The official website of Visit Ards and North Down
En

Strangford Lough Boat Tours

Sketrick Island, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6QH
Strangford Lough Boat Trips

Book Tickets Online

About

Strangford Lough Boat Tours offer trips, experiences and even a waterborne taxi service on the beautiful, protected waters of this incredible sea lough. Available for all people of all ages as well as to film crews and photographers, environmentalists or historians. Our aim is to allow others to enjoy this wonderful designated area of outstanding natural beauty.

Our boat tours generally begin at the historic Sketrick Castle and explain the history behind the monuments, monasteries, islands, rocks and wrecks. From invaders to Vikings, smugglers to Kings, this lough has seen just about everything. Steeped in history, even locals will get an eye-opener at some of what has happened over the centuries on Strangford, or Lough Cuan, as it was once better known. We’ll help you understand the necklace of stone forts that surround the lough, explain some of the flora and fauna, the sea life and the wildlife.

There will be pubs you can visit, top restaurants at which to be diverted, sunrises and sunsets to enjoy with a coffee or a glass of something else. We will also take you to places you could not reach; to the islands, each with their own astonishing story and geography. Find out where a King slept, see where the hostages were confined. Furthermore, take the route St Patrick sailed when he landed in Ireland for a second time.

Boat Tours - From structured boat tours to bespoke events, we can take you there as quickly or slowly as you please. Our commercially coded RIB boat can reach speeds of up to 40 knots, or sail along at a peaceful pace. Enjoy the incredible scenery, seals and, if you’re very lucky, the odd dolphin, whale or porpoise.

So, get the wind in your hair, clear your head and leave your troubles in your wake. We’re here to get you afloat.

Rib Ride - A fast blast designed for groups and families who want a quick trip at an affordable rate. 30 minutes on board – these trips stay closer to our base on Sketrick Island. Prepare for a bit of splashing (or a lot if the weather is poor) and a lot of laughs! Minimum number of 4 people required. We will refund bookings where the minimum number has not been reached.

Eco Boat Tours - Learn about Strangford Lough’s world renowned eco system, become a sustainable user of our coasts, and take in the stunning and peaceful scenery. Partnering with Sam, a marine biologist from Coastal Catchups, we are offering a new experience that focuses on the wildlife of Strangford Lough.

Full Moon Boat Tours - A trip with a difference! Take a guided rib trip amongst the islands under the light of the full moon. Hear some interesting facts, see the stars.

Public & Private Tours - Public boat trips available on weekday evenings and throughout the weekend. These last 1.5 hours and give you a full tour of the lough and its highlights. Private charter tours are available for sunsets and early weekend sunrises. 

 

Facilities

Catering

  • Cafe

Establishment Features

  • Groups catered for
  • Lessons/courses available
  • Prior Booking Required
  • Toilets

Parking & Transport

  • On site parking

Travel & Trade

  • Family Discount

Add Strangford Lough Boat Tours to your Itinerary

Close window

Call direct on:

Tel+44 (0) 7938 517 009

Check availability for Strangford Lough Boat Tours (opens in a new window)

Map & Directions

Opening Times

Season (1 Mar 2024 - 31 Oct 2024)

What's Nearby

  1. The Livingston Centre at Killinchy Parish Church is a local heritage centre. It tells the…

    0.69 miles away
  2. Sketrick Castle is located on Sketrick Island which is reached by a causeway on the west…

    0.88 miles away
  3. Nendrum is thought to have been set up by St Machaoi in the 5th Century and also has…

    1.51 miles away
  1. This ruined Tower House commands a position at the north end of Mahee Island in…

    1.7 miles away
  2. WWT Castle Espie is an extraordinary day out for the whole family. Escape the everyday,…

    3.93 miles away
  3. The Lookout is a wildlife interpretative centre, showcasing the wildlife around the…

    5.56 miles away
  4. Mount Stewart is a stunning estate in the beautiful scenic area of Strangford Lough. The…

    5.63 miles away
  5. Grey Abbey, a Cistercian Abbey church and its living quarters were founded in 1193 by…

    5.88 miles away
  6. Discover how Echlinville Distillery captures the flavour, colour and mouthfeel of their…

    6.03 miles away
  7. St Mary’s Parish Church stands on the site of a Cistercian Abbey built in 1199. It was of…

    6.05 miles away
  8. Situated in The Square in Comber, it was erected in 1845 to commemorate the bravery of…

    6.09 miles away
  9. Comber Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church was built on a site donated by James Andrews…

    6.26 miles away
  10. This charming park is situated around the upper slopes and top of Scrabo Hill, near the…

    7.26 miles away
  11. The gallery seeks to promote quality Irish art in a relaxed atmosphere and displays a…

    7.34 miles away
  12. At the top of Scrabo Hill, overlooking Strangford Lough and the whole of North Down, is…

    7.45 miles away
  13. At the south east edge of Newtownards these substantial remains of a Dominican (Black)…

    7.96 miles away
Previous Next

Map & Directions

View Maps and Visitor Guides
View of what Ards and North Down has to offer and some of the best things to see and do during a visit.
E-newsletter sign up
Sign up for the Ards and North Down newsletter for inspiration and travel tips.
Back to Top

Tourism Northern Ireland

Don't Miss