Take the helm without a licence and explore Lough Erne at your pace aboard a Whaly 435. This full-day private hire from Round 'O' in Enniskillen is ideal for families, couples, and small groups seeking a flexible lake escape.
Take the helm without a licence and explore Lough Erne at your pace aboard a Whaly 435. This full-day private hire from Round 'O' in Enniskillen is ideal for families, couples, and small groups seeking a flexible lake escape.
Book with Erne Tours Ltd
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Erne Tours Ltd · Enniskillen, Northern Ireland
Glide across Lough Erne on your own schedule with Self Drive Boat Hire Full Day 10:00 – 18:00 a private Whaly 435 experience launched from Round 'O' in Enniskillen Northern Ireland. The modern stable Whaly 435 seats up to six and comes with lifejackets fuel and a concise safety briefing that makes the lake accessible to first-time skippers and seasoned day-trippers alike. Over the eight-hour hire you’ll thread a freshwater landscape of reed-fringed bays rocky islets and low wooded shorelines with freedom to pause for a picnic a wild swim or quiet birdwatching. Staff point out recommended routes and safe zones before you cast off but there is no fixed itinerary that flexibility is the point. The boat’s roomy deck and easy handling mean families couples and small groups can relax while still feeling in control. No licence or prior experience is required and the hire is private it’s your party and your pace. Practical details are straightforward check in at Round 'O' fifteen minutes early for the mandatory briefing respect the six-person capacity and ensure anyone who needs assistance can step on and off independently. The hirer accepts responsibility for the craft during the booking period and is held to standard safety rules. What makes this outing special is how it opens Lough Erne’s geography to visitors From open water stretches to sheltered inlets the lough reveals a compact archipelago where islands form natural day-trip destinations. The earth here carries the imprint of glacial shaping and wildlife is a common companion waterfowl and the occasional otter frequent quieter coves. Because the experience is self-paced you can chase light for photos park in a secluded bay for lunch or use the boat as a mobile viewpoint for shoreline geology and native alder and willow corridors. Practical advantages matter fuel is included lifejackets come with the hire and staff will flag hazards and suggest sheltered return routes if the weather shifts. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users and children must wear lifejackets at all times. For travelers overnighting in Enniskillen this is an ideal single-day escape that turns a lake visit into active intimate exploration no mariner’s license required just curiosity and respect for the water Bring a waterproof dry bag binoculars and a picnic blanket and check local weather forecasts before departure. Follow staff guidance on speed limits and no-wake zones and land only in permitted spots to protect shoreline vegetation. Plan to cruise into quiet bays for birdwatching and swimming and stagger lunch away from peak weekend hours to find secluded moorings. This private hire turns a simple lake visit into a flexible hands-on day on Lough Erne—easy to run endlessly rewarding when treated with care respectfully.
No licence or prior boating experience is required; staff provide a full safety briefing and operating instructions before departure.
Check in takes place at the Erne Tours base at Round 'O' in Enniskillen; arrive 15 minutes early for briefing.
The Whaly 435 comfortably carries up to six people including children.
Yes fuel is included in the full-day hire as part of the booking.
Children are welcome but must wear lifejackets at all times; the experience requires independent stepping on/off and is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Staff will advise safe return routes and may recommend returning early; always follow the safety briefing and crew instructions.
Erne Tours Ltd is a boat tour operator based in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, offering a collection of guided cruises and private hire options on Lough Erne. The company operates the Kingfisher, a cozy, dog-friendly vessel with a fully enclosed cabin, spacious outdoor seating and an onboard restroom; guests are invited to bring their own snacks and drinks. Tours include the Kingfisher Devenish Island Tour and the Kingfisher Public Devenish Tour, both providing intimate small-group experiences with panoramic views of the lake and commentary about Devenish Island’s monastic ruins and Round Tower. The Devenish Island Tour is a longer cruise led by a knowledgeable Boat Master, navigating scenic waterways and lock gates while highlighting local wildlife such as kingfishers. The Evening Sunset Cruise offers live music, snacks and drinks as passengers enjoy sunset views and the illuminated Devenish Round Tower. For private events, Erne Tours Ltd offers the MV Kestrel as a unique floating venue capable of bespoke private hire; the vessel can be customized with catering, entertainment and a fully licensed bar to suit weddings, corporate events and special occasions. Erne Tours Ltd focuses on delivering memorable on-water experiences that combine history, scenery and hospitality. The business promotes accessibility for families, couples, history enthusiasts and dog owners, providing a range of scheduled public cruises and tailored private options on Lough Erne. The Devenish Island Tour typically lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes. The Evening Sunset Cruise is a Saturday-evening escape with live music. Private hire includes catering and bar.
Book with Erne Tours Ltd