- Fully guided tour by qualified and experienced instructors.
- No wetsuits required-splash proof jackets over clothing supplied.
- Navigate through a tidal rapid.
- Learn about the history of the locality, battles fought, piracy and myths and legends.
- Bird-watching.
- Oppurtunity to see various species of marine animals.
- Enjoy the rugges coastline featuring cliffs, caves, famine walls and interesting rock formations.
- Mid-tour snack
This tour begins in Lough Hyne, Ireland's first marine reserve and a unique saltwater lake. From there, we leave the lake through 'the rapids'. A narrow channel that connects Lough Hyne with the Atlantic Ocean. These are tidal rapids that provide excitement as you paddle down and out to Barlouge Creek. There we can explore caves and islands whilst on the look out for birds, seals and other marine life. Our guides will tell you about the local history, pointing out interesting landmarks and tellign stories of pirates, chieftans and more. Have a quick break and a snack before retunring into Lough Hyne the turn of the tide.
- Time: tidal dependent – duration: 3.5 hours.
- Ability level: beginner +
- Minimum age: 12+
- Availability: Trips are tide dependent and are scheduled on our calendar. Advance booking necessary online or by phone.
- Location: We run this tour from Lough Hyne in West Cork, 1.5 hours driving time west of Cork city.
Directions to Lough Hyne from Skibbereen:
Follow the road to Baltimore for about two miles and see a sign on the left saying Lough Hyne. Get to the Lake, take a left and we’ll meet you at the Atlantic Sea Kayaking van.
- Comfortable outdoor clothing such as fleece/tracksuit or shorts
- Soft soled shoes
- A warm hat/ scarf if it is cold.
- A change of clothes incase you get a little wet.
- A bottle of water.
We supply Splashproof gear to go over your clothes. The weather can vary from day to day so it is best to be prepared for all conditions.
All necessary safety equipment, kayaking equipment and instruction is provided.
This is experience is best enjoyed with no technology as screens intefer with your nightvision. To respect the privacy of our clients we ask people not to take recording equipment out on the kayaks please.
We have a no alcohol/drug policy for the safety and enjoyment of all, this includes prior consumption.
Toilet Facilities: Please note, the last toilet facilities are in Skibbereen. There are no toilets in Lough Hyne.
Looking forward to seeing you on the water!
Cancellation Policy:
If you need to cancel your trip,
We operate a 3 day cancellation policy.
Please be sure to let us know at least 3 days in advance via email (or by phone during office hours). If you choose to reschedule your trip, you will receive a voucher code to enable you to do this. Alternatively you can choose a full refund.
Without 3 days notice and in the event of you not showing up, you will be liable to pay the full amount and no refund will be possible.
For group bookings we require at least 7 days notice of cancellation via email.
If we need to cancel your trip,
It will usually be because of high winds / unsafe weather forecast.
We will not cancel the trip solely because of rain, but occasionally we have to cancel because of rain and strong winds.
As forecasts are very changeable, we usually make our final decision to cancel the day before the trip.
We reserve the right to cancel trips at short notice for safety reasons. This could be due to a sudden change in weather conditions.
You will receive an email and text informing you of the cancellation to the contact details you supplied at the time of booking.
Following a trip cancellation by us, you will receive a voucher code to reschedule your booking, or you may choose a full refund.
Join the waitlist if your preferred tour and date is full. The atlantic Sea Kayaking Team will reach out to you if space becomes available.
Join the Waitlist Now
For quick answers, check out our FAQ section.
