive back in Ballycastle around 5:30pm

What's included

Return boat trip
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 points

Ballycastle – departs 8:00am
Port Ellen, Islay – return pickup 4:00pm

What to bring

Weather-appropriate clothing and a waterproof
Comfortable walking shoes for the coastal path
Money for food and distillery tastings

Good to know

Distillery tours are booked directly with the distilleries.
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.