Belfast isn’t just about its shipbuilding history or vibrant neighborhoods—it’s also a fantastic base for exploring Ireland’s stunning coastlines by boat. Whether you want a private, customizable adventure or a quick shore stop to see the iconic Giant’s Causeway, the city offers a variety of boat tours that suit different interests and schedules. We especially like the Private Giants Causeway Tour from Belfast Cruise Terminal because it combines flexibility with a deeply personal experience—perfect for travelers who want to tailor their day and avoid crowded buses. Plus, the chance to explore the North Antrim Coast at your own pace makes it a top pick.
If you’re arriving in Belfast via cruise, the Private Shore Excursion from Belfast Cruise Terminal offers a seamless way to see major sights like the Dark Hedges and Dunluce Castle without wasted time on transit. For those with limited time but a desire to see the highlights, the Giants Causeway Day Trip from Belfast Cruise Terminal gets you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site efficiently. For a more comprehensive day, the From Belfast: Full-Day Giants Causeway Land and Boat Tour mixes land and sea adventures, giving a full picture of Northern Ireland’s coast. And for travelers on a tight schedule, the Giants Causeway Cruise Ship Half Day Whizz Tour offers a quick but memorable visit to this natural wonder.
Below, you’ll find detailed reviews of each experience, helping you choose the tour that best fits your trip style, budget, and interests.
1. Private Giants Causeway Tour From Belfast Cruise Terminal
This private full-day tour is perfect if you want a customized experience without the strict schedules of group tours. The tour starts right from your cruise port, with hassle-free pickup and drop-off in Belfast, which makes it especially convenient for cruise passengers. You’ll explore the Giant’s Causeway and the North Antrim Coast at your own pace, guided by a driver who shares insights into local history and culture.
What makes this tour stand out is its exclusivity—it’s just your party, ensuring a personal touch. The itinerary is flexible, so you can choose to spend more time at Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge or skip some stops if you prefer. The highlights include driving the Antrim Coast Road, crossing the famous rope bridge (pre-bookings required if you want to cross), and learning about local legends along the way. Reviews praise its tailored approach: “Awesome day! Saw everything we wanted to see, Giants Causeway, Titanic museum, rope bridge, Dark Hedges, and the countryside.”
This tour is great for couples, families, or small groups who want a personalized adventure and are willing to pay a premium for it. Expect a full day of scenic driving, storytelling, and flexible sightseeing.
Bottom Line: For a private, customizable experience that maximizes comfort and personal attention, this tour is hard to beat.
2. Private Shore Excursion From Belfast Cruise Terminal
If you’re arriving in Belfast by cruise and want a stress-free, private way to see the coast, this shore excursion is an excellent choice. It departs directly from Belfast Port, avoiding the need for public transport or crowded buses. The driver acts as your personal guide, allowing you to control the itinerary and stop wherever you’d like along the scenic Antrim Coast Road.
This tour includes visits to the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO-listed site, as well as options to stop at Dunluce Castle or the Bushmills Distillery—both attractions rich in history and local flavor. The tour lasts about 8 to 9 hours, giving plenty of time for sightseeing and photos. The flexibility is a big draw, as you can customize the stops based on your preferences or time constraints.
Guests frequently comment on the quality of the service: “Our driver knew the best timing for tour visits and gave us a great overview of Belfast and the surrounding area.” For those who want to see key sights without the hustle of group tours, this private option hits all the right notes.
Bottom Line: Perfect for cruise travelers who want a personalized, comfortable experience with the freedom to pick their stops.
3. SHORE EXCURSIONS BELFAST / up to 5 tours in 1 day from CRUISE SHIP @ MICKS TOURS
For a luxurious, multi-stop day, this Micks Tours package is hard to beat. It packs in several highlights—like the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, and the Glenariff Forest Park—all in one day, with a private driver and flexible schedule. The tour includes breakfast and snacks, making it a comfortable experience from start to finish.
This tour excels because it’s private, allowing you to skip the typical tourist bus and tailor the stops to your interests. Guests have praised the guide’s local knowledge and timing skills: “He told us what time to book our tickets for the Titanic Experience” and “Ozzi went out of his way to take us off the tourist path.” The scenery along the North Antrim Coast is breathtaking, and the private vehicle means you can explore more hidden corners.
Suitable for small groups looking for a full day of diverse Northern Ireland sights, this tour offers excellent value for its comprehensive approach. It’s also flexible enough for special requests, making it ideal for families or small parties wanting a curated experience.
Bottom Line: A top option for travelers seeking a full, personalized day with multiple stops and stops that highlight the best of Northern Ireland’s coast.
4. From Belfast: Full-Day Giants Causeway Land and Boat Tour
If you’re after a more immersive experience that combines land and sea, this full-day tour gives you the chance to explore the Giant’s Causeway along with a boat ride, adding a different perspective to the scenery. The tour begins with a scenic drive from Belfast, taking in the Norman Dunluce Castle and other coastal sights, then moves on to explore the geological wonders of the Causeway.
What makes this tour special is the inclusion of both land and sea experiences, giving you a richer understanding of the coastline’s natural beauty and legends. Guests highlight guide Paddy’s knowledge and the fun of combining the boat ride with the land tour. “It was such a fun and different way to see the coast, especially since Carrick-a-Rede was closed for the year,” a reviewer noted.
This tour is suited for those who want adventure and variety and are comfortable with a longer day. It balances sightseeing with active experiences, perfect for curious travelers who appreciate storytelling and hands-on exploration.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a comprehensive day that mixes land and sea, with stories and scenic views woven together.
5. Giants Causeway day trip from Belfast Cruise Terminal
This single-day trip offers a solid introduction to Northern Ireland’s highlights, perfect if your time is limited. Starting from the cruise terminal, you’ll visit the Dark Hedges, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the Giant’s Causeway. The itinerary also includes an exploration of Dunluce Castle and even optional whiskey tasting.
What makes this tour appealing is its straightforward approach: it hits all the major sights without overextending the day. The Dark Hedges are a must-see and a popular photo spot, while the Causeway remains the star attraction. Reviews mention the guide’s ability to keep the group on schedule and share interesting stories, making the experience informative and enjoyable.
It’s best suited for travelers who want a quick yet comprehensive taste of Northern Ireland’s coast. The price point offers good value considering the number of sites visited, although it’s less flexible than private tours.
Bottom Line: A reliable, efficient way to see Northern Ireland’s top sights in a day, ideal for cruise visitors with tight schedules.
6. Giant’s Causeway Tour Cruise Ship Excursion
This private guided tour is designed specifically for cruise ship passengers wanting to maximize their time at the Giant’s Causeway. With your own driver, you avoid the crowds and big tour buses, exploring at your own pace. The tour focuses on the North Irish Coastal Route, making it flexible and personalized.
What makes this tour stand out is its availability during cruise schedules and the ability to go beyond the usual spots. The driver can tailor the itinerary to your preferences, ensuring you see what interests you most. Plus, the private vehicle allows access to areas larger buses can’t reach, giving you a more intimate experience.
Guests love the flexibility: “We could go where the big coaches can’t go and customize our trip.” It’s perfect for travelers who want to combine a scenic drive with personalized exploration.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for cruise travelers seeking a private, flexible experience focused on the Giant’s Causeway and coast.
7. Belfast: Giant’s Causeway Tour Cruise Ship Excursion
Similar to the previous entry, this private guided tour is tailored for cruise passengers who want to see the Giant’s Causeway without the hassle of large groups. It emphasizes flexibility and personalized stops, allowing you to explore the North Irish Coastal Route at your own pace.
What makes this tour appealing is the focus on customization—you can decide how long to spend at each site and what to prioritize. The private driver ensures you avoid crowded tours, making for a more relaxed experience. Guests report high satisfaction with guides who are knowledgeable about local history and scenery.
It’s suited for visitors who prefer a quiet, tailored approach to discovering Northern Ireland’s coastal highlights, especially if time is limited during a cruise.
Bottom Line: A strong pick for cruise passengers who want a personalized, no-rush exploration of the Causeway and coast.
8. Belfast: Giants Causeway Cruise Ship Half Day Whizz Tour
If your time in Belfast is tight, this half-day tour offers a quick, efficient visit to the Giant’s Causeway. Departing from the cruise port, it takes you directly to the basalt columns and rugged coastline for a brief but memorable experience.
The tour includes quick stops at key spots like Ballintoy Harbour and the causeway itself, making it perfect for travelers who want a taste without a full day commitment. Reviews note the efficiency: “It was a perfect quick trip, just enough to see the Causeway and get back on time.” The tour’s focused approach means you won’t miss the main attraction even if you’re short on time.
Ideal for travelers with tight schedules or those who want to combine a short scenic trip with other activities in Belfast, this tour maximizes what you see in a minimal amount of time.
Bottom Line: Perfect for quick visits or for travelers who want a snapshot of Northern Ireland’s most famous natural wonder.
How to Choose Your Belfast Boat Tour
Picking the right boat or coastal tour depends on your budget, time, and what kind of experience you’re after. Do you want a fully private, customizable day? Check out the Private Giants Causeway Tour. If your cruise is tight and you prefer maximum efficiency, the Half Day Whizz Tour is ideal. For those who want to combine land and sea experiences, the Full-Day Land & Boat Tour offers a balanced mix.
Consider your interest level in specific sights—like Dunluce Castle or Bushmills Distillery—and your fitness level, especially if walking over uneven terrain is involved. Booking early is recommended, especially for private or highly rated tours, to secure your preferred date and time.
Final Thoughts
Belfast’s boat and coastal tours cover a broad spectrum—from private, tailored adventures to quick, efficient shore excursions. For a luxurious private day, the Private Giants Causeway Tour tops the list. If your schedule is tight, the Half Day Whizz Tour gives you a taste of the Causeway’s wonder. And for those wanting a comprehensive land and sea experience, the Full-Day Land & Boat Tour offers a thorough exploration.
Whether you’re seeking comfort, adventure, or efficiency, Belfast has a tour that fits your travel style. Booking early and choosing a tour that matches your interests will make your trip to Ireland’s coast unforgettable.