Causeway Coast Boat Tours

The trip from the water

A sea safari is a fast, open-boat sightseeing trip rather than a gentle cruise or a ferry. From Ballycastle harbour the skipper runs along the coast taking in Kinbane Castle, Carrick-a-Rede and the Game of Thrones scenery around Ballintoy, then on to the Giant's Causeway sea-cliffs for a view of the World Heritage Site you simply cannot get on foot. Longer trips cross to Rathlin Island to see the seabird cliffs and look out for seals hauled out on the rocks. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but you may see seals, seabirds and, in late summer, the odd porpoise or dolphin offshore. The boats are small and fast, so the trip suits older children and adults more than very young toddlers, and access depends on the operator's boat, so ask before booking if anyone in your group needs extra help getting aboard.

Fast RIB sea safari Leaves Ballycastle harbour ~1.5-4 hours Causeway cliffs & Rathlin Seals & seabirds (if you're lucky) Book ahead, weather-dependent

Good to know before you go:

Operators along this coast add sunset and special charter sailings, private trips and seasonal Rathlin runs through the year. Timetables are weather-dependent and seasonal, so check the operator's own pages for current sailings, dates and prices before you travel.

What to bring

🧥Warm, windproof layersIt is always cooler and breezier out on the water — dress for it.

🧢A waterproofA bit of sea spray is all part of the adventure.

📷A cameraFor the wildlife, the coast and the castles seen from the sea.

🎫Your bookingMost trips need booking ahead — have the confirmation ready.

Everything before you go

Type

Fast RIB sea safari (skippered sightseeing, not a scheduled ferry)

Departs from

Ballycastle harbour and marina

Duration

Around 1.5-2 hours for a Carrick-a-Rede loop; about 3.5-4 hours for a full Giant's Causeway / Rathlin run

What you may see

Giant's Causeway sea-cliffs, Carrick-a-Rede, Kinbane Castle, Rathlin Island; you may see seals, seabirds and, in late summer, porpoise or dolphins (never guaranteed)

Season

Mainly spring to autumn, daily in summer; weather- and sea-state-dependent and can be cancelled

Booking

Essential - book ahead and reconfirm before travelling

Cost

Varies by trip length - check current prices with the operator

Suitable for

Better for older children and adults than very young toddlers; ask the operator about boarding and access before booking

Parking

Paid parking near Ballycastle harbour and marina

Address

Ballycastle Harbour / Marina, Ballycastle, Co. Antrim

Questions

Before you go

Do I need to book?

Essential - book ahead and reconfirm before travelling

How much is it?

Varies by trip length - check current prices with the operator

How long is the trip?

Around 1.5-2 hours for a Carrick-a-Rede loop; about 3.5-4 hours for a full Giant's Causeway / Rathlin run

What might we see?

Giant's Causeway sea-cliffs, Carrick-a-Rede, Kinbane Castle, Rathlin Island; you may see seals, seabirds and, in late summer, porpoise or dolphins (never guaranteed)

When does it run?

Mainly spring to autumn, daily in summer; weather- and sea-state-dependent and can be cancelled

Getting there

Causeway Coast Boat Tours departs from Ballycastle harbour and marina. Paid parking near Ballycastle harbour and marina. Tap below for directions to the departure point.

Directions on Google Maps Official website See it on our map

Nearby

Make more of the day

More days out around BallycastleSee what else is close by More boat trips across NISea, lough and river cruises

The story

About the trip

Ballycastle harbour and marina is the main launch point for sea safaris along the Causeway Coast, with several local skippers running fast RIB trips out past Carrick-a-Rede to the Giant's Causeway sea-cliffs and across the Sea of Moyle to Rathlin Island. The route is known for cliff scenery, seabird colonies and the chance of seals and, in summer, cetaceans offshore.

Because this is a fast open boat rather than a covered cruiser or ferry, trips are built around the sea state, and the same operators also offer private charters and bespoke runs. Confirm the exact boat, trip and price with the operator when you book.