What happens if the weather is bad? Safety comes first — if sea conditions make the trip unsafe, the boat skipper will make the decision to cancel the sailing. We will then offer you the choice of a full refund or the option to reschedule. Atlantic weather can be unpredictable, but we monitor conditions closely and will contact you as early as possible if there’s an issue.

Can I cancel my booking? Yes — cancellations made 7 or more days before your trip date receive a full refund. Cancellations inside 7 days are non-refundable.

What should I wear? Dress in warm layers — it can be cold on the water even in summer. A waterproof jacket is essential. Long sleeves are recommended regardless of the forecast; they offer sun protection on bright days and warmth when it’s overcast. Sturdy shoes with a good grip are a must for the Skellig landing — no sandals or smooth-soled footwear.

How physically demanding is the trip? The boat crossing is on open Atlantic water and can be rough — if you’re prone to seasickness, take precautions before departure. Our boat is powered well and the seating position is high in relation to the horizon, this is to reduce any effects of seasickness. The Skellig Michael landing involves uneven stone steps and terrain. It’s manageable but you need to be reasonably sure-footed. The steps are wide enough to stop and rest at any point. The Eco Tour involves no landing — photography is from the boat throughout.

What camera gear should I bring? You don’t need professional equipment. Puffins on Skellig Michael are remarkably approachable, so even a standard kit lens (18-55mm) will get you close. A longer zoom (70-200mm or similar) is useful for gannets in flight. Whatever you bring, use a neck strap or safety strap — you’ll need your hands free on the steps. Pack a spare battery, a spare memory card, and a lens cloth or light bag cover for sea spray.

Will I need a tripod? Not necessary. We shoot at shutter speeds fast enough that a tripod offers little benefit — and on the boat and rocky terrain it’s more hindrance than help.

What birds will I see? On Skellig Michael landings: puffins and razorbills nest on the island and are extremely close to the path. Guillemots are present in large numbers. Little Skellig hosts one of the largest northern gannet colonies in the world — tens of thousands of birds. On the crossing you may encounter shearwaters, and dolphin sightings are common.

Are there facilities on the island? Yes — there are public toilets on Skellig Michael. There are no cafés or shops, so bring water and a snack for landing trips.

Is this suitable for beginners? Absolutely. This isn’t a technical photography course — it’s a guided experience led by a working professional photographer. Whatever your level, you’ll get guidance throughout on settings, composition and technique.

How many people will be on the trip? Our groups are a maximum of three guests. You will be joining other passengers on the boat, but your photography experience is private — I’ll be with your group throughout.

Is there an age limit? Yes — Skellig Michael is only accessible to those aged 12 and over. This applies to all landing trips.