Frequently Asked Questions

Please arrive at the Dingle Dolphin Boat Tours office at least 30 minutes before departure and allow plenty of time for parking. Dingle can be extremely busy, and it may take longer than expected to find a space. At times, the main car park can be full, so you may need to park a little further away and walk to the office. Roads around the peninsula can also be slow at times, so please allow extra travel time. 

Our boats must depart on time, and unfortunately, we cannot delay departures for late arrivals. Refunds cannot be given if you miss the boat due to arriving late. 

Our boats depart just behind our office at the main fishing pier in Dingle Harbour, located behind the tourist office and beside the dolphin statue. Look out for the orange signage for Dingle Dolphin Boat Tours, and our team will guide you to the boat. 

By the pier you will find plenty of paid parking in the marina car park in low season. However, in high season unless you arrive bright and early you may not find parking here. That’s why it is great to arrive at least an hour before you’re scheduled trip time.
On the map below are some of the available car parks in Dingle. We recommend trying the parking by St. Marys Church. If you’re arriving later in the day, you can also try the mart parking or along the new road

Not sure which trip is right for you? Don’t worry, we get asked this all the time. Below is a short outline of who the tours are best suited to, but everyone is welcome. You’ll find more information on choosing a tour here.

Yes, many families join our tours each year, and children are very welcome. Children must always be supervised by an adult while onboard. Different tours may suit different ages, so we recommend reading the tour descriptions to help choose the best option for your family. 

We recommend dressing warmly and bringing an extra layer, as it can feel cooler out on the water even on a sunny day. 

Safety always comes first. Tours may occasionally be cancelled due to sea conditions, usually strong winds. This decision is made by the skipper and sometimes has to be made at short notice, as weather conditions on the Atlantic can change quickly. 

Cloud or rain alone does not affect tours, we are in Ireland after all, but sea conditions are the most important factor. If we need to cancel, we will contact you as soon as possible to offer an alternative time or a full refund. 

Yes, all our boats have toilet facilities on board. 

Life jackets are available for everyone on board. They are not required to be worn during the tour, but you are very welcome to wear one if you prefer. 

Yes, dogs are welcome onboard as long as they are kept on a lead at all times. 

Not all boats are wheelchair accessible. If you require wheelchair access, please contact us in advance so that arrangements can be made. We’ll do our best to advise on the most suitable sailing and to assist with boarding where possible. 

Yes, pushchairs can usually be brought on board. However, due to limited space they may need to be folded during the tour, so please be prepared for this. 

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed on any of our tours, as all animals are wild and free. On our dedicated wildlife tours, we often see dolphins and other marine life, but every day on the water is different. 

The 1-hour tour is a scenic harbour and coastline trip. It is designed for views of Dingle Harbour, the coastline, and the surrounding landscape. 

No, our tours do not land on the islands. Some of our trips travel toward the Great Blasket Island, where you can enjoy the views from the water while we share a bit of the island’s story along the way. 

We offer a range of tours, from shorter scenic trips to longer adventures exploring further out into Dingle Bay. Full details and durations can be found on the individual tour pages. 

While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, our longer tours offer a higher chance of seeing marine wildlife. These trips travel further out and spend more time on the water, giving more opportunity to encounter dolphins, whales, and other marine life. 

Yes, you can book on the day, right up to the last minute, as long as there are still places available on the boat. However, we recommend booking in advance, especially during busy times, to secure your preferred time and date. 

That really depends on availability and the time of year. In peak summer and holiday periods, tours can fill up quickly, so it’s best to book as soon as your plans are confirmed. At quieter times, you may be able to book closer to the day, but advance booking is still advised to avoid disappointment. 

Cancellations or changes can be made up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund. After this time, no refunds will be given. 
If a tour is cancelled by us due to weather conditions, you will be offered an alternative time or a full refund. 

If you are prone to seasickness, we recommend taking suitable tablets before the tour as a precaution. Many visitors find they are perfectly comfortable once they are out on the water, especially if they stay in the fresh air.