BLACKSOD BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Two hours off Blacksod: a compact, coastal wildlife cruise through Erris’ protected waters
A 2-hour wildlife-watching cruise aboard the Huntress, departing from Blacksod Pier, that surveys seals, dolphins and migratory birds in the Special Area of Conservation.
Two hours off Blacksod: a compact, coastal wildlife cruise through Erris’ protected waters.
Set on the windswept coast of Erris, the Coastal Explorer Wildlife Watching tour is a short, focused sea trip that pairs rugged shorelines with concentrated wildlife viewing; from the deck of the Huntress you trace cliff faces, sandy beaches, rock pools and marshes while scanning for seals, dolphins, porpoises and migratory birds.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Board the Huntress for close, comfortable viewing
Passengers cruise aboard the charter boat Huntress for a relaxed, two-hour outing that keeps you on the water and looking for marine mammals and shorebirds from a stable platform.
Dolphins, seals and an array of sea birds
Broadhaven and Blacksod Bay are home to an internationally noted abundance of wildlife; on this tour look for seals, dolphins, porpoises and even minke — and keep an eye to deep water where orca have been spotted — as well as migratory ducks, divers, corncrake and chough.
A sweep of coastal ecosystems in two hours
From cliff face to sandy beach, rock pool to rocky headland, and marshes to mires, the route gives a compact survey of the region’s varied ecological systems — all viewed from the comfort of the boat in a designated Special Area of Conservation.
What the day feels like
What it feels like to be aboard
The tour is a measured, observational outing: a two-hour cruise that lets you settle on deck, scan the bay and let the coast reveal its inhabitants. The pace is deliberate — take binoculars and identification guides, watch for pods and hauled-out seals, and note the birdlife that uses Blacksod’s protected habitats year after year.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who might want a different outing.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The Coastal Explorer is a two-hour outing that departs daily during the season from Blacksod Pier; check with the operator for exact seasonal dates and daily schedule.
Pack binoculars and identification guides; dress for wind and spray and bring layers for a comfortable two-hour time on deck.
The operator is BlackSod Sea Safari & Island Tours; the meeting point is Blacksod Lighthouse, Faulmore, Blacksod (BlackSod Sea Safari & Island Tours • Blacksod Lighthouse Faulmore, Blacksod, Ballina Co Mayo F26KC7V IE).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Coastal Explorer tour?
The tour is an enjoyable two-hour boat journey.
Where do tours depart from?
Departures are from Blacksod Pier; the meeting location is BlackSod Sea Safari & Island Tours at Blacksod Lighthouse, Faulmore.
What species might I see?
Watch for marine mammals such as dolphins, seals, porpoises and minke (orca have been spotted in deep water), as well as ducks, divers, corncrake and chough among migratory birds.
Which boat is used for the tour?
The charter boat Huntress is used for the Coastal Explorer Wildlife Watching tour.
Do I need to bring any special gear?
Bring binoculars and identification guides and dress for wind and spray; these tours are best enjoyed with optics to pick out distant wildlife.
Is the area protected?
Yes — Broadhaven and Blacksod Bay are designated a Special Area of Conservation, recognised for their rare environments and migratory bird use.