Environmental Management Policy

Environmental Management Policy for the Skelligs

We are committed to minimizing the environmental impact of our operations and strictly adhering to all relevant local, national, and EU environmental laws and regulations. Our policy reflects our dedication to protecting the natural beauty and biodiversity of Skellig Michael and its surrounding environment.

Saving gannet at skellig micheal

Our Commitments

Waste Management

We ensure the proper disposal of all waste materials, including hazardous waste such as oils, fuels, and cleaning agents. When engine oil is changed, it is transported to the Kerry County Council recycling depot for appropriate disposal.

Vessel Maintenance

Our vessels are regularly inspected and maintained to prevent leaks, spills, or emissions that could harm the marine environment. In the unlikely event of an oil spill within the engine space, we use specialized absorbent materials in the bilge to contain and remove the oil. These materials are then disposed of at a certified recycling centre.

Marine Pollution Compliance

We strictly adhere to marine environmental regulations to ensure that no waste is discharged into the sea. Our boats are fitted with modern, fuel-efficient engines that help reduce our carbon footprint. These efforts, combined with our operational procedures, minimize our environmental impact.

Crew Training

All crew members receive comprehensive training in environmental protection practices, fostering a culture of sustainability and ensuring full compliance with environmental regulations.

Noise Pollution Reduction

To protect local wildlife, especially seabirds around Skellig Michael, we maintain our vessels to minimize engine noise. Additionally, we follow operational guidelines to avoid disturbing wildlife during trips.

No-Drone Policy

We enforce a strict no-drone policy around the Skellig Islands to prevent disruptions to wildlife, particularly birds, and to safeguard their natural behavior.

Preservation of Natural Habitat

Visitors are prohibited from disturbing or removing natural elements, such as stones or plants, from Skellig Michael. We educate visitors through pre-trip briefings and signage on the importance of preserving the island’s integrity and fragile ecosystems.

Wildlife Protection

We adhere to wildlife protection regulations, ensuring minimal disturbance to fauna and flora. During sensitive breeding seasons, we maintain safe distances from wildlife and avoid entering sensitive areas.

Monitoring and Review

We conduct regular audits of our operations to ensure compliance with our environmental policies and to identify areas for improvement.

About Us

Since 1989, Skelligs Rock Cruises has been more than just a ferry service – we’ve been crafting unforgettable journeys to one of Ireland’s most iconic destinations.

Continuous Improvement

We are dedicated to continually reviewing and enhancing our environmental practices to remain compliant with all relevant legislation and to safeguard the natural beauty of Skellig Michael for future generations. We actively explore sustainable innovations and collaborate with local conservation initiatives to further our environmental goals.

Environmental Sustainability

Waste Management

  • Reusable Materials:
    • We encourage  passengers to bring reusable water bottles to minimize waste.
  • Ticketless System:
    • We operate a fully ticketless system, eliminating paper waste entirely.

Energy Efficiency

  • Fuel Efficiency:
    • Our boat is powered by a fuel-efficient engine, maintained regularly to minimize emissions and optimize fuel consumption.

Protection of the Marine Environment

  • Leave No Trace Policy:
    • Passengers are briefed on a strict “Leave No Trace” policy to prevent littering and protect the Skelligs’ unique ecosystem.

Social Sustainability

Community Engagement

  • Local Employment:
    • Crew and support staff are recruited locally, providing employment opportunities within the South Kerry community.

Visitor Education

  • Promoting Awareness:
    • Passengers are educated about the Skelligs’ cultural and ecological significance through onboard talks and our website where we provide a full list of the Birdlife and Sealife around the Skellig Islands

Accessibility and Inclusion

  • Due to the location and the difficulty of accessing the site we are encouraged by the OPW to restrict the access to personnel who may struggle with accessing the site.
  • Unfortunately this could hamper greatly on the inclusion of people with limited mobility from visiting the Island

Economic Sustainability

Supporting the Local Economy

  • Sustainable Pricing:
    • Prices are set to provide a sustainable living for the operator, acknowledging the limited operating period of 90 to 100 days annually and the impact of weather conditions.

Continuous Improvement

  • Regular reviews and updates of our sustainability practices ensure alignment with emerging best practices and regulatory requirements.
  • Stakeholder feedback, including from passengers and the local community, will be integrated into ongoing improvements.

By committing to these sustainability measures, we aim to uphold the integrity of the Skelligs as a UNESCO World Heritage Site while maintaining a sustainable operation under the unique constraints of our service.

Our Tours

It's Time to Book Your Adventures

Your are about to book a trip to land on Skellig Michael a world Heritage site. The journey to the Islands is approximately 50 minutes. Under normal weather conditions you will be allowed 2.5 hrs on the Skelligs. Allow 5 hrs from when you board the boat in the morning to when you again disembark at the marina in the afternoon. Finally enjoy your day with us, we will do everything to make it a memorable journey.

The eco tour has multiple departures times throughout the day depending on the sea conditions. The boat tour takes approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes and circles both islands getting right up close to Skellig Michael and the small Skelligs to see both the wildlife and the historical sites. This tour can get quite busy especially in the peak season so it is advisable to book well in advance. This tour does not land on the Island.