About this tour
A 90-minute guided boat tour along the Waterford and Wexford coastline, departing from Dunmore East to view Hook Lighthouse from the water. You'll hear stories of Viking raids and maritime history—including a 1645 shipwreck still buried offshore—while scanning for dolphins, seals and seabirds. The rigid inflatable boat includes high-speed runs for an adrenaline kick, and you'll visit a sea cave once used for ancient burial rites. All gear (lifejackets, waterproof jackets and leggings) is provided.
Highlights
- See Hook Lighthouse from the sea on a rigid inflatable boat
- Spot dolphins, seals and sea birds along the coastline
- Hear maritime history: Vikings, smugglers, 1645 naval wreck
- Visit ancient burial cave accessible only by water
- High-speed manoeuvres in the Vadrefjord RIB boat
- Full waterproof kit supplied (jacket, leggings, lifejacket)
- Learn the origin of 'By Hook or by Crooke' phrase
What to expect
Arrive 30 minutes early for a mandatory safety briefing and to be fitted with your lifejacket, waterproof jacket and leggings. Once aboard the rigid inflatable boat, you'll head out along the Waterford and Wexford coast for approximately one hour on the water. Your guide will point out landmarks and marine life whilst telling stories of the area's Viking and smuggling past, including details of a sunken English Navy flagship from 1645. You'll approach a sea cave with ancient burial significance, then finish with some faster-paced boat handling to feel the RIB's speed and manoeuvrability.
What travellers say
- Boat manoeuvres add excitement beyond standard sightseeing cruises
- Comprehensive gear provided reduces what you need to bring
- Local history and maritime stories add cultural depth
- Realistic chance of seeing dolphins and seals in season
- Ancient sea cave adds genuine archaeological interest
- Not suitable for spinal injuries, pregnancy or poor fitness
- RIB boat movement and speed may cause discomfort for some
- Marine life sightings depend on season and weather conditions
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This tour suits anyone comfortable on small boats who wants a mix of marine wildlife spotting and local history with an active edge. Not suitable if you have spinal injuries, are pregnant, or have poor cardiovascular health; the speed and movement of a rigid inflatable can be physically demanding. Children must be at least 144cm tall and must be accompanied by an adult. Weather can affect visibility and comfort—rough seas may reduce wildlife sightings. The tour runs rain or shine. All waterproof clothing is included, but bring a change of clothes as you may get damp despite the gear.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BookNow summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.