About Dingle Dolphin Boat tours
Our Story
Our story began in 1987, with one very special dolphin, Fungie. He was a legend. A blessing to Dingle. He brought people together and showed us how magical the waters of Dingle Bay truly are. Because of him, we fell in love with life on the ocean. And we never looked back.
For decades, Fungie greeted boats in the harbour and became part of everyday life in Dingle. Visitors travelled from around the world to see him, and we were lucky enough to witness those moments again and again. But our connection to the sea runs deeper than any single moment. It’s about the bay itself, the wildlife, and the wild Atlantic coastline that surrounds us.
Today, we’re proud to be the longest running, locally run boat tour company on the Dingle Peninsula. In 2024 we were named TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Award Winner for boat tours in Ireland. More than anything, we’re proud of where we come from and the waters that shaped us.
Life After Fungie
When Fungie disappeared, the harbour felt different. For so long he had been there to greet boats and visitors, and suddenly the water felt a little quieter. Fungie will always be the beginning of our story. He was the heart of it all. But beyond the harbour lies a vast bay, and that story continues every day.
Further out in Dingle Bay, the ocean is full of life. Dolphins glide past, minke whales surface, humpbacks sometimes make an appearance, and basking sharks cruise slowly through the bay in the warmer months. Seals often sun themselves along the Great Blasket Island, seabirds wheel overhead, and every trip can bring something new, from puffins to sunfish, tuna, and even fin whales. There’s always something to catch your eye, and the magic of the bay is different every day.
Because of this, our tours evolved too. Today we offer everything from relaxed scenic trips to longer wildlife adventures, a little something for everyone. Fungie may have been the beginning. But the magic of Dingle Bay’s wildlife is still very much alive.
The People Behind the Wheel
Our skippers, Gary Brosnan, Adam Flannery, and Martin Flannery are deeply connected to these waters. Many of us grew up around boats and the sea and have spent years out on this bay.
We’re proud to share real stories, real knowledge, and genuine excitement when dolphins appear, a whale surfaces, or a basking shark glides past. We love what we do, and you’ll feel that when you step on board.
Meet the Team
Gary Brosnan
Skipper of the Draíocht
Gary has been out on these waters since 1994 and comes from a fishing family with deep roots connected to the sea. He’s an expert fisherman, a brilliant wildlife spotter, and knows Dingle Bay like the back of his hand.
Adam Flannery
Skipper of the Island Explorer
The sea has been part of Adam’s story from the very beginning. He grew up working on his father’s boat, with generations of his family working at sea. These waters have always been home. With 16 years at Dingle Dolphin Boat Tours and a role as chairman, Adam brings a quiet confidence and a deep, unshakeable love for this coastline to every trip.
Martin Flannery
Skipper of the Laird of Staffa
Martin has spent years on the water, working as a fisherman and guiding tours since 1983. He has a wealth of local knowledge and stories, and his father was one of the original Fungie men. He gets just as excited as the passengers when wildlife appears, and you can feel his love for the bay every time you’re on board.
Cuan
crew
Cuan is our youngest team member and full of character. From the Irish-speaking area of Dingle, he brings energy, enthusiasm, and plenty of chat to every trip.
niamh
crew
Niamh is a calm, friendly presence on board and a great source of local knowledge. She loves showing visitors the natural beauty of the peninsula and sharing the stories behind our wildlife and coastline.
nuada
crew
Nuada grew up around Dingle and is always learning more about the area. He’s great with people, full of curiosity, and always ready to help visitors enjoy every moment of their tour.
amy
Office Staff
Amy is one of the first people you’ll meet at Dingle Dolphin Boat Tours. Organised, creative, and efficient, she keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes and loves helping guests get ready for their trip.
gill may
Office & Marketing
Gilly May is the voice behind Dingle Dolphin’s social media and marketing, the person who tries to bottle up the magic of Dingle Bay and share it with the world. With a deep love for the water, the wildlife, and every corner of the peninsula, she’s always looking for ways to bring that feeling to life.
Why Sail with Dingle Dolphin Boat Tours?
Dingle’s Longest Running Boat Tour Association
Established in 1987, Dingle Dolphin Boat Tours are the longest running boat tour association in Dingle with nearly 40 years’ experience on the sea.
4.6 Star Rating
With 2,500 reviews combined on TripAdvisor and Google.
Friendly Local Crew
They know the coast and islands well and love sharing their favourite spots and stories.
Safety First
Fully licensed boats and experienced skippers looking after you from start to finish.
comfortable & spacious boats
Plenty of space to sit, relax, and enjoy the views.
Responsible Wildlife Watching
The waters of Dingle Bay are home to incredible wildlife and protecting it will always come first for us. Our tours follow responsible wildlife watching guidelines, ensuring every encounter is treated with care and respect.
Dingle Bay also forms part of Ireland’s first National Marine Park, making these waters even more special. Sharing this environment with visitors is a privilege, and we’re committed to helping protect it for future generations.
At the Heart of Dingle
We’re not just a boat tour company, we’re part of this town. Every year we take part in the Blessing of the Boats, a tradition that means a lot to our community and to us. We also bring local school children out on the bay, sharing the magic of the sea with the next generation.
Giving back to the place that shaped us matters. Generations of locals have worked with us over the years. We’re proud of our town, proud of our tours, and proud to show visitors the very best of Dingle and Dingle Bay from the water.