FAQs
Everything you need to know before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need to book in advance?
Our passenger numbers are capped at 10 per trip, so we strongly recommend that customers book in advance online. Our full summer schedule can be viewed through our online booking system. Our scheduled service operates at weekends only so we advise early booking to avoid disappointment.
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Can we book for one or two people?
No problem! Our scheduled trips allow for individual bookings, couples, families or groups of up to ten. You can also book a private charter if you would like to have the boat to yourself for you’re in control of your own adventure. For our private charters, simply tell our skipper where you would like to go and what would want to see!
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Where do I check in for my trip?
You can check in at our Scattery Island Tours Ticket office located at Kilrush. Passengers are required to arrive 45 minutes or a minimum of 30 minutes prior to departure, to allow time to check in and to be fitted with the personal floatation device. Customers that arrive late cannot be guaranteed their trip. The RIB departs through a lock gate system so must depart at the allocated time. Under no circumstance, will the vessel wait for late arrivals.
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Will I need to complete a customer waiver in advance of my trip?
Yes – All customers are asked to complete a waiver prior to taking a RIB trip.
OVER 18’e: Must sign a waiver for themselves. UNDER 18’e: Will need a parent or Guardian to sign the waiver on their behalf
All passengers need to sign a waiver prior to their RIB Tour and customers are asked to arrive twenty minutes in advance of their trip, to allow sufficient time to read and sign the waiver document. Alternatively, you can download and sign the waiver in advance of arriving and drop it in to us at check in.
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Are there life jackets onboard?
Yes, in fact there are TWO jackets for every passenger. You will be wearing a ‘Personal Floatation Device’ (PFD) while onboard the RIB. These are every bit as effective as life jackets but are more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time. In addition to your PFD, there is also a Life Jacket under your seat, so you are doubly protected!
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Is there somewhere I can park?
Sure! There is limited off-road parking available on the grounds of the Marina. However, this can become very full during the summer months, so we recommend that customers park on Frances Street (which is the very wide street) as you approach the Marina.
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Are we guaranteed to see wildlife?
When it comes to viewing wild animals, there is nothing we can guarantee 100% as wildlife can be unpredictable. The Estuary is home to Ireland’s largest group of bottlenose dolphins, seals and a range of birdlife, so we always see some level of wildlife, but we cannot guarantee it. Our crew will always do their best to ensure that we locate some wildlife while on our trips. Our Cliff and Coast Safari allows for a longer time on the water and we travel further out towards the month of the Shannon Estuary which improves our chances of spotting wildlife. However, our River RIB Run is more about having fun within the local estuary area with it’s local islands and incredible cliffs and caves!
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Will we get wet?
Every effort will be made to keep passengers as dry as possible, however, we are on an open RIB and because of this, there may be some level of sea water spray. Our trips include waterproof wear, however, customers are welcome to layer up with their own waterproof gear if you prefer. Remember, no matter how warm the day is, it’s always a little cooler out on the water! If you are unsure of what the conditions will be like, just give us a quick call before your trip and we’ll advise you on what to wear!
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What if it is raining?
Our trips still run on rainy days. This adventure is about getting out on the estuary and even on a perfectly dry day, there’s a few splashes, so we simply wrap you up in waterproof gear and go for it! There is no such thing as bad weather.. just bad clothes and we make sure you have the right gear to enjoy your tour no matter what the weather!
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What if my trip is cancelled?
Our trips will not run in extreme wind conditions. In this event, we will offer you the opportunity to reschedule your trip for another day. If this is not suitable, we will issue you with a full refund. We require a minimum of 24 hours notice on any customer cancellations to allow for a full refund to be issued.
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Can I bring my dog?
Our RIB is not suitable for carrying any type of animal.
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Is there an age limit?
Our Cliff and Coast Sea Safari is suitable for children over 10 years of age or a minimum of 130cm in height, so that their feet can reach the ground when seated. Please remember that we are on the RIB for two hours, which may not be suitable for all children. You will know your own child best.
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I have a promotional code. How do i use it?
If you have a PROMO CODE from a special offer, you will find the area to insert this code as you go through the booking process. Once you place the code, the discount will be applied!
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Do you allow pregnant women?
Depending on the weather conditions, our trips can be a little bouncy, so we advise against pregnant women taking these tours.
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I have mobility issues. Will I be able to access the boat?
Access onto the RIB requires a passenger to step across from the boarding pontoon to the deck area, then a step down onto the deck of the RIB. There are handrails available for passengers to hold as they embark and disembark, and our crew will be on site to assist. Seating is provided by way of individual jockey seats so passengers will need to be able to raise their leg a little to get onto the seat. Other than this, no great mobility is required.
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I have back problems. Are your trips suitable?
Given the varying water conditions and the fact that some of the trips can be bouncy, we do not recommend these trips for anyone suffering with back issues.
Reviews
What People Are Saying
About Our Tours
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I am nervous of the water, but the lovely Martina at check in was so unbelievably kind and knowledgeable. Our skipper, Ronán, was extremely skilled and experienced. It was such a beautiful trip. Myself and my partner couldn’t recommend West Coast Rib Adventures any higher
August | 2022
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A most enjoyable evening on the sunset cruise!!! Beautiful scenery, excellent crew, a wonderful experience and a great way to see the Clare and Kerry coast!! Would definitely recommend.
May | 2023
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Has it all….safety first and marina controlled by locks, power out the Shannon estuary, get up close with huge ships, dolphins, ship wreck, light house, cliffs, key history points, explore geographical features, Kerry and Clare coastlines from sea perspective.
July | 2023
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Best time I’ve had in ages would recommend to anyone, Havnt laughed as hard since my trip to Disneyland. Value for money and fantastic staff
August | 2023
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The Rib Safari trip is one of the best boat trips we’ve done. We were so lucky with the weather, abd the staff and crew were excellent, very friendly and competent. The scenery along the Shannon Estuary can hold its own with anywhere in the world. Definitely a trip you don’t want to miss!
August | 2023
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What a great experience. Had a fantastic day with Ronan taking my family to the Bramore Cliffs, Cliffs of Doneen and so much more. Highly recommend for you and your family.
July | 2024
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We had an absolutely fantastic trip out to the beautiful Kerry cliffs passing the historical Scattery island and home by the Clare coast and carrigholt castle. We were provided with super warm jackets by Irene and Dan. I was nervous about feeling sea sick but it was a very comfortable trip. A definite must do if in Clare.
June | 2025
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We had a brilliant day on Sunday 28/07/24 on the RIB where we went to Beale, Bromore Cliffs, Cliffs of Doneen, Leck Castle, Ballybunion and back up along the Clare coast I would Highly recommend West Coast RIB Adventures as we had a great experience better than any boat trip I have taken in Europe or Ireland
July | 2025
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Absolutely Fantastic Trip Wow, what a trip! This was absolutely just fab. What a beautiful coastline, between, Scattery Island, the Kerry cliffs and caves and travelling across the Estuary to Carrigaholt , the scenery is breathtaking. We loved all the historical and factual information given by Irene which really added to the trip. Epic, not to be missed if you are visiting Co Clare.
June | 2025
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We had a wonderful time touring waters between Clare and Kerry. Such beautiful views of the cliff, castles and even seeing dolphins! I can’t wait to go again. Highly recommended.
July | 2025