Exhilarating Wildlife Sea Safari

Join us on an exhilarating wildlife sea safari from Blacksod and explore the spectacular coastline and islands of the Wild Atlantic Way. Take in breathtaking views, discover dramatic sea cliffs and caves, and keep watch for dolphins, basking sharks and whales. The tour also includes a visit to Duvillaun Island’s seal colony.

Choose from a 2-hour or 3.5-hour safari. The extended 3.5-hour experience includes a stopover on the Inishkea Islands, where you can explore their fascinating history, soak up the majestic views and take a refreshing dip in the island’s crystal-clear waters.

Two Ways To Explore Choose Your Trip Length

Wildlife Sea Safari

A shorter coastal adventure through Blacksod Bay. Spot grey seals, dolphins and basking sharks as we cruise past dramatic cliffs, sea caves and spectacular island scenery.

Most Popular

Inishkea & Wildlife Sea Safari

Our ultimate 3.5hr sea safari, includes a 90-minute stopover on the beautiful Inishkea Islands and more opportunities to encountering dolphins and other marine wildlife.

Tour Itinerary Wildlife Sea Safari

This is a sample trip itinerary, book a private tour with us to tailor make your Sea Safari and decide on a particular area of the bay you would like to explore!

1. Blacksod Bay & Dolphin Spotting

Your Sea Safari begins at Blacksod Pier. Enjoy the experience of Blacksod Bay, the most westerly point in Europe! Your onboard tour guide will tell you about your surroundings – including world famous Blacksod Lighthouse, Blacksod Pier & Rare Granite Quarry and much more!

Soak in the delights that await you and keep your eyes peeled as we pass the best location for spotting bottlenose dolphins in North Mayo before we continue our journey out the bay.

A bottlenose dolphin leaps out of the sea on a wildlife and whale sea safari from Blacksod, Co. Mayo.

Duvilluan Island & Seal Colony

Next, we head for Duvilluan Island, home to dramatic sea arches and grassy sea cliffs. Your tour guide will share stories of the islanders and their way of life. We’ll then visit Duvilluan’s seal colony, so keep your camera ready!

Several grey seals swim in calm blue water beside rocky shoreline at Duvilluan.

(3.5hr experience only) 2. Surgeview & Inishkea Stopover

Our next destination is the picturesque village of Surgeview, or Tón na hUltaigh in Irish, where your onboard guide will share the village’s legends and folklore. Lying just beyond are the islands of Geachta, Léim an Reithe and the famous Inishkea Islands, once home to more than 300 people.

Enjoy 90 minutes of free time on Inishkea to discover its rich history, explore the island, relax on the beach, enjoy a picnic or take a dip in the pristine waters.

Before returning to Blacksod, we’ll make one final stop to search for basking sharks.

The historic village on Inishkea South beside a sweeping white sandy beach explored on a sea safari in County Mayo.

3. Nearby Islands & Wildlife Watching

Afterwards, continue our journey past the Island of Blackrock, which is home to Blackrock Lighthouse, the hardest lighthouse to get to in Ireland. pass the islands of Duvillaun Beag & Mór.

Take in the majestic coastline of these beautiful islands and keep your eyes peeled as we make our way through the best spot for meeting dolphins & whales – including our fishy friend – Halfin the dolphin!

Aerial view of Inishkea South's rocky shoreline and vivid green fields divided by stone walls, with islands beyond.
Skip Map

Blacksod Pier

Inishkea South Landing Point

Aerial view of Inishkea South Village, accessible by boat trip during the summer.
End of Map

Wildlife

Our Sea Safari takes you on an incredible tour of the scenery and wildlife that resides along the coast of the Belmullet Peninsula. Learn about just some of the amazing wildlife you may encounter on a trip with us.

Grey seals spotted during a sea safari trip to Inishkea, home to the second largest colony of grey seals in Ireland.

Grey Seals

The Inishkea Islands are home to one of Ireland’s largest colonies of grey seals. Grey seals can live for 25 to 35 years and breed in autumn. Known for their curiosity, these playful creatures provide fantastic opportunities for capturing stunning photos and videos during our tour.

A bottlenose dolphin leaps out of the sea on a wildlife and whale sea safari from Blacksod, Co. Mayo.

Bottlenose Dolphins

The waters around the Inishkea Islands are frequently visited by playful bottlenose dolphins. Renowned for their intelligence and curiosity, these energetic marine mammals often swim alongside our boats and if your lucky – can be spotted performing flips and tricks during our tours! Bottlenose dolphins are spotted right throughout the summer season.

Two gannets floating on the open waters of Blacksod Bay, Co. Mayo.

Sea Birds

Blacksod bay is also home to a wide range of sea birds such as oystercatchers, storm petrels, Manx shearwaters, Arctic terns. An array of birds live on and around the Inishkea Islands and can be spotted during the summertime.

FAQs Guidelines & Information

How Early Should I Arrive?

Passengers should check in with a member of our crew at least 15 minutes before the sailing time. This allows enough time for parking and locating the departure point.

What Should I Bring?

We recommend bringing the following items:
 

  • Rain Jacket
  • Camera & Mobile Phone
  • Warm Clothing & Spare Change of Clothes
  • Appropriate Footwear – Runners/Walking Shoes
  • Suncream & Sunhat
  • Swimming Gear – Incase you fancy a dip!
  • Lunch & Snacks
  • Water / Drink

Can I Include Fishing On The Tour?

Let us know when booking your trip if you would like services such as fishing to insure availability.

Watch Our Videos

More Choice View Our Other Tours

Popular Tour

Inishkea Island Tour

Experience the breathtaking views, crystal-clear waters, and white sandy beaches that make Inishkea irresistible.

Sea Angling

Embark on a fishing trip perfect for families, beginners or experienced anglers, with the chance to catch over 36...

Inishkea Walking Tour

Experience the breathtaking views, crystal-clear waters, and white sandy beaches that make Inishkea irresistible.

Private Hire & Group Tours

Belmullet Boat Charters offer a range of private and tailor-made boat tours to suit every occasion from company days...

Reviews What Our Customers Say

reviews logo tripadvisor

"Out of this World"

Wonderful experience. The Lavelles were great from booking online (Kea was really responsive and helpful) to the moment we stepped back on the pier in Blacksod. Sean and Josh...

Fintan S.

reviews logo tripadvisor

"My daughter has not smiled this much in ages! We are so grateful for this experience."

Sean and his son Josh were very happy to help us on and off the ferry with our 8-year old twins. Our daughter is wheelchair bound and they graciously...

Kimberly