Foyle Adventures and Boat Tours launched in City

There is no messing about on the river for the enthusiastic duo behind Foyle Adventures and Boat Tours, John Glackin and Reggie Downey.

Based at the Foyle Port Marina, situated just below the Peace Bridge, Foyle Adventures and Boat Tours is intent on capitalising on the as yet unrealised tourist potential of the beautiful River Foyle.

John and Reggie have just launched their new vessel, The Rachel, and are offering visitors and locals “unforgettable boat tours and parties” on the river.

Speaking to Derry Now, just before Mayor of Derry City and Strabane, Sandra Duffy, took to the water for the official inaugural trip of The Rachel, Reggie said Foyle Adventures and Boat Tours would enable people to explore the breathtaking beauty and rich history of the River Foyle. 

He added: “Our expert guides will lead you on an unforgettable journey, unveiling the river’s most iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and captivating stories.

“Our diverse range of services caters to visitors, locals, nature enthusiasts, and party groups, ensuring a memorable experience for all.”

Mayor Sandra Duffy on board The Rachel of Foyle Adventures and Boat Tours.

Donning her life jacket, Mayor Duffy said she was really excited to be taking a trip on The Rachel.

She added: “I think that our River Foyle is a beautiful asset that we have and to see it being used more and more for tourism is just fantastic.

“I am really looking forward to getting a wee run out on the boat this morning. It looks like it is going to be great craic.”

“We will be offering guided tours for tourists coming into the city. We are also offering birthday parties, stag parties, hen parties and corporate team building days out for any businesses or companies in the city or coming into the city,” said Reggie, who is going to be the driver of The Rachel.

“The boat will leave from the Foyle Port Marina. We can go down as far as Culmore Point for guided tours, which will cover all of the history of the Foyle. We will then go back up to the Peace Bridge and the Craigavon Bridge and then back into the Marina.

“For the birthday parties, stag parties, hen parties, it will be up to the Craigavon Bridge, doing a few twirls on the Foyle, a few waves, a bit of excitement for the passengers and then back into the Marina.

“I think it is a great asset to the city to have Foyle Adventures and Boat Tours available not only to tourists but to local people, enabling them to go out on the Foyle and see the banks of the Foyle from the water and turn what may have been a negative for a few years into a positive.

“I love this job. It is great getting out onto the Foyle and getting a bit of fresh air,” said Reggie with a smile before adding that people taking trips on The Rachel might also catch glimpses of the Foyle’s unique wildlife.

“If you go down through the Foyle Bridge and the tide is out, you might be lucky enough to see the seals lying there on the Otterbank as well as otters.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to get out on the water, especially for tourists coming into the city.

“There are a lot more tourists coming into Derry over the last few years and I don’t think there has been a facility where they could actually go out onto the water and spend time on the water, especially going down as far as Culmore Point and taking in the history of the U-Boats and Boomhall. I think that will appeal to a lot of tourists and locals alike, said Reggie.

Foyle Adventures and Boat Tours is open: Monday to Monday, from 10am to 7pm. Prices start from £10 for children, up to £20 for adults. There are different prices for groups and tours, depending on their duration.

Students from Thornhill College enjoying a Foyle Adventures and Boat Trip day out.

According to Reggie, a 30 minute trip will take passengers around Derry’s three bridges.

“An hour trip will take passengers down to Culmore Point and back,” he added.

“We got a fantastic video done by local fella, Kieran McKinney, which is up on our new website: https://foyle adventuresandboat tours.co.uk. This will give anyone who is interested in a trip an idea of what a fantastic experience it will be.

“But don’t take my word for it, one of our recent reviews said: ‘I recently booked a 60-minute guided tour with Foyle Adventures for my family visiting from Belfast. The staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, sharing fascinating stories about the local history and pointing out hidden gems along the River Foyle. The rib boat was comfortable and safe, and the stunning views made it a day to remember. We all had a fantastic time, and I'll definitely be recommending Foyle Adventures to my friends and colleagues in Derry.’”

Foyle Adventures and Boat Tours can be contacted via Facebook (Foyle Adventures & Boat Tours), online: foyleadventuresandboattours.co.uk and telephone: 028 7187 6111.