Top Galway Cruises: Reviews & Sailing Tour Recommendations
So, you’re thinking about seeing Galway from the water? Good move! Taking a cruise or a sailing trip, in a way, it’s almost the perfect way to soak up the beauty of Galway Bay, see the Aran Islands, and experience the rugged coastline. Finding the right trip can feel like hard work, with so many choices, too it’s almost hard to know where to start. That’s why, actually, I’ve put together this guide, which should highlight five of the top Galway cruises and sailing trips, so you can spend more time anticipating the trip, and less time figuring out the arrangements. I’ll cover a range of trips, yet aiming to give you a fantastic experience out on the water, regardless of budget, so it works for you.
1. Galway Bay Boat Tours: The Aran Islands Adventure
First up is the Aran Islands adventure with Galway Bay Boat Tours, which usually scores highly with visitors, so keep that in mind. Seeing the Aran Islands is usually top of the to-do list for many visitors to Galway, so this trip checks all the boxes. Imagine craggy cliffs, ancient forts, and that unique island culture. You get it all here. Tours normally leave from Galway City Docks, and they’ll sail right out into Galway Bay, taking you across the water to Inishmore, Inishmaan, or Inisheer, depending on the tour. That is to say, each island, anyway, it offers something unique.
You know, Inishmore is the biggest, really, so it’s where you’ll find the impressive Dún Aongasa fort, perched right on the edge of a cliff. Then there’s Inishmaan, actually much quieter and more traditional. The one that you might find is Inisheer, and is the smallest, yet it’s possibly best known for its beautiful beaches and the shipwreck of the Plassey. These tours usually include the ferry trip to the island, so you’ll have a good few hours to investigate at your own pace before returning to Galway. Bear in mind that they may give optional extras, like guided tours of the islands themselves, which are often available, but come at an added cost. Just thinking aloud. Check out the full review: Aran Islands Boat Tours Full Review and Details.
Why choose this tour?
Because of what it offers, this trip’s basically ideal for people who are short on time but want to experience the Aran Islands, really, so it works on that basis. The boat journey gives you, actually, some pretty spectacular views of the coastline, and you get plenty of time to explore whichever island you pick. I mean, it could be very handy if you, like your interests, focus, too it’s almost on history, culture, or simply enjoying amazing scenery. If you think about it.
Things to Consider:
- The ferry trip can be rough sometimes, so if you’re susceptible to seasickness, perhaps consider taking some medication beforehand.
- Island tours or activities can, by the way, often be booked on arrival, so, at the end of the day, this gives you some flexibility, however, to be sure you get a spot, booking in advance, yet might be advisable, I suppose.
- Basically, bear in mind that the weather in Galway can change quickly, anyway, so bring layers of clothes, and check the forecast beforehand.
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Galway Bay Boat Tours)
2. Connemara Lady Cruises: Killary Harbour Cruise
Fancy taking a look at something a bit different? Consider the Killary Harbour Cruise on the Connemara Lady. It goes without saying. So this cruise brings you to Killary Harbour, which, by the way, it’s actually a fjord—one of Ireland’s longest. In a way it really is magnificent, as you’ll be surrounded by dramatic mountains and picturesque landscapes, actually, as you sail along the calm waters. The cruise usually sets off from Leenane, that’s, you know, near Westport, so this is usually one for those exploring Connemara. I have to be honest. What I would do. As a side note.
The Connemara Lady offers a pretty comfortable trip, with indoor seating and open-deck space, which means you can see all of those wonderful sights. They usually provide commentary about the history, the wildlife, and the geology of the area. Really. I think that could be nice. That’s why a lot of folk use them. Keep in mind, you can learn a lot about the local environment while enjoying the views. So, at the end of the day, they very often have little snacks and drinks available on board. I’m sure you want some more info: Killary Harbour Cruise Full Review and Details.
Why choose this tour?
Because it’s an alternative view, this is arguably a super option if you’re, like your thing, looking for a chilled-out boat trip with amazing views. Actually a change from the ocean views of Galway Bay. Because of its sheltered waters, it’s very often ideal for those who might get seasick easily, and, I suppose, for people of pretty much all ages, it’s pretty straightforward, I think.
Things to Consider:
- Check the weather forecast before you go. This bit, by the way, is sheltered, but it can still get pretty windy and chilly on the water.
- You might see some dolphins, anyway, seals or different birdlife, and if, arguably, you’re so inclined, don’t forget your camera.
- If you’re traveling from Galway City, which very often people do, it’s a bit of a drive to Leenane, just over an hour, so factor that into your plans, or maybe spend a night nearby.
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Connemara Lady Cruises)
3. Sunset Sailing Galway: Evening Sail on Galway Bay
Sunset Sailing Galway offer something you might, very often, think is a special one: an evening sail on Galway Bay. I do get excited. Imagine this: The sun is sinking, so it’s painting the sky with colors as you cruise, gently, along the water. It is nice, I like it. This, that’s, you know, one to consider for couples, groups of friends, or anyone who appreciates a magical setting.
Their boats are, actually, usually well-maintained and comfortable, anyway, and the crew are usually really experienced sailors who are, I suppose, happy to share their knowledge of the bay, while they operate with good manners and kindness, so bear that in mind, or maybe consider if it fits your persona. You might want to help with the sailing, yet it might be just chill out and enjoy the sights and sounds of Galway Bay at twilight. This could make a good change. Very often the sunsets can be stunning, really, especially when viewed from the water, anyway, but Galway sunsets are good in themselves. Check out all the goss: Sunset Sailing Galway Full Review and Details.
Why choose this tour?
First of all, that it’s romantic! Because this provides you a special experience that you just, too it’s almost don’t get any place else. It has all the sights, right down to the sea air. In some respects it might just be perfect, perhaps for celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or for creating, you know, an unforgettable moment, anyway, on your trip. I suppose if, actually, you’re lucky you might spot some local marine life.
Things to Consider:
- The weather, it’s good for everyone to note, can be unpredictable. A waterproof coat will assist you, it will make you smile. This keeps you warm, so I would give that a thumbs-up.
- This cruise is, you see, highly reliant on the weather. However, make sure you, generally, keep an eye on possible alternative times if it turns out to not be convenient. This bit is worth it, very.
- This option can come up at a higher price, it’s not like your daily sail, more than likely.
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Sunset Sailing Galway)
4. Baywatch Boat Trips: Cliffs of Moher Cruise from Galway
This trip takes you from Galway, actually, right out to the Cliffs of Moher, as I recall, because, well, that sounds good! This cruise usually provides an alternative perspective of these spectacular cliffs. I would go again. Just another reminder. If that appeals, think it over. Seeing the cliffs from the water offers something different, compared to viewing them from the land.
Generally, Baywatch Boat Trips offer a comfortable and, more or less, a safe way to see the cliffs, really, and you’re usually able to snap some fantastic photographs from the sea. More than likely. You may, in short, experience Doolin, I assume, and perhaps the nearby Burren too. Here’s something I came up with for you: Cliffs of Moher Cruise Full Review and Details.
Why choose this tour?
With some consideration, you may enjoy this if you love a scenic view. In reality, you also have to ask: what did the scenic views cost? It also may just be better than anything you imagined for those, probably including you, who wish to avoid the crowds that will descend above at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, which makes for a special trip. It’s not like anyone else, if that is your goal. So I would keep on weighing all these alternatives, at this time, naturally, like everyone else.
Things to Consider:
- Because the Cliffs of Moher, actually, are in the Atlantic, after all, that trip, honestly, can often be rough. And very often it can not. Take a look at how they are arranged. I hope they take good care of people.
- The weather out there, yet, arguably, isn’t exactly reliable all the time, so check that ahead of the time of that particular trip, right? Make it a priority. I hope everything works out.
- If you are driving from Galway to Doolin, it should take at least an hour. It should be no more than that. Very often you can relax a bit on the Doolin coast for longer. I would use what I found on a website to help in your effort. Just in case, really. That may work.
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Baywatch Boat Trips)
5. Galway Fishing: Deep Sea Fishing Trip
In some ways this isn’t just seeing Galway from the water; it’s actually getting involved, anyway, with the water itself, which I assume, too it’s almost counts. They can be an attractive purchase, and so what is on offer is a deep-sea fishing trip, mostly, so it offers a memorable adventure. You and your mates will get out on a voyage of personal improvement.
Fishing is one that actually suits all people. Basically. The companies tend to provide all the gear and help that you might, pretty much, need, if, you see, you’re, perhaps, a total newbie, like me, too it’s almost. Check what it has on offer! You know: Deep Sea Fishing Trip Full Review and Details.
Why choose this tour?
I’d assume that you enjoy having something to do, for one. I understand it, so hopefully you will. They, I suppose, often supply, yet very occasionally not, for every stage from beginners to experienced folk who you meet and see when doing fishing, and also people tend to appreciate meeting people just for fun.
Things to Consider:
- With how deep sea fishing tours work, anyway, you are outside most of the time, basically, but also note, it should not be just wet all day.
- They are reliant upon you using the crew that came for that day; don’t give them lots of pressure as regards the conditions. This just makes common sense in the fishing context. So remember to bring, just a little, something pleasant if conditions allow, arguably, but there may just be a few good moments here and there.
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Galway Fishing Trips)
So, here’s a quick overview:
- Aran Islands Boat Tours: If you think seeing the islands is a must.
- Connemara Lady Cruises: In a way this gives the serene beauty of Killary Harbour in Connemara a boost, really.
- Sunset Sailing Galway: Ideal, anyway, for romantic outings in the bay with loved ones, basically, with great viewing access of everything!
- Baywatch Boat Trips: Basically made, so it can happen that viewing of Cliffs of Moher is easier if the seas may very often not have rough currents for all you could want!
- Galway Fishing: When fishing in its natural waters are on your holiday.
