Belfast isn’t just about Titanic history or lively pubs — it’s also a fantastic launching point for boat tours and cruises along Northern Ireland’s rugged coastline. Whether you’re after a personalized adventure to the Giant’s Causeway or want to cruise with your own private guide, Belfast offers a variety of options that showcase its stunning maritime scenery. The Private Giants Causeway Tour from Belfast Cruise Terminal stands out for its tailored experience, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. For those arriving on a cruise, the Private Shore Excursion from Belfast Cruise Terminal offers a smooth, private ride to key sights like Dunluce Castle and the Bushmills Distillery. And if your time is limited, the quick Giants Causeway Half-Day Whizz Tour provides a swift yet impressive taste of the coast’s iconic basalt columns.
This article will walk you through eight of the best boat tours and cruises in Belfast, covering everything from exclusive private outings to efficient shore excursions. Each offers a unique way to experience Northern Ireland’s natural beauty, so you can pick what fits your schedule and style best.
1. Private Giants Causeway Tour From Belfast Cruise Terminal
This private full-day tour is perfect if you want a customized experience. Instead of following a fixed itinerary, you and your guide tailor the day to your interests. The tour starts with a hassle-free pickup in Belfast and heads straight to the stunning Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. But the real highlight is the flexibility — you decide how long to spend at each stop and what other sites to include, like Dunluce Castle or the Dark Hedges.
One of the tour’s most exciting features is the visit to the Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge, where you can cross a bridge hanging 75 feet above the ocean—weather permitting. The tour also allows ample time to explore the North Antrim Coast, soaking in the incredible scenery. The tour is priced at $1,165.10 for up to four people, making it a good value for a private experience. The reviews are glowing, with travelers praising the personalized service and the ability to see everything they wanted at their own pace.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a private, flexible day that covers the highlights at your speed, this tour is tough to beat.
2. Private Shore Excursion From Belfast Cruise Terminal
For cruise passengers who want to make the most of their limited time, this private shore excursion offers a tailored half or full-day trip with pickup right from Belfast Port. The focus here is on efficiency combined with personal attention, allowing you to visit the Giant’s Causeway and other nearby highlights like Dunluce Castle and Bushmills Distillery, without the hassle of big group tours.
You’ll travel along the Antrim Coast Road, widely regarded as one of the top scenic drives in the world. The private driver-guide is flexible and can adapt the schedule to your preferences, making sure you see the sights that matter most. At $1,167.67 for up to four people, the value lies in having your own driver and a flexible timetable. Reviewers love the attention to detail, especially the ability to control the pace and choose stops. One reviewer shared, “Michael was the most amazing guide — he made sure to include everything we wanted and got us back in plenty of time.”
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal if your cruise schedule is tight but you want a personalized, seamless experience.
3. SHORE EXCURSIONS BELFAST / up to 5 tours in 1 day from CRUISE SHIP @ MICKS TOURS
This multi-stop private tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive day exploring Belfast and the North Coast. For $824.24, you get to tick off the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, and the Glens of Antrim, along with key Belfast sights such as the Peace Wall and Belfast Castle. The tour is flexible, with the driver acting as your guide, and includes scenic drives, photo stops, and cultural insights.
Travelers rave about how the driver knows the best timing for each stop and the ability to customize the itinerary. The trip combines natural wonders with cultural points of interest, making it ideal for those who want variety. The tour lasts from 1 to 10 hours, so you can tailor it for a quick overview or a more leisurely day.
Bottom Line: If you want an all-in-one private day tour with the flexibility to choose your sites, this is a great choice.
4. Customisable Private Shore Excursion From Belfast Cruise Terminal
This luxury private tour offers the ultimate flexibility, perfect for travelers with a specific list of sights or limited time. Starting at $1,165.06 for up to four people, the tour lasts about 9 to 10 hours and is tailored to your interests. Options include the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, Giant’s Causeway, and Dunluce Castle, all accessible in a comfortable private vehicle.
The real advantage here is the ability to customize your itinerary, with the driver guiding you through some of Northern Ireland’s most iconic sites. Wi-Fi in the vehicle makes it easier to do quick research or share photos on the go. Reviewers appreciate the personal service and the option to go where larger buses can’t reach. They also highlight the knowledgeable driver who helps plan the day around your preferences.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a flexible, upscale experience with total control over their sightseeing.
5. From Belfast: Full-Day Giants Causeway Land and Boat Tour
This full-day combined land and boat tour offers a unique perspective of the Giant’s Causeway and surrounding coast. For around 9 hours, you visit the iconic basalt columns, learn about their legend, and enjoy a boat tour that highlights the area’s natural beauty from the water. The experience is praised for its variety, with many noting that it’s a different way to see the coast compared to standard bus tours.
While the price isn’t specified, the tour is ideal for those wanting a mix of land exploration and sea viewing. One reviewer described their day as “absolutely brilliant” and loved the combination of different perspectives. The tour includes a visit to an 800-year-old Norman castle and stops at notable sites along the coast.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want a full-day adventure combining land and sea, with a focus on storytelling and scenery.
6. Giant’s Causeway Tour Cruise Ship Excursion
This private guided tour is designed specifically for cruise ship travelers looking for a no-rush experience. It lasts about 7 hours and covers the Giant’s Causeway via private vehicle, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. The tour emphasizes going to places big coaches can’t reach, ensuring a more intimate experience along the North Irish Coast.
Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with travelers appreciating the personalized attention and tailored schedule. The tour’s simplicity makes it perfect for those wanting a straightforward, private trip to one of Ireland’s most famous sights.
Bottom Line: Ideal for cruise visitors seeking a flexible, private tour without complicating logistics.
7. Belfast: Giant’s Causeway Tour Cruise Ship Excursion
Similar to the previous tour but emphasizing the private driver experience, this 7-hour tour offers tailored stops and the ability to visit the Giant’s Causeway comfortably. It’s ideal if you want to avoid large group tours and prefer the freedom of a personalized schedule.
Guests praise the driver’s ability to customize the day, making sure you hit your top choices. The tour is flexible, with the driver able to adapt to your timing and interests. It’s a straightforward, private option for cruise passengers who want to see the coast thoroughly.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you value a private, flexible itinerary and exclusive access to key sights.
8. Belfast: Giants Causeway Cruise Ship Half Day Whizz Tour
This quick, efficient tour is great when time is tight—ideal for cruise passengers with limited hours. It lasts about an hour but covers the Giant’s Causeway, with optional pickup at several points including Belfast port, airport, or cruise terminal.
The tour includes stops at Ballintoy Harbour, famous for its appearance in “Game of Thrones,” and features a 75-minute scenic drive along the coast. Reviewers appreciate how it packs the highlights into a short window, making it perfect for a quick taste of Ireland’s coast.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you’re on a tight schedule but still want a memorable visit to the Giant’s Causeway.
How to Choose Your Belfast Boat Tour or Cruise
When deciding among these options, consider your time, budget, and interests. For a luxurious, private experience, tours like the Private Giants Causeway Tour or Customisable Private Shore Excursion offer tailored days. If your schedule is tight but you want a private, stress-free trip, the Shore Excursion or Giant’s Causeway Cruise Ship Excursion are ideal. For those wanting maximum variety and sightseeing, the up to 5 tours in 1 day delivers an all-in-one experience.
Think about your fitness level, especially for tours involving walking the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge or visiting the Dark Hedges. Book early, especially for private or popular tours, to secure your preferred dates.
Final Thoughts
Belfast offers a fantastic array of boat and cruise experiences that showcase its dramatic coastline and iconic sites. For a personalized day, the Private Giants Causeway Tour is hard to beat, while cruise passengers should consider the private shore excursions for convenience and flexibility. If you’re pressed for time, the Half-Day Whizz Tour offers a quick, memorable visit.
No matter what you choose, these tours promise a memorable look at Northern Ireland’s natural beauty — so plan ahead and book early to ensure your spot. Happy sailing!