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Guided Shipwreck Kayak Tours

Paddle out to the Samson wreck, one of the most storied maritime sites on the Waterford coast, and meet it the only way you really can: at sea level.

Book a tour €70 / per person
Kayakers up close beneath the Samson wreck off Ardmore The Samson wreck · Ardmore

Ardmore's coastline is steeped in history, and nowhere is that more apparent than at the wreck of the Samson. Our guided kayak tours take you directly to this iconic landmark for a rare, intimate perspective you simply can't get from the shore.

Rising straight out of the Atlantic, the Samson is a haunting, unforgettable sight up close. As you paddle around it, your guide shares the story of the wreck, the waters that surround it and the rich maritime heritage of the Ardmore coastline, so you come away with far more than just photos.

Suitable for all fitness levels and complete beginners, each tour runs around an hour on the water and is led from start to finish by a qualified local guide. It's a genuinely memorable way to connect with the sea and the stories it holds.

What's included

  • A qualified local guide for the full tour
  • Wetsuit and buoyancy aid in your size
  • A full safety briefing on the beach before you launch
  • A stable, beginner-friendly kayak and paddle
  • The history of the Samson and the Ardmore coast

Good to know

No experience is needed, just bring swimwear to go under your wetsuit, a towel and a change of clothes. Under-16s are welcome accompanied by an adult, and smaller children can share a kayak with a parent. Tours run through the summer and are weather dependent, so we'll always be in touch if conditions mean we need to move your time.

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/ FAQGood to know

Frequently asked

01Do I need experience, or to be able to swim?+
No experience needed at all, most of our paddlers are complete beginners. You don't have to be a strong swimmer either: everyone wears a buoyancy aid and gets a full safety briefing on the beach before launching. Being comfortable in the water helps, and under-16s are welcome with an adult.
02What's included, and what should I bring?+
We provide everything you need on the water: a wetsuit, a buoyancy aid, your kayak or board and paddle, and a full briefing. Just bring swimwear to wear under the wetsuit, a towel and a change of clothes.
03What happens if the weather is bad?+
Our activities are weather dependent for your safety. If conditions mean we need to change your time or date, we'll always be in touch in good time to rearrange. The Atlantic makes the call, not us.
04Are children and families welcome?+
Absolutely. Under-16s are welcome accompanied by an adult, and smaller children can share a kayak with a parent. Our summer camp runs for ages 6 to 15, Monday to Friday through July and August.
05Can my dog come along?+
On the paddleboards, yes. We have dog-friendly boards so your four-legged companion doesn't have to miss out. Just let us know when you book so we have one ready.
06Where do we meet, and is there parking?+
We're based at Ardmore Beach in Co. Waterford, and you'll find us and the meeting point right by the car park. For summer camp, it's a simple drop-off and collect at the car park each morning.
/ Find usOn the beach at Ardmore

On the beach
at Ardmore.

WhereArdmore Beach, Ardmore,
Co. Waterford, Ireland
SeasonSummer on the water · Camp runs Jul & Aug
Ardmore, Co. Waterford

Book the shipwreck tour.

Tell us your date and how many of you, and we'll get you out to the Samson. We're on the beach all summer.

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