The Donegal Bay Waterbus is a welded steel boat that is 80 feet long and weighs 130 tonnes. It was built at Killybegs, Co Donegal, in 2006. It has been touring Donegal Bay since July 2006, and it runs all year until Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, carrying approximately 35,000 passengers.
Sailing times are normally in the morning, afternoon, or evening, however, they are subject to change depending on the weather and tides. Tickets are available at the ticket office, which is located next to Dom’s Pier 1 on Quay St. in a white cottage-like building.
Throughout the outward journey, a full live commentary about the history of the bay and the wildlife of the surrounding area is provided. They offer live entertainment on the return trip, including music, singing, and craic!, to ensure you have an amazing experience aboard the Donegal Bay Waterbus.
The Waterbus is propelled around Donegal Bay by two caterpillar 225 horsepower waterjet engines.
The Donegal Bay Waterbus is a purpose-built, luxury passenger boat that can easily accommodate 165 guests on lower and open-top decks for a sightseeing excursion they will never forget. Fully equipped with state-of-the-art navigational and safety systems, ladies and gents, wheelchair accessibility, toilets, and, of course, full bar facilities, where you can enjoy a selection of wines, spirits, and beers while sitting on top-deck in the Donegal sunshine, or on the comfortable cushioned seats below, sailing around Donegal Bay, letting life’s worries pass you by, and enjoying the occasional sing-along. The ride is smooth, and most passengers comment that they don’t even realise they’re on a boat.
The idea of Donegal Town Enterprise Ltd, administrated and controlled by six working directors, is a non-profit making organisation since all revenues are ploughed back into the community, either through infrastructural works or charity purposes. The fully trained crew went through a series of months-long Department of Marine programmes, which included Life Saving, CPR, Fire Safety, Radio, and Sea Navigational Skills.
The tour lasts about 80 minutes and includes stops to the Old Abbey and Seal Island, among other local attractions (where a colony of about 200 seals live).
