Days Out NI
Boat trip Portaferry

Strangford Lough Boat Tours

A skippered cruise out from Portaferry slipway, seals and islands on a working lough.

6 photos
SeasonalSeasonal, spring to autumn, weather- and…
TicketedPer person
The Slipway, Port…Departs from
Get directionsOfficial website
5 hoursHow long
TicketedCost
Seasonal, sprin…Season
Families on the…Best for
The Slipway, Po…Departs

Strangford Lough Boat Tours — A skippered cruise out from Portaferry slipway, seals and islands on a working lough.

  • The trip: Skippered guided cruise (also fast RIB rides and seasonal special trips).
  • Departs from: The Slipway, Portaferry.
  • You may see: Seals on the rocks and island bird life; occasionally porpoise, dolphin or whale (never guaranteed).
  • Season: Seasonal, spring to autumn, weather- and tide-dependent.
  • Booking: Advised/essential; minimum passenger numbers may apply.
  • Cost: Varies by trip type - check current prices with the operator.
Plan your visit

Out on the lough with a skipper who knows it

The main trip is a skippered guided cruise of around 1.5 hours, running out among Strangford Lough's islands and historic sites with commentary as you go. You may see seals hauled out on the rocks and the bird life around the islands, and if you are very lucky a porpoise, dolphin or whale out in the deeper water, though none of that is guaranteed. The operator also runs faster 30-minute RIB rides, longer eco-focused trips and seasonal specials such as a full-moon tour among the islands. The standard tour suits families and most ages, while the fast RIB rides are livelier and not advised for anyone with back trouble or who is pregnant. Dress warm and expect some splashing on the faster boats.

Skippered cruise Leaves Portaferry slipway ~1.5 hours Seals & islands RIB rides too Book ahead
Good to know before you go:

Operators add sunset, full-moon and special charters alongside their scheduled sailings, and timetables are weather-dependent and seasonal, so check their own pages for current sailings, dates and prices.

Before you set off

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.
Good to know

Everything before you go

Type
Skippered guided cruise (also fast RIB rides and seasonal special trips)
Departs from
The Slipway, Portaferry
Duration
Standard tour around 1.5 hours; RIB rides around 30 minutes
What you may see
Seals on the rocks and island bird life; occasionally porpoise, dolphin or whale (never guaranteed)
Season
Seasonal, spring to autumn, weather- and tide-dependent
Booking
Advised/essential; minimum passenger numbers may apply
Cost
Varies by trip type - check current prices with the operator
Suitable for
Families on the standard cruise; fast RIB rides not advised for back conditions or pregnancy - check with operator
Parking
Not confirmed - check with the operator
Address
The Slipway, Portaferry, Co. Down, BT22 1PE
Questions

Before you go

Do I need to book?
Advised/essential; minimum passenger numbers may apply
How much is it?
Varies by trip type - check current prices with the operator
How long is the trip?
Standard tour around 1.5 hours; RIB rides around 30 minutes
What might we see?
Seals on the rocks and island bird life; occasionally porpoise, dolphin or whale (never guaranteed)
When does it run?
Seasonal, spring to autumn, weather- and tide-dependent
Getting there

Strangford Lough Boat Tours departs from The Slipway, Portaferry. Not confirmed - check with the operator. Tap below for directions to the departure point.

Directions on Google MapsOfficial website See it on our map
Nearby

Make more of the day

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

About the trip

Rogers Boat Tours is a family operation that has run trips on Strangford Lough for over 40 years, departing from the slipway in Portaferry at the mouth of the lough. The route is known for its seal colonies, island bird life and the history of the lough's many small islands, with the powerful tides of the Narrows surging past nearby.

Trips range from the standard 1.5-hour guided cruise to faster RIB rides and seasonal specials. Because the lough is a protected marine site, wildlife sightings are a genuine highlight but can never be promised on any given sailing.