About this tour
When Tom from our team took the RIB out from Dunmore East, we were after dolphins and history — and got both. This 90-minute sea safari skims the Waterford and Wexford coast at speed, passing the iconic Hook Lighthouse while a skipper spins stories of Vikings, smugglers, and a 1645 naval wreck still buried offshore. We spotted seals, seabirds, and a sea cave where ancient bones were left as passage rites. It's part marine-life hunt, part local legend, and finishes with proper throttle — the kind of tour that leaves you genuinely soaked and buzzing.
Highlights
- Seal and dolphin sightings if conditions favour them
- Ancient burial sea cave with genuine historical weight
- High-speed RIB runs deliver proper adrenaline rush
- Hook Lighthouse from water — views you won't get from land
- Stories of 1645 naval wreck and 'By Hook or Crooke' origin
- Waterproof kit supplied; no guessing what to wear
- Intimate group size, skipper knows this coast intimately
What to expect
You'll arrive 30 minutes early for a safety brief and kit fitting — thermals, lifejacket, waterproof jacket, and leggings. It's thorough and necessary. Once aboard the Rigid Inflatable Boat, the coast unfolds quickly. The first stretch is steady paced, skipper narrating the Viking and smuggler tales while you scan for marine life. Tom spotted seals hauled out on rocks and kept watch for dolphins (they weren't showing that day, but they do appear). The sea cave detour is genuinely eerie — you motor inside and hear about Iron Age burial practices, which lands differently when you're floating in a damp stone chamber.
Then it ramps up. The skipper opens the throttle for high-speed passes around the lighthouse and headlands — you'll feel the spray and the engine roar. It's exhilarating if you're keen on speed; less fun if you're nervous about being thrown around. Pacing feels natural, not rushed. The whole thing lands between scenic boat tour and adventure ride.
Good to know
If you're after a boat experience that's neither slow nor touristy-tame, this works. Marine-life spotting is genuine (seals are reliable, dolphins less so). The maritime history is substantial — not theme-park stuff. Being on the water lets you see Hook Lighthouse and the coastline geometry in ways land visits can't match. Waterproof gear's included, so you don't need to buy or guess.
This is a RIB — fast, bouncy, and exposed to wind and spray. If you're prone to seasickness or uncomfortable with speed, it'll feel intense. Not suitable if you have spinal issues, pregnancy, or cardiovascular concerns. Children must be at least 144cm tall and accompanied by an adult. Weather calls the shots; rough seas can cancel or reschedule you. Arrive 30 minutes early — no shortcuts through the safety brief.
Lifejackets, warm waterproof jackets, and leggings supplied. Bring a dry bag for your phone/wallet. Groups are small (exact numbers vary). Peak season will be summer; quieter May–June and September–October. The tour is about 1 hour on water plus 30 minutes for briefing and kit.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.