Ballintoy BoatTours

Ballintoy Boat Tours runs small-group trips from Ballintoy Harbour aboard the Stackaboy, an Orkney Fastliner operated by local skipper Gordy, whose family has fished this stretch of coast for generations. Trips run along the cliffs beneath Larrybane and Carrick-a-Rede, past Sheep Island and on to Kinbane Castle and Whitepark Bay, with the boat pausing to point out seabird colonies, seal haul-outs and the basalt geology of the coastline. Groups are capped at five passengers, keeping trips closer to a private charter than a standard tour boat, and itineraries can be adjusted depending on weather, tide and passenger interest. The business operates seasonally out of Ballintoy Harbour, with trips weather-dependent and best booked a day or two ahead in peak summer months. Booking is by phone or through the operator's own website.