FAQ

General Questions

The Trip

Safety

Things to do and Places to Stay

Covid-19

General Questions

Bookings can be made through our online booking facility.
Bookings can also be made by phone or email by supplying credit card details and a contact phone number.
In the Summer season, it is advisable to book ahead to avoid disappointment, especially for weekend trips, as they get booked out well in advance of the trip.

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.
  • Daily weather and trip updates will be posted on the homepage of our website. 
  • Following a trip cancellation by us, you will receive a voucher code to reschedule your booking, or you may choose a full refund.

 

For information on cancellations because of Covid-19, please refer to our Covid policy.

Our trips run from April to the end of October.

Bookings can be made through our online booking facility throughout the year.

Castlehaven Bay – Reen Pier, Union Hall

Directions to Reen Pier from Union Hall:

Go to the Catholic Church in Union Hall and follow the sign for Reen Pier (2miles). About 200m before Pier turn right at the Atlantic Sea Kayaking sign and go to the end of the sand spit where we will meet you.

https://goo.gl/maps/zJFeLVQrAjQSczMaA

Lough Hyne

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.

https://goo.gl/maps/4wHvJkrdut8sMWC56

The Trip

We supply over gear (wind and splash proof jackets and trousers) and pogies (neoprene paddle mitts) which keep your hands toasty in cold weather.

  • boats
  • buoyancy aids
  • spray decks
  • safety equipment and instruction
  • guiding

You can expect: to be safe, comfortable, to get individual attention, new experiences and encounters, fabulous kayaking, beautiful scenery, to meet great people and hear local history and stories from your knowledgeable guide. This is all washed down with a magnificent visual banquet that is the West Cork coastline on The Wild Atlantic Way.

Wear:

Footwear: old runners or wetsuit shoes.

No big boots please!

Bodywear: Activity leggings/tracksuit, thermals, fleece..
Headgear: wool or fleece hat (in cold weather)

Sun hat in warm weather

Bring: a change of clothes, sun block, a towel, water

…… and a smile!

Kayaking with Atlantic Sea Kayaking is probably the best way to see and get close to wildlife.

Kayaking  silently along the shoreline your first experience will be the amazing variety of sea birds in the area, waders, herons, snowy egrets, shags, herring gulls, guillemots, gannets diving from the skies and the rasping sound of the chough on the cliffs. In the summer we usually get to see the peregrine falcons and sometimes ospreys soaring above the cliffs.

As we get in amongst the offshore Islands we often get the attention of the curious  seals. We have both harbour and grey seals in our area.  As we get further out from the shore, it is possible to see porpoise, dolphins, basking sharks and occasionally whales.

Every trip brings it owns surprises and delights when it comes to wildlife.

Most of our trips are designed for people with a low to medium level of fitness unless otherwise stated.

Most of our kayaking is done within a 10 mile radius of Skibbereen along the beautiful Wild Atlantic Way coastline, in secluded and sheltered bays and along the coast. We explore islands, caves, sea arches, cliffs and deserted beaches on the way.

  • We use a mix of double and single kayaks depending on your ability.
  • We have a mix of Necky and Perception plastic kayaks.
  • We use Carlisle asymmetric paddles.
  • We use Riber plastic SUPs with leashes and paddles.

Safety

This is a question we are often asked. The answer is “yes”!
At all times you will be wearing floatation.
Our motto is “prevention is better than a cure”. We design our trips and tours to suit the level of our visitors.
We use the most recent kayaks and quality equipment.
We mostly use stable double kayaks (singles are available if requested)
Most importantly, all of our instructor guides are highly trained in kayak rescue, first aid, use of VHF radios which are carried with them as well as other safety equipment. All our trips are designed based on weather and sea conditions combined with our visitors ability. We have an intimate knowledge of our local coastal area and constantly check weather forecasts. We keep instructor /client ratios low to ensure safety and personal attention.

We kayak in sheltered calm areas unless we are running an advanced trip or teaching a training course.

No, but we generally encourage you to learn as it opens up a great world of enjoyment.
Most of the world is covered in water so go explore!
We insist that all kayak and SUP users wear appropriate buoyancy at all time while on the water with us.

We use spacious, comfortable double sea kayaks, the cockpit is 54cm/21 inches in width and the capacity of the boat is 280 kg, so that would be the combined weight of 2 people. Our XXL PFDs are up to 50-56 inches chest size.
Our largest splash proof jackets are XXL ( chest 50 inches). If you feel that it may not be a comfortable fit, we recommend that you bring your own gear as an alternative… a rain jacket, comfortable leggings, and water shoes, or soft shoes, and a change of clothing.

It is also possible to meet the instructor before the trip (during our opening times) and to test your comfort level in the boat in privacy and on dry land.

Our double kayaks can accommodate most tall people and we can also use a sit on top kayak double for anyone who would prefer that option. It is also possible to meet the instructor before the trip and try out the boat for length in privacy.

Our oldest paddler is 98! What do you think?

Youths of 12 + are welcome on our Discover Kayaking Tour.

We organise special outings for youth groups, school tours and birthday parties or other family celebrations.

Please contact us to discuss and we will do our utmost to accommodate you.

We have a no alcohol policy for the safety and enjoyment of all, this includes prior consumption.

Things to Do and Places to Stay

 

Our recommendations for food and accommodation:

Union Hall. Accommodation & Food

Skibbereen Accommodation & Food

Baltimore Accommodation & Food

Castletownshend Accommodation & Food

Glandore / Rosscarbery Accommodation & Food

Ballydehob.

Accommodation

Within driving distance of us:

Covid-19

If you feel unwell or have come into contact with a case or suspected case of COVID-19, please reschedule or cancel your trip.

Our first priority as always, is the health and safety of our guests and staff. We have comprehensive procedures in place for Covid-19.

Current rules for travelling to Ireland