🚣♀️ Discovering West Cork – Castlehaven Sea Kayaking
Details
For our next Discovering West Cork adventure, we’re heading onto the water! 🌊
Join us for a fully guided sea-kayaking experience around Castlehaven Bay, led by qualified and experienced instructors.
This is a great opportunity to try kayaking for the first time while exploring the beautiful West Cork coastline, learning about the area’s history and spotting some of the wildlife that calls Castlehaven Bay home.
No previous kayaking experience is required. 🛶
🌊 WHAT TO EXPECT
We’ll begin with a safety briefing and short paddling tutorial before heading onto the water.
During the tour, we’ll explore:
🪨 Cliffs, caves and rock formations
🐦 Local marine wildlife and birdlife
🌿 Seaweed and the marine environment
🏴☠️ Local history, pirates and battles
📖 Myths, legends and stories of the area
The experience lasts approximately 2.5 hours in total, including preparation and instruction, with around 2 hours on the water.
The tour uses double kayaks, so you’ll be booking an individual seat and may be paired with another participant or one of the guides.
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly
Minimum age: 8
💰 COST & BOOKING
Adults: €60 per person
Juniors (8–16): €50 per person
🎟️ You must book your own place in advance.
Please check availability and the provider’s booking conditions before booking.
📍 MEETING POINT
Atlantic Sea Kayaking – Reen Pier
The League, Union Hall, Co. Cork
From Union Hall, go to the Catholic Church and follow the signs for Reen Pier for approximately 2 miles.
Around 200m before the pier, turn right at the Atlantic Sea Kayaking sign and continue to the end of the sand spit where we’ll meet the guides.
Please arrive in good time before 3:00 PM.
🚗 GETTING THERE & CARPOOLING
By car: Driving is the easiest option for this meetup.
By public transport: Please check the latest bus timetable and connections yourself before making your plans.
🚗 Carpooling
Have a spare seat or looking for a lift?
Join our WhatsApp group to arrange carpooling with other attendees.
📱 WhatsApp Group
Carpooling is arranged between attendees.
🎒 WHAT TO BRING
The provider supplies all necessary kayaking and safety equipment, instruction and splashproof gear to wear over your clothes.
Please bring:
👕 Comfortable outdoor clothing — fleece/tracksuit or shorts
👟 Soft-soled shoes
👕 A change of clothes in case you get a little wet
💧 Water
☀️ Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen if sunny
🧣 Warm hat/scarf if it’s cold
No wetsuit is required.
The weather can change, so come prepared for different conditions.
⚠️ IMPORTANT
🌦️ The activity is weather-dependent. The provider may cancel if conditions aren’t safe, particularly in strong winds. Their final decision is generally made the day before.
🦺 Please follow the guide’s safety instructions throughout the experience.
🍷 No alcohol or drugs, including prior consumption, for the safety and enjoyment of everyone.
📱 The provider asks participants not to take recording equipment onto the kayaks.
🚻 The last regular toilet facilities are in Union Hall; portaloos are available at the kayaking location.
💡 GOOD TO KNOW
- Come solo — most people do! 🤍
- 🎟️ You must book your own place.
- 👥 You’ll be in a double kayak.
- 🦺 Equipment and splashproof jackets are provided.
- 🌊 Approximately 2 hours on the water.
- ⏰ The organised activity runs 3:00–5:30 PM.
- 🚗 Transport isn’t included.
- 🍽️ Food and drinks aren’t included
🌊 COME EXPLORE CASTLEHAVEN WITH US
A few hours on the water, beautiful West Cork scenery, fascinating stories and good company.
Come solo. Try something new. Discover West Cork from a different perspective. 💚🛶