Boat Tours
Strangford Lough Boat Tours
Boat Tours NI – Strangford Lough Boat Tours offer public and private trips, experiences and even a waterborne taxi service on the beautiful, protected waters of this incredible sea lough. Available for all people of all ages as well as to film crews and photographers, environmentalists or historians. Our aim is to allow others to enjoy this wonderful designated area of outstanding natural beauty.
Public & Private Tours
We run public boat trips on weekday evenings and throughout the weekend. These last 1.5 hours and give you a full tour of the lough and its highlights. Private charter tours are available for sunsets and early weekend sunrises – exclusively book the whole boat!
Monday – Thursday
- 6 – 7:30pm
(Public tour or Private full boat charter sunset tour)
Tour Pricing
- Public tour = £45 per person
- Private charter tour = £325 = 17% discount
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
- 6am – 8am (Private full boat charter sunrise tour)
- 10am – 11:30am (Public tour)
- 12pm – 1:30pm (Public tour)
- 2pm – 3:30pm (Public tour)
- 4pm – 5:30pm (Public tour)
- 6pm – 7:30pm
(Public tour or Private full boat charter sunset tour)
Contact Details: [email protected], 07938517009
Please Note: We have resisted increasing prices despite the hike in fuel costs, but it is necessary to have a minimum of 5 people per trip to make the tours viable. If we do not have enough passengers booked on a trip you will be notified at least two hours in advance and receive a full refund.
Private Tour Discounts / Whole Boat Charter
Bespoke tours & trips arranged on request. Are you planning a birthday surprise, a different mode of transport for your wedding, corporate entertainment or maybe you work in the film industry? We receive many different requests and can make the boat and driver available on request. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
- Suitable for ages 3+
- Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
- Not suitable for anyone with a historical or current back condition or Epilepsy
- Not suitable for expectant mothers during pregnancy
Equipment and Boat
We Provide
- Boat
- Experienced Tour Guide
- Life Jackets
You Bring
- Light Water Proof jacket
- Sun protection
- Water suitable footwear
History, Heritage and Wildlife
Our boat tours generally begin at the historic Sketrick Castle and explain the history behind the monuments, monasteries, islands, rocks and wrecks. From invaders to Vikings, smugglers to Kings, this lough has seen just about everything. Steeped in history, even locals will get an eye-opener at some of what has happened over the centuries on Strangford, or Lough Cuan, as it was once better known. We’ll help you understand the necklace of stone forts that surround the lough, explain some of the flora and fauna, the sea life and the wildlife. We will also take you to places you could not reach; to the islands, each with their own astonishing story and geography. Find out where a King slept, see where the hostages were confined. Furthermore, take the route St Patrick sailed when he landed in Ireland for a second time.
Book Tour Now
You can select available tour times below and pay by credit or debit card.
Please complete payment within 30 minutes of placing your booking to complete your order.
Boat Tours Northern Ireland
From structured boat tours to bespoke events, we can take you there as quickly or slowly as you please. Our commercially coded RIB boat can reach speeds of up to 40 knots, or sail along at a peaceful pace. Enjoy the incredible scenery, seals and, if you’re very lucky, the odd dolphin, whale or porpoise.
So, get the wind in your hair, clear your head and leave your troubles in your wake. We’re here to get you afloat.
Rib Rides
A fast blast designed for groups and families who want a quick trip at an affordable rate. 30 minutes on board – these trips stay closer to our base on Sketrick Island. Prepare for a bit of splashing (or a lot if the weather is poor) and a lot of laughs! Minimum number of 4 people required. We will refund bookings where the minimum number has not been reached.
Santa Rib Rides
Santa Cruise is our Christmas experience for families with a guided boat trip with Santa from Sketrick Island, Whiterock, Killinchy, Co.Down. Join our merry old Santa for a hair raising sleigh ride around the islands aboard our fast speed boat – Black Jacket. Hold onto your santa hats as we fly through the waters of Strangford Lough. You will be carol singing all the way, listening to some Christmas tunes whilst riding the waves back to base.
Eco Boat Tours
Learn about Strangford Lough’s world renowned eco system, become a sustainable user of our coasts, and take in the stunning and peaceful scenery. Partnering with Sam, a marine scientist from Coastal Catchups, we are offering a new experience that focuses on the wildlife of Strangford Lough.
Full Moon Boat Tours
On This immersive night-time experience, participants will take a guided rib trip amongst the islands, hear some interesting facts, see the stars and enjoy the loughs wildlife under the serenity of the full moon. This tour offers a truly distinctive experience by blending natural beauty, storytelling, and slow adventure. Gliding across the lough under moonlight reveals a rare, atmospheric perspective of one of Europe’s most important marine landscapes, where wildlife, folklore, and history come alive after dark. Explore the lough after sunset for a unique perspective on the roosting birds, inquisitive seals and playful dolphins. On return to base, participants will be treated with hot chocolate and treats.