Kayak With The Seals

Paddle in the sheltered waters of Adrigole Harbour, West Cork, where seals will follow your kayak and curiously bob up their heads around you.

From €10.00

Kayak Adventures

Suitable for: all ages & abilities welcome
Duration: 1-2 hr
Available from: June, July, August
No experience necessary!

From €25.00

Canoeing Adventures

Canoes offer you a gentle option for a comfortable dry (ish) paddle sat upright in a bench seating. €25 for a canoe suitable for 2 or 3 adults or a family with small children (under 5).

View Options

Discover Beauty of Adrigole Harbour

Paddle out into West Cork’s picturesque Adrigole Harbour, quoted as one of Europe’s most beautiful harbours, where a world of natural wonders awaits. Explore the home to a colony of over 30 Common Seals and a few Grey Seals resting on rocks or swimming the crystal clear waters. Sea birds swirl above you, and some take thrilling dives into the crystal-clear waters as you paddle your kayak or canoe. Glide alongside fragrant gorse bushes and breathe in their intoxicating coconut scent, adding a sensory delight to your journey.

Practical Elements for Every Adventurer

No matter your age, skill level, or body size, we’ve got the perfect vessel for your adventure. Choose from our diverse fleet of kayaks and canoes, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all. Our team is always ready to offer expert guidance on launching and paddling techniques, making your journey safe and exhilarating.

All the Amenities
You Need

For your convenience, we provide changing pods to ensure you’re ready for the water and outdoor fresh water showers to rinse after your paddle. Wetsuits are readily available to rent and keep you warm and comfortable during your adventure. Safety is our priority, and we provide a full range of buoyancy aids tailored to all ages and sizes, so you can explore the sea with peace of mind.

Orthorn Island: A Sanctuary for Coastal Birds

Nestled at the heart of Adrigole Harbour, Orthon Island is a vital nesting ground for seabirds, including graceful Sea Terns and Oyster Catchers. In the spirit of conservation, we kindly request that visitors refrain from landing on the island during nesting season. Instead, take in the beauty of these magnificent birds from the vantage point of your kayak, respecting the sanctuary they call home.

What to expect:

We check the kayak you have booked is the correct choice of boat for you and the conditions on the day.

Size you up for your wetsuit if renting one (we recommend you have your togs with you to wear under the wetsuit).

You can change in our changing pods or behind your car.

We explain the safe area to paddle, explain the wind direction and effect it has on you and your kayak / canoe.

We explain the Code of Conduct / Rules that ensure you are safe on the water and we are being respectful of our local important wildlife …

We launch your kayak with you and you walk into the water up and sit into your sit on top kayak. They are self bailing kayaks and you will feel the water enter the bailing holes.

Kayak & Canoe Options

€15.00 per hour
… deals for 2+ hours and groups

Single
Sit on Top

1 person per Kayak
Max capacity 89kilos / 14stone / 198lbs
Available for all age groups
Wetsuit, swimsuit or light clothing Required
10 singles currently available
Large Kayak available on request

€25.00 per hour
… deals for 2+ hours and groups

Double
Sit on Top

2 people or 3rd small in triple Kayak
Max capacity 250kg / 39stone / 550lbs
Available for all age groups
Wetsuit, swimsuit or light clothing Required
4 doubles and 1 triple available
Use double paddles.

€50.00 per hour
… deals for 2+ hours and groups

Canoe

2-3 Adults or Family with Young Kids
Max capacity 320kilo / 50stone / 705lbs
Use single paddles or doubles
Wetsuit, swimsuit or light clothing Required
2 canoes available
Great for bringing your dog too

Looking for somewhere to stay for your adventure holiday or short break?

The Boat House

Ensuite Rooms – each with a view
Solar panel powered
Geothermal heating
On the waterside
Boat yard
Discounted kayaking
Great for outdoor adventurers

Book 1 Hour Kayak & Canoe

Book 2 Hour Kayak & Canoe

Book 3 Hour Kayak & Canoe

Comfort

We recommend you bring towel to dry off when you get back and many kayakers can’t resist a swim after. We have basic cold water showers to rinse the salt off and changing pods for your convenience.

Safety Rules

Buoyancy Aids are provided and compulsory to wear

Life jackets are available for small children (age 2up)

We only allow boats to go out in suitable wind conditions. We take the paddlers strength and ability into consideration.

The boats have a limited weight capacity. See our maximum weight chart HERE to check.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to bring?

– We recommend you bring togs, towel or a change of clothes and towel. Bring your wet suit if you have your own.
Can I rent a wet suit?

– YES. We have wetsuits from age 2 to XXL adult
Will I get wet?

– YES. You will get wet legs and bum in the kayaks. You will get damp in the canoes.
Can I take a shower?

– YES. We have a cold fresh water outdoor shower available for you to rinse off the salt water.
Are their toilets and changing rooms?

– YES. We have changing room pods for your comfort.

Local Wildlife

Wildlife

Atlantic Seals

There is a resident colony of around 30 seals in Adrigole Harbour, mainly consisting of Common Seals and a few Grey Seals. They have a distinctive different look. The Grey Seal has a larger more bulbus head, while the Common Seal is often considered the ‘cuter’ looking of the two. See our gallery.

We have an enormous respect for the seals and have a few guidelines we ask all kayakers to follow.

Do not disturb a resting seal by paddling too close
Keep 100m distance
Do not try to follow the seals
Stay quiet and no splashing
Do not try to swim with the seals

Wildlife

Sea Birds

Adrigole Harbour is the resting place or home for a wide range of sea birds. Turns, Oyster Catchers, Black Guillemots, Great Northern Divers, Sand Pipers, Curlews, Whimbrel (when migrating), Cormorants, Swans, Black Back Guls. Swallows & House Martins also visit. Over wintering ducks join in the estuary too.

Do not disturb a resting seal by paddling too close
Keep 5m distance
Do not try to follow the Birds
Stay quiet and no splashing

What People are Saying About Our Adventures

Up close and personal with the Seals “Stunning experience kayaking in this beautiful harbour. Saw and got close to a number of seals. Went back a second time and it was just as good! Staff extremely helpful when we had a problem with our car. Highly recommended.”

McMidleton – Trip Advisor

– May, 2023
“Had an awesome time Kayaking here with a group of friends, got to see the seals up close! The lady working there was lovely too. Would go again.”

Eddie -Google

– May, 2023
“We were sailing with you for five days and had a wonderful time. We learnt so much and you gave us huge confidence in our ability to handle the boat . You made everything seem easy and were very forgiving when we made mistakes. Your seamanship , knowledge of the marine environment , intuitiveness and basic decency added up to us having a wonderful sailing/learning experience . We will be back. Can’t recommend you enough.”

Marella – Google

– August, 2023
“Thank you, we had a great day yesterday! So friendly and welcoming, we will be back!”

Emma – Facebook

– October, 2023
“Wonderful service provided for me and my family. So good we came back twice.”

Thomas – Facebook

– August, 2023
“If you are thinking about it—Go for it!!!! One of The most amazing experiences of my life!! My husband and I went for a Competent Crew and Day Skipper Course together. Cannot express my gratitude enough to Niall ( and Killian) for sharing their knowledge with us !”

Josipa D – Trip Advisor

– October, 2023

Photo Gallery

Discover, explore, book
your adventure: Unforgettable experiences await you!

NOTE: (our booking service supplier adds a small booking fee)

Book Now