Sailing and Boats near Bantry
Nestled in the sheltered harbour of Glengarriff Bay, Garnish Island is one of West Cork’s most beautiful hidden gems. Famous for its stunning Italian gardens, colourful planting displays and peaceful walking paths, the island offers breathtaking views across Bantry Bay and the surrounding mountains. Visitors travel by boat from Glengarriff, often passing the island’s resident seal colony along the way. Open seasonally from spring through autumn, Garnish Island is a must-visit for nature lovers, photographers and anyone looking to experience the beauty and tranquillity of West Cork.
Explore the waters with Bantry Bay Charters where you can experience the native wildlife up close, try mackerel fishing, chase the sunset, and discover the beauty of West Cork from a fresh perspective. Guests of the Maritime can enjoy a discounted rate on a excursion with Bantry Bay Charters. Enquire at the reception at the hotel.
Come explore the bay with us and choose from a trip on our Sea Safari, Guided Boat Tours, Kayak Tours or hire a Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board. Take the family for a boat trip they'll never forget on our Guided Tours in self-drive boats, hire a boat and do a spot of Mackerel Fishing or let the kids off to enjoy our Kayak Camps while you enjoy a walk about Bantry town or spend time exploring the local market.
Sea Kayak the inlets & islands of Bantry Bay & Glengarriff Harbour with Outdoors Ireland. Discover local history and legends as you paddle along the coastline, past fishing boats, amidst the swan and and occasional seal.
If you want to go sailing in West Cork, Carbery Sailing is a RYA Sail Training School based in the village of Ahakista on the Sheep’s Head Peninsula. They have direct access to Dunmanus Bay for half day skippered charter sails. Roaringwater Bay and Bantry Bay are within easy reach for the day skippered charter sails.
Depending on the time of year, seals, dolphins, harbour porpoises, puffins, guillemots and both baby minke whales & baby dolphins grace our waters. The season typically runs from April to May and June to November. Top zoologist, Nic Slocaum, an avid marine conservationist, has been watching whales & dolphins from boats for the past 25 years. Whale Watch West Cork trips leave from Baltimore.
Escape to the crystal clear sheltered waters of Bantry Bay for intensive yacht master training, learn on a cruising course, charter a skippered yacht or paddle around the harbour in a kayak or canoe. West Cork Sailing & Power Boat Centre is based in Adrigole.
They offer a unique and wonderful experience with a guided snorkel tour. This is a magical experience from the fishing village of Baltimore. They also offer the most interesting scuba-diving locations for divers.
A day out at the Lagoon Activity Centre is a fun day for all the family. You can rent paddle-boats, row-boats or kayaks by the hour and enjoy the wonderful surroundings in the lagoon in Rosscarbery.
