ABOUT US
A Decade of Ocean Escapes - A Story of Passion, Resilience & Adventure
2025 marks 10 years of Ocean Escapes, but the journey began long before that. This isn’t just a story about a boat tour company. It’s a story about determination, adventure, and a lifelong love for the sea - with a few plot twists along the way.
At the heart of Ocean Escapes is Andrew O’Riordan, founder, operator, and a man who still insists on spending as much time as possible behind the wheel, sharing his love for the water with every single passenger. Andrew isn’t someone who fell into the marine industry by accident - he was practically born on the water.
From the age of eight, Andrew was driving boats, learning the waters of Fountainstown and pushing the limits of his tiny 3.3m inflatable dinghy. He had a simple philosophy - if you really want to understand the ocean, you need to feel it, move with it, respect it. And if that meant occasionally scaring the life out of himself while surfing waves in a tiny boat? Well, that was all part of the fun.
As he got older, the boats got bigger, and so did the dreams.
From an Idea to Reality
By 2011, Andrew had just gotten married, and the idea of starting his own boat tour business had begun to take shape. At the time, there were no other operators in Cork Harbour offering the type of experiences he envisioned. While most people spend their honeymoon relaxing, Andrew spent his calling boatyards from tropical beaches, making sure his boat would be ready when he got home (much to the delight of his wife, Amy).
He started running small trips on a four-seater boat, testing the waters - literally and figuratively. But then, life threw him a storm bigger than anything he had ever faced.
A Life-Changing Battle
Just months into his new venture, Andrew was diagnosed with stage 3, borderline stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, with a host of complications that meant the prognosis wasn’t good. Suddenly, the dream was on hold, replaced by months of chemotherapy, medical treatments, and a fight for survival.
Then, in November of that year, things took a turn for the worse - Andrew went into respiratory failure. His family was flown home to say their goodbyes. But, in true Andrew fashion, he wasn’t quite ready to give up yet.
By December, against all odds, he began to recover. And when he was finally allowed a day out from the hospital, there was only one place he wanted to be - on the water.
Borrowing a friend’s boat, he and his family set out towards Roches Point Lighthouse. What happened next felt like something out of a movie - seven playful dolphins appeared, dancing through the waves, staying with the boat for almost 30 minutes.
It was a moment of freedom, joy, and pure escape - a reminder of why the ocean had always been his safe place. That day, the real dream for Ocean Escapes was born. He wanted to give people that same feeling: an escape from the everyday, a sense of adventure, and an experience that stays with them long after they step off the boat.
TURNING UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS INTO YOUR ULTIMATE ADVENTURE
Turning a Dream into Cork’s Premier Boat Tour Company
Recovery took time, but by 2015, Andrew was ready to take the leap. He founded Ocean Escapes with a simple idea - to offer unforgettable experiences on the water, whether it was dolphin watching, private charters, or exploring the stunning Irish coastline.
From the very start, the passion and quality of Ocean Escapes stood out. Companies, tourists, and locals quickly realised this wasn’t just another boat trip - this was an adventure, led by someone who genuinely loved what he did. The business grew fast, and soon, Andrew found himself needing a bigger boat.
The first large passenger boat he purchased was named “Saoirse” (Freedom) - a fitting name for both his business and his journey.
Then, in a personal and professional milestone, Andrew celebrated five years in remission by expanding the fleet again, this time with “Sláinte” (Good Health) - because what better way to mark a second chance at life than with another boat?
10 Years On – Cork’s Largest Fleet & Most Trusted Operator
Today, Ocean Escapes is Cork Harbour’s leading boat tour company, with the largest fleet in the region. From corporate team-building events and luxury charters to thrilling wildlife experiences, we do it all - and we do it with the same passion and excitement as day one.
We’ve built strategic partnerships with Cork’s top hotels, hosted some of the world’s biggest brands, and become a go-to choice for those looking to experience Ireland’s coastline in style.
And Andrew? He’s still right in the middle of it all, whether it’s driving boats, cracking jokes with customers, or figuring out how to squeeze “just one more” boat into the fleet.
A Story That Has Inspired Many
Andrew’s story of resilience, adventure, and passion has been featured on RTÉ’s Nationwide, Today FM, and numerous TV shows, inspiring countless people to chase their dreams - even when the odds are stacked against them. But to him, it’s not about the headlines.
It’s about the smiles on our passengers’ faces, the unforgettable moments on the water, and the people we get to share the journey with.
The Next Chapter – Bigger, Bolder, and Even More Exciting
As we step into our 10th year, we’re not slowing down. 2025 is set to be our biggest year yet, with new experiences, expanded offerings, and, of course, even more time spent out on the water.
So whether you’re looking for a luxury escape, a thrilling adventure, or just a break from reality, jump on board with us - and experience why, after all these years, the ocean is still our greatest escape.
Here’s to the next decade of adventure!