There’s water everywhere you look here in Northern Ireland, from the wild Atlantic Ocean to the Irish Sea, from the immense expanse of Lough Neagh to the shallows, inlets and river mouths of Lough Erne, and the slow-moving canals of Newry, Fermanagh and Antrim. With so much water about, it’s no wonder our six counties are pure paradise if a dose of water-based adrenaline and inspiration is what you’re after.
Boating for beginners and bosuns
Either take control of your own boat (bareboat) or charter a boat with a skipper. Bareboat boat hire is only available on Lough Erne, where you can hire from a range of providers and make the most of unspoilt countryside, bars, restaurants and lakeshore attractions. There is also the opportunity to charter with a qualified and knowledgeable skipper on the majority of the main tidal Loughs such as Foyle, Belfast, Strangford and Carlingford.
From white knuckle sight-seeing sea safaris to leisurely trips exploring marine wildlife, a unique experience is guaranteed on the many boat trips across Northern Ireland’s waters.
There are a number of sea safaris along the stunning Strangford Lough or north coast, where you can view the famous Causeway stones from the water and take in the coastal wildlife on a high speed RIB with a local guide. If you prefer something more relaxed, then a pleasure cruiser with commentary of the islands on Lough Erne is a must, or view Belfast from the water with a local skipper who can teach you a thing or two about the capital city and the fascinating Titanic Quarter history.
Canoeing and kayaking can take you almost everywhere here
From gentle paddles to adrenaline-fuelled white water, the rivers, lakes and coastline of Northern Ireland were made for canoeing and kayaking.
Beginners can splash about on a sit-on-top kayak, have a go with an activity provider on calm lakes and meandering rivers or go flat water touring on one of the many canoe trails suitable for families and novices. With nine quality canoe trails, experienced paddlers will be blown away by the access to superb waters and great facilities and that's not to mention the breath-taking scenery and rugged settings.
For sea kayaking, the Northern Ireland coastline is spectacular with a choice of sheltered inlets or more exposed stretches where you can paddle past cliffs, headlands, sea arches, caves and islands spotting porpoises, seals, eider duck, cormorants and shags.
Coasteering and wet bouldering in extraordinary landscapes
A wet and wild experience you will never forget, experience the spectacular coastline like never before as you jump, swim and climb your way around the coast. Scramble up waterfalls, cannonball into plunge pools and body surf waves – the adrenaline rush will be unreal.
Slightly different from each other, coasteering takes place along coastline with the north coast in County Antrim and Ballyhornan in County Down providing the best spots. While wet bouldering involves ascending a river; normally the picturesque Bloody-Bridge in Newcastle, County Down at the foothills of the Mournes. Being accompanied by an experienced guide is a must with activity operators providing all the essential equipment. All you need is a sense of adventure.
Dive into the depths of discovery
Diving in Northern Ireland will open up a treasure trove of spectacular underwater landscapes, 400 seaweed-covered wrecks and amazing marine wildlife of seals, lobsters and sponges covering the ocean floor.
Try a dive in the sea for the first time or get tips on the best places to explore from a qualified PADI centre. Discover a torpedoed cruiser off Rathlin Island, the Alastor, a large motor yacht which sank in 1946 in Strangford Lough, the Sumatra, the largest sailing vessel wrecked on the Antrim Coast which rests off Islandmagee and even a World War II German submarine lying off the coast of Portstewart.
Fishing heaven for game, sea and coarse
Coarse, game and sea fishing – anglers are spoilt for choice when it comes to fishing in Northern Ireland. Rod in hand, take time to soak in the scenery at unspoilt locations ideal for your next catch or reel in a big one on a chartered fishing trip off the coast.
Northern Ireland is widely regarded as one of Europe’s best places for coarse fishing, with many competitions at Lough Erne. If you are more interested in game fishing, the best time for this is from February through to October. When it comes to sea fishing our coastline boats a wide range of species ranging from, pollock and mackerel from the rocks, to cod and turbot from the shores and a wide range of fish from the deep such as skate shark and tope.
Kitesurfing for adrenaline-junkies
With wind and waves in plentiful supply and a choice of wide sandy beaches, Northern Ireland is the perfect place for kitesurfing. A power kite will tow you along at speeds of up to 30 miles an hour.
When the wind is from the north, the Causeway coast beaches are best and when it’s from the south, Tyrella Beach in County Down is the most popular location. Book a session with an activity provider for some expert advice.
Surf our waves of wonder
Whether you want to experience the rush of standing up for the first time or are searching for the next big wave, Northern Ireland’s coastline boasts some of the best surf around. The surf scene is based on the North Coast which is home to several surf schools and surf shops.
Hire a board or book a lesson, the best waves can be found off the coast of Portrush, Portstewart and Portballintrae.
Waterskiing and wakeboarding on waters wild and wonderful
Get your thrills on the many fantastic flat water rivers and lakes that Northern Ireland has to offer with waterski and wakeboarding. Towed from a speedboat, experience the closest feeling to walking on water as you skim along on your skis or attempt tricks on a board.
Northern Ireland is blessed with some excellent inland water with the flat waters of Lough Erne, Lough Neagh and sections of the Lower Bann River all popular spots.
At Let’s Go Hydro in Carryduff near Belfast you’ll find a fully-equipped cable-pulled wakeboarding and knee-boarding course – the only one of its size in Ireland. Board rental is available at the site and you can purchase hourly and daily passes, as well as joining the classes for beginners.
Windsurf your way
Windsurfing can be a challenging activity, but wind and waves are what makes for an adrenaline-inducing time on the water and there are a number of top spots both coastal and inland where you can get your windsurfing fix.
The north coast is a favourite for adrenaline junkies searching for speed and wave riding. Lough Neagh and Lough Erne provide excellent sheltered conditions for those learning the basics and on a windy day can provide exhilarating flat water blasting.
