Rathlin Boat Adventures

A fast boat, a local skipper and the Rathlin coast

The Grey Fox is an Evolution 38 fast passenger charter boat, coded Category 3 and MCA/YDSA approved, with a cruise speed of around 18 knots. It carries up to 12 passengers and has plenty of open deck space plus a cabin with inside seating and a toilet accessible from the main deck. Skipper Fergus McFaul knows the seas around Rathlin from a lifetime on the island and guides you toward the best spots for bird watching, sightseeing and fishing. Around the island you may see puffins, gannets and seals, with basking sharks possible in season, but sightings depend on the day and are never guaranteed. As a small private charter it suits families and groups who want a flexible trip rather than a fixed timetable; check directly on suitability for very young children and on any access needs before you book.

Skippered charter Native islander skipper Up to 12 passengers Wildlife and sightseeing Sea angling trips Book ahead

Good to know before you go:

Operators add sunset and special cruises, private charters and seasonal sailings through the year. Timetables are weather-dependent and seasonal, so check their own pages for current sailings, dates and prices.

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

Skippered private charter (sightseeing, bird watching and sea angling) aboard the Grey Fox

Departs from

Linked to Ballycastle and Rathlin Island - confirm exact departure point when booking

Duration

Not confirmed - check with the operator

What you may see

Puffins, gannets, seals and, in season, basking sharks, plus the Causeway Coast, Rathlin cliffs and lighthouses (wildlife never guaranteed)

Season

Seasonal and weather-dependent - check current sailing dates

Booking

Essential - the boat carries up to 12 passengers

Cost

Check current prices with the operator

Suitable for

Families and groups; check with the operator on very young children and access needs

Parking

Harbour parking at Ballycastle for the Rathlin ferry

Address

The Resource Centre, Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim, BT54 6RT

Questions

Before you go

Do I need to book?

Essential - the boat carries up to 12 passengers

How much is it?

Check current prices with the operator

How long is the trip?

Not confirmed - check with the operator

What might we see?

Puffins, gannets, seals and, in season, basking sharks, plus the Causeway Coast, Rathlin cliffs and lighthouses (wildlife never guaranteed)

When does it run?

Seasonal and weather-dependent - check current sailing dates

Getting there

Rathlin Boat Adventures departs from Linked to Ballycastle and Rathlin Island - confirm exact departure point when booking. Harbour parking at Ballycastle for the Rathlin ferry. 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 Rathlin IslandSee what else is close by More boat trips across NISea, lough and river cruises

The story

About the trip

Rathlin Boat Adventures is run from Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland's only inhabited offshore island and a haven for seabirds, with the RSPB West Light Seabird Centre drawing visitors for its puffin and guillemot colonies. Skipper Fergus McFaul is a native islander with more than 20 years of experience on these waters, and runs the Grey Fox for sightseeing, bird watching and charter fishing around Rathlin and along the Causeway Coast.

The Grey Fox is a coded, MCA/YDSA-approved fast passenger boat licensed for 12, giving small groups a close-up view of the island's dramatic cliffs and wildlife in a way the scheduled ferry cannot.