About this tour
When Ben from our team took his family out on this private RIB safari along the Irish coast, it was just the five of them and a skipper tearing across the water at a proper pace. You're not locked into a fixed itinerary — the boat goes where your crew wants to look, whether that's spotting seals, weaving between sea stacks, or chasing whatever wildlife's active that day. It's 2.5 hours of open-water thrills on a rigid inflatable boat, so expect spray, speed, and the kind of scenery you can't get from shore. The whole thing feels less like a tour and more like having a local mate with a fast boat show you his favourite spots.
Highlights
- Skipper adjusts route based on wildlife sightings and family interests
- Private boat means no competing for window seats or tour-group chatter
- 2.5 hours of high-speed RIB action across open Atlantic swells
- Seal colonies and dramatic Irish coastal geology up close
- Lifejackets fitted; all safety gear handled before departure
- Flexibility to linger at spots the kids find gripping
What to expect
You'll arrive and get kitted with a lifejacket, then head straight out onto the water. The boat moves fast — faster than you might expect — and the Irish coast rushes past. Ben's kids found the speed genuinely exciting, and the skipper knows exactly where seals haul out and where the currents push interesting stuff close to the surface. Unlike a set-route tour, the skipper reads your family's energy: want to slow down for photos? Done. Spot something interesting two kilometres off? You're heading that way. The sea state matters here — it's a proper RIB, so you'll feel every swell, and there's no cosy cabin to hide in. The whole rhythm is responsive rather than scripted, which keeps things fresh but also means you need to be genuinely comfortable on the water.
Good to know
Tailor-made routing means your family isn't herded around with 40 other tourists. Ben's team found it brilliant for families keen on wildlife or those wanting to move at their own pace. You get actual skipper expertise and flexibility that packaged tours can't match.
This isn't for the motion-sensitive — RIBs bounce and skip on lumpy seas, and there's nowhere to retreat. Not suitable for kids under 9, pregnant travellers, or anyone with spine, heart, or cardiovascular concerns. You need at least moderate fitness and shouldn't be nervous in open water. Peak season (summer months) can book out quickly. Bring seasickness tablets if you're prone, waterproof layers even in fine weather, and sunscreen — the sun bounces off the water hard. Lifejackets included; check the operator's cancellation policy for dodgy weather. Group is just your family and the skipper.
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.