Frequently Asked Questions
Let us help you with some standard answers
FAQ - Eco Tours and Sunset Trips
FAQ - Dive Boat Charter
You can either send us an email or give us a call, giving as many details as possible and we will email/contact you. Alternatively you can send a text / SMS message.
We strongly recommend that you are (a) used to cold water diving, are (b) "dived up" and (c) have at least 45 dives logged before diving the Kowloon and 80 for the U260. In addition you need to have at least PADI Advanced Open Water with Deep Diver Specialty or BSAC Sport Diver for Kowloon Bridge and Dive Leader for U260.
There are a number of routes and ferry times, so please email us your route preference and dates/times and we'll help you with your crossings between Wales and Ireland. We can offer a discount on Stena Line ferry tickets which represent approximately 15% off their online "flex" price band. However these must be booked in advance, giving full details of vehicle(s) and driver/passengers. Payment terms apply.
Please email us know if you're interested in obtaining a quotation.
The Stone House B&B has now closed its doors but there are other accommodation providers in the village, ranging from self-catering, guesthouse, B&Bs and hotels. See www.baltimore.ie for details on their pages "where to stay".
Diving the Kowloon or U260 requires slack water, which changes every day, as well as favourable weather conditions. If a group has requested either or both of these sites on separate days then we will work out the dive schedule and evaluate conditions both in advance and again on the day before confirming suitability for all the group. Because of wind and tide we cannot guarantee any dive site and also have to bear in mind experience level of everyone on the boat. The skipper has the ultimate responsibility and authority to decide what dive site is suitable.
Yes, you can pay in either Sterling or Euros (accepted cards are Visa & Mastercard, Revolut or other debit cards, cash & Paypal). Please note however that bank transfers, credit/debit cards and Paypal transactions are in Euros only at our end, but you will see these converted on your statement/credit card bill using bank rates of exchange..
Yes, and most divers arrive with full tanks and go home empty, so cost will depend on how many dives/size of cylinders / twin tanks, 232 or 300 bar fills. Normally airfills are settled by each diver individually at the end of the day or week/weekend diving.
Yes, all divers are welcome, whether just for small purchases from the shop, airfills or perhaps advise on where to dive independently, with your own boat, club or group of friends including shore diving options. We are open year round (but give us a call beforehand to ensure we're not in/on the water) and fill to either 232 or 300 bar.
If you have paid for a full day charter, then there is no refund if you or anyone in the group drops out of 1 or more dives and Aquaventures reserves the right to use that space without reimbursement to you. Similarly, if you have made a reservation but not yet paid then any charter days prebooked must be paid for regardless of whether you dived. The exception is of course when Aquaventures cancels a dive or dives due to adverse weather or unforeseen operational reasons. We therefore recommend that you take out travel insurance to cover illness or other eventualities that result in you cancelling one or more dives. Further details are available on terms and conditions.
No, we only offer full boat charter these days so you pay for full boat charter (maximum 12 diving spaces).
Yes, we service most makes of regulators & BCDs. Normal turn-around time is up to 10 days provided service kits are in stock and you avoid the main high season/summer months when Jerry (our technician) is busy running the boat every day. Faster turn-around available in the off season. All equipment can be couriered back to you with next day delivery.
There are many insurance companies that provide good insurance cover to include travel, dive equipment, medical expenses etc. In our opinion DAN Europe Ltd. has a great range for beginner level right up to instructor / professional cover.
Responsibility for the diver's max depth, air supply, duration of the dive, safety stops etc. is down to the individual and/or buddy pair. Aquaventures cannot accept liability for in-water activities but will always give a safety briefing and on-site dive briefing with depth, tides, likely visibility etc.
Unfortunately we do not provide dive guides or dive masters – therefore it is important that you have a dive buddy to team up with and all divers are responsible for their own safety.
For non-diving family & friends there's a range of activities and places to visit in and around Baltimore. These include kayaking, snorkelling, whale & dolphin trips, angling, gardens to visit, castle, heritage centre, castle, beaches, walks, cycling including bicycle hire, island trips, quad-biking etc, and for small children there is the pirate playground.
We recommend you book your tickets for any number of passengers up to a maximum of 12 per trip online via our Book Now button. That way, you will see the calendar and availability straight away and your spaces are guaranteed immediately, subject to weather of course. Alternatively, call for group / full boat charter discounts.
We run 2 eco trips a day during the summer season and 1 trip a day in the spring and autumn. Sunset tours are scheduled during the spring and autumn (too late in the summer months when we have daylight until 10:30pm. Tours are added to the calendar when we enjoy very settled sunny conditions. Our online booking system will only show certain availability - if in your search for a specific date nothing comes up, we are either booked up or not running any trips due to poor weather forecasts. You can always contact us for a bespoke tour or specific date / or cancellation spaces +353 (0)87 7961 456 or email info@aquaventures.ie
Our boat trips include whale & dolphin watching tours, marine eco / birdlife and seascape island and offshore tours, sunset trips to the Fastnet Lighthouse and boat charter for qualified diving clubs & groups or private charter for special occasions such as marriage proposals at sunset or family reunions, hen party or stag party outings.
Our tour duration is 3 hours in the mornings, 4 hours in the afternoon and approximately 3.5 hours in the evening. Often, when we venture offshore for good sightings, these could be extended free of charge by 15 to 30 minutes. The full duration of the tour is spent on the water apart from the initial safety briefing when all passengers have boarded the Wave Chieftain i.e. if you wish to visit one of the islands we recommend using the ferries - as a quick stop for a tea or coffee break would not, in our opinion, be sufficient to enjoy a proper tour of Cape Clear or Sherkin Island.
We accept children and toddlers of any age and will provide lifejackets to all. Children under 17 must wear these, for anyone above this age group, wearing one is voluntary and we have plenty of them on board. For your baby / toddler - bring a child's buggy, baby seat or carry-sling, there is loads of space out on the deck area or inside the cabin.
Please note however young children under the age of 8 often find more than 3.5 hours on the water too long therefore our morning trip is more suited to them.
We are the only local whale & dolphin watching tour operator who give a discount for children / family or group bookings.
Children under the age of 12 get a discount when accompanied by an adult.
Success rate of sightings - we have an 80-85% chance of seeing marine wildlife including seals, birds and dolphins with whales during during the summer to autumn trips. In spring we have the basking sharks feeding on krill and plankton and in the height of summer also the MolaMola or sunfish.
Commentary / Guide - we often have not only the skipper giving a commentary and doing his best to spot marine wildlife for you but also a marine mammal ecologist.
Apart from marine wildlife including birds you will also have the opportunity to see the rugged coastline, lighthouses and beacons, signal towers, islands, castle ruins, sea arches and caves - all depending of course on the route.
We operate a strict Code of Conducts of "respect and non-interference" with the animals. We do not chase and prefer / allow animals to approach us by switching off the engines when we accidentally get too close or cross their path. We keep a safe distance from the animals and other boats whenever and where ever possible. We do not feed or allow people to swim with animals during our tours.
- Your ticket / booking confirmation which can be the email or eTicket on your smart phone.
- Camera or smart phone to capture video or images of your trip.
- Refreshments - any snacks or food & drink you wish to consume during the boat trip (but please remember to take everything home with you as we have no recycling or refuse facility as a commercial boat operator in Baltimore harbour).
- What to wear - warm comfortable clothing, wind/rainproof jacket, sensible outdoor footwear. On warm days bring a sunhat & sunglasses plus apply sun block as the combination of wind and sunshine can cause sunburn.
If you don't wish to pay online with a credit card then contact us - we can send you a Revolut link or online banking transfer account details. For those wishing to pay in cash you can turn up on the day BUT accept you are taking a chance on availability. In any case give us a call beforehand to double check +353 877 961 456.
If you have to cancel your ticket(s) note the Terms of Booking - give a minimum of 48 hours notice and you will get either an alternate date or a voucher or full refund. Sometimes weather and sea conditions are unsuitable even in the summer months so we will always let you know at least 48 hours beforehand if we have to cancel a tour. Also, we need minimum numbers to run the boat and will keep you informed.
Our yellow boat - The Wave Chieftain - departs from the Baltimore north (commercial) pier steps and all parking in Baltimore is currently free. We always return to Baltimore harbour at the end of the tour and the full tour duration is spent on the water. Use this link for map, directions and image of the boat so you will have no problem finding the steps / correct pier: https://qrco.de/be5Vk8
- Our daytime tours (when the inner harbour is very busy with ferries and rhibs) we use the North Pier also known as the commercial pier close to the RoRo slip - nearest parking close to the old railway station - use Google Maps for direction / type in P81 WT28 OR https://w3w.co/bangers.frames.runway
- For the Fastnet Sunset Tours - these always leave in the evening when we depart from either the north pier or the Inner Harbour Steps.
Yes, the Wave Chieftain is fitted with a manual flush toilet and hand sanitizer although we recommend you use the land-based public facilities at the harbour master's office before boarding the Wave Chieftain. The toilet can only be used once we are out on the open ocean (so not in the harbour area).
Unfortunately Baltimore harbour and piers do not provide access to tour company boats with a wheelchair ramp. To board the boat, even from the pier steps, there is a step up and step down although the crew are there to help you safely get onboard. The only boats with wheelchair access ramp are the island ferries (Sherkin or Cape Clear).
We welcome anyone who travels with a guide dog.
Other dogs/pets - subject to passengers not having any fears or objections but please bring a (canine) pet lifejacket and lead or basket (please ask in advance by calling +353 (0) 877 961 456).
FAQ - General Tourist Information
For non-diving family & friends there's a range of activities and places to visit in and around Baltimore. These include kayaking, snorkelling, whale & dolphin trips, angling, gardens to visit, castle, heritage centre, castle, beaches, walks, cycling including bicycle hire, island trips, quad-biking etc.
Baltimore has a great choice of restaurants including gourmet dining award-winning Michelin ** and Bib Gourman, fish platters or steak and roasts, family restaurants with pizza & grill or the bars and pubs for lunch and evening meals. Most are within walking distance of the Aquaventures Dive Centre. If you wish us to make a recommendation, please give us a call.
Baltimore's traditional Irish music organiser for the renowned " Fiddle Fair" is Declan McCarthy. Every May he puts together a program of gigs, master-classes and well known bands playing in a number of locations over 4 days. In addition there is regular music on Saturday evenings, and during the summer on Wednesdays in Casey's Hotel/Bar/Restaurant. The little church opposite the playground, St. Mathews, regularly has music sessions and film nights, as well as drama performances in the Castle and The Waterfront Bar also hosts bands mostly at weekends during the summer months but year-round on Sunday evenings between 5 and 7pm. Across the water, the Jolly Roger on Sherkin Island attracts well known bands and musicians and sessions here often go on until the small hours of the night...... Check the Baltimore website for up to date information.