Welcome to Bantry Bay charters

About Us

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Launched in 2020, Bantry Bay Charters is owned and run by Brian and Sharon O’Rourke.

About

Our Story

Bantry Bay Charters is owned and run by Brian and Sharon O’Rourke. Launched in 2020, during very uncertain times, we had a dream of offering top quality boat tours on Bantry Bay, to families, groups, couples, and individuals.

That dream has certainly come true. With over 30 years of seafaring experience and world travel under his belt, Brian knew exactly the type of service he wanted to offer. First and foremost Fun (or good ol’ Irish craic) , informative, environmentally sound and always going the extra mile!

With a fantastic team onboard, we created trips that both enlighten and entertain.

Boat Tours and Sea Angling
Boat Tours in Bantry Bay

We started in 2020 with one boat operating from Glengarriff and two years on, we operate three boats from Glengarriff and Bantry. We have met the most amazing people along the way and we hope that we have helped create lifelong memories for people. Our aim is to make your West Cork boat tour, not only the highlight of your holiday, but to make it to your ‘must do’ list for your next trip on the Wild Atlantic Way.

Thanks to the support of Failte Ireland, we have a fabulous new website with an online booking system, but don’t forget, Sharon is always at the end of the phone to assist in planning your trip, whether you are looking for things to do on a rainy day with kids in Bantry or you want ideas for a family reunion, a great day out with friends, ideas for a romantic evening, or you simply want to go on a fishing trip in West Cork.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard!

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About

Meet the Crew

REVIEWS

What people are saying about our boat tours

“Absolutely brilliant. Ireland’s waters are extremely rich in life and the displays here are top-notch. I learned a *lot*. Thanks to very helpful staff member Laura, I learned that the lumpsuckers – beautiful fish — need to be “burped” occasionally, in their tank! The variety of wrasses was amazing, as were the anglerfish and the seahorse. I plan to dive on Monday if the weather cooperates, but I am sure I saw more here than I will in the wild!”

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Robert M. Corless – June 2022

“Amazing day out! Best boat tour we have ever done! Skipper Brian gave us the best experience possible, with his depth of local knowledge, passion for the area and hugely entertaining personality. We learned about the local wildlife, fished for mackerel, and he even cooked us up a tasty pot of mussels!”

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Trip Advisor

“We had the most incredible, memorable family trip out on the Bay with Darren & Bantry Charters, we relaxed in the sun on the boat & got a totaly different perspective of the scenery of the Bay, Bantry & Whiddy, caught fresh pollack for our dinner & got to see 2 whales, amazing! Would highly recommend & will definitely plan a return trip!”

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Claire Hayden – Facebook Review

“Absolutely top class we loved it. Niall and Luke really looked after us we did a three hour tour which included the best Dolphin watching we have ever done and we also caught some fish. Made the kids at ease straight away and it was just lots and lots of fun. 5 stars all the way.”

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Dan Stenson – Google Review

“Could not say enough about what an amazing day we had, we celebrated my sons birthday and the kids caught, cooked and ate their own fish. Darren and crew are unreal from the sights , the fishing, everything. An amazing day Thanks all”

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Gillian Morris – Facebook

“I booked the wildlife tour, Sea angling, and the sunset cruise for my family. We had the absolute best time with BB Charters. Darren and Brian were excellent guides and great with our 2 children. We learned a lot about the history of the area as well as the sea life. Sharon was brilliant advising us what to bring to make sure we were prepared for all of our trips. We will definitely be back next year. Thank you Bantry Bay Charters!”

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T Finn

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