I ditched scrolling on my phone for these top 4 sailing experiences in Belfast!
I’ve recently wondered what’s been eating up most of my time. Turns out, I actually spend over 5 hours on TikTok every day! Yes—even as a grown man with a real job. It got so bad that my significant other convinced me to go out and touch grass.
While that would be nice, I told her I’d rather touch the ocean instead—and while I’m at it, grab the boat ropes too—because I’ve always wanted to learn how to sail anyway. I figured that would keep my hands away from my gadgets.
And true enough, sailing made my phone battery last all day! It’s fun being under the sun, doing something fulfilling while taking in the views and breathing in the cool breeze. Here are the best sailing experiences in Belfast that could change your life too!
1. Belfast Harbour Marina
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Website: https://www.belfast-harbour.co.uk/port/marina/
Address: Old Channel Rd
Contact Details: +44 (0)28 9055 4422, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 9 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 5 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 9 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Departure Points: From Belfast Harbour Marina, with some operators offering pickups from Bangor Marina or Carrickfergus for extended routes
Fees: €33.00 per night for a 10-metre boat
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Belfast Harbour Marina offers sailing experiences with access to Belfast Lough and beyond. You can choose whether you want a small sailboat or a luxury yacht. This is great for a birthday, team-building event, or Christmas party with 12 to 15 people.
Families and sightseers can chill out and see the city skyline and coastal landmarks. Adventure sailing is also an option if you want to be hands-on in hoisting sails and learning navigation.
Good to know:
- Sail at Belfast Harbour Marina from April to September (spring to summer) for a peaceful and romantic getaway or October (autumn) for windy sailing! There are limited winter tours due to rough seas and shorter days.
- Don’t forget to bring both your cash and card! If you feel peckish, there are several operators onboard who can sell you drinks and treats.
2. Stena Line
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Website: https://www.stenaline.co.uk/routes/cairnryan-belfast/belfast-port
Address: 4 W Bank Rd, Victoria Terminal 4
Contact Details: +44 344 770 7070, Contact Form
Departure Points: From Victoria Terminal 4
Fees:
- Belfast to Cairnryan Route
- Single Foot Passenger (when booked in advance) – starts at around €25 to €41
- Single Journey with a car – starts at around €175
- Belfast to Liverpool Route
- Single Journey (when booked in advance) – starts at around €394
- Prices vary based on deals.
Stena Line is one of the leading ferry companies in Europe for those who want to travel from Belfast to Scotland and beyond.
It’s known for providing practicality and comfort with spacious vessels and wide views of the Irish Sea and Belfast Lough. Different types of people can go here: solo travellers, couples, and families. And with its large capacity, even tour buses can board!
There are also many indoor activities for the little ones. This goes from free cinema viewing to games. The parents can enjoy the spa and bottomless hot drinks from the restaurant.
Cool idea:
Bring your furry friends on your Stena Line trip! They’ll be staying in designated kennel facilities on board, but you can visit them during crossing at set times.
3. Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club
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Website: https://www.rniyc.org/
Address: 7 Seafront Rd, Holywood
Contact Details: +44 28 9042 8041, [email protected]
Office Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Fees:
- Full Membership – £840 (£280 joining fee + £560 annual subscription)
- Full Spouse Membership – £420 (£140 joining fee + £280 annual subscription)
- Intermediate – £300
- Junior – £130
- Cadet – £65
- Outport – £90
The Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club is a prestigious sailing hub in Belfast, hosting competitive sailing regattas and offering junior and adult sailing courses for beginners.
Its vessels include dinghies (small boats for recreation), cruisers, and keelboats (riverine cargo-capable boats), depending on your chosen activity.
Moreover, this is a great place to meet new friends, as you can socialise at the Cubhouse restaurant and bar.
Must-know move:
Pack the right footwear at Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club! You’ll need non-slip shoes for dinghy sailing because the boat decks are typically wet, slanted, and moving.
4. Belfast Lough Sailability
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Website: https://www.belfastloughsailability.com/
Address: 3 Quayside, Carrickfergus
Contact Details: +44 7599 689280, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday – 7 PM to 9 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 12 PM
- Sunday to Tuesday & Thursday to Friday – Closed
Departure Points: From Carrickfergus Marina, about 25 minutes from Belfast city centre by car or train
Fees:
- Junior Sailing (under 16) – £10 per year
- Adult Sailing – £20 per year
- Family Sailing – £30 per year
- Non-Sailing Friend – by donation
Belfast Lough Sailability is a non-profit organisation, offering gentle cruises along Belfast Lough and hands-on sailing for adventurers and enthusiasts.
It’s also known to be highly inclusive and can cater to anyone, no matter their skill level, age, or experience. In fact, plenty of disabled people go here to enjoy sailing—win-win for all!
Nifty trick:
Want a hassle-free commute? Consider using public transport on your way to Belfast Lough Sailability! It’s well-connected by train from Belfast.