In total, 25 different cetacean species have been recorded in irish waters, with large numbers of cetaceans making seasonal passages off the coastline, and a number of resident populations in coastal harbours and transitional. Wildlife guide on board and also spotter marine biologist. The autumn months off west cork are some of the best for whale watching with minke whales and common dolphins being regular sightings. Back in 1991, irelands biologically diverse waters were declared a whale and dolphin sanctuary, the first of its kind in europe. Nic slocum phd frgs whales worldwide have teamed up with whale watch west cork, irelands premier whale watch operator, to create an itinerary that will allow you to experience all that. Some of the best whalewatching in the world is right at our doorstep and most of us have yet to take advantage of it. Marvel over the startling coastal scenery as you drive along irelands wild atlantic way, then hop aboard for a memorable cruise around the bay. Oct 08, 2005 west cork is now recognised as one of the best places in europe to go whale watching and you get the dolphins thrown in for free. Close encounters with whales and dolphins are up there on most peoples ultimate wildlife bucket list, but it still surprises many when they hear that ireland is one of the best places in europe to see whales and dolphins in the wild. The territorial waters of the republic of ireland have been designated a whale and dolphin sanctuary since 1991. Dingle bay eco tours is a 4 hour boat tour of the blasket islands and dingle bay with the opportunity to see whales, dolphins, seals, basking shark in season, puffins and other marine wildlife and view the wonderful seascapes and landscapes off the west coast of ireland along the wild atlantic w. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to see dolphins or whales during your trip to sea. Cork whale watch reen pier, 5 minutes from, union hall, county cork ireland rated 4. Bbc travel whale watching on irelands newest coastal.
Humpback whale breaching off the west cork coast, may 2016 ireland one of europes whalewatching hotspots shortbeaked common dolphin. A pod of killer whales who regularly swim in irish waters are feared to be in danger of dying out due to pollution. Cork whale watching is amazing and defo worth doing, colin our guide was brillant, we left the dock at 10am and arrived back at 2. Whale of a time boat republic of irelandcorkcloyne. Whaling in ireland stranded whales were, of course, very important in medieval times. Whale watching holiday to ireland whales worldwide. Marine whale watch tour boat blasket islands ferry dingle ireland. The tour is informal and casual with experienced skipper and crew and wildlife guide on board. Visit ireland eire, take a whale watching vacation to ireland eire, and enjoy a whale watching trip in ireland eire. If you do not see any whales or dolphins, we will be unable to rebook you in. Two blue whales cruise the waters 80100 nautical miles off irelands south coast. Marine tours whale watching tours ireland dolphin watching.
The content of this website represents the views of the authors only and is their sole responsibility. Being prepared for your whale watch and knowing what to expect can help make your trip a successful one. Whale watching trips ireland whale watching day trips. Filming humpback whales off irelands south coast with cork whale watch duration. How to watch whales and dolphins irelands wildlife.
Whale watch west cork boat tour agency baltimore, ireland. Cetacean, the collective noun for our three types of marine mammal species. Filming humpback whales off ireland s south coast with cork whale watch duration. It has all the advantages mentioned above, plus users to your site can conveniently access it directly on your site. All whale species seen in this part of ireland range over an area between cape clear and the old head of kinsale but may frequently be seen feeding in company and with common dolphins in attendance.
Groups of fin whales arrive in late june and feed over a period of some seven months. Irish killer whales feared to be in danger of dying out. Whale watching in ireland and whale watching in west cork in particular has now reached a high point for whale and dolphin watching enthusiasts the world over. Sep 15, 2017 whale watching with nic and west whale and dolphin tours. Dingle bay eco tours is a 4 hour boat tour of the blasket islands and dingle bay with the opportunity to see whales, dolphins, seals, basking shark in season, puffins and other marine wildlife and view the wonderful seascapes and landscapes off the west coast of ireland along the wild atlantic way. Welcome to blasket islands eco marine tours, your irish wildlife tour specialist for whale watching and dolphin and bird watching trips on the dingle peninsula,co kerry, ireland. Ireland baltimore west cork whale and dolphin boat trip casper aerial videos. I would much appreciate any help and contact details to travel agentsprivate trip organisers etc. The voyage took us out to the fastnet rock, close to a feeding frenzy of diving gannets and great numbers of manx shearwaters. Mar, 2014 the whalewatching trip was my first experience on southwest irelands new tourist. You will travel in fully licensed, comfortable, clean, safe, high speed craft ribs, the resident friendly dolphin may decide to join you on route to the last port of call for the titanic. Whale watching is one of those activities use the calendar to check trip availability. The irish air corps captured some phenomenal images last week when they encountered fin whales and two incredibly rare blue whales in irish waters near the continental shelf edge about 80100 nautical miles off irelands south coast.
Whale watching in west cork, ireland with colin barnes cork. Of the impressive 25 cetacean species that have been recorded in ireland, a hefty 17 have been seen along the wild atlantic way, with eight considered either common or occasional visitors. Follow these tips to get the most out of your experience. Keep an eye out for humpback, fin and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, rissos. Glide past slea head, the westernmost point of europe, then cruise out to the blasket islands and look out for humpbacks whales, dolphins, seals, basking sharks and puffins. Eco marine wildlife and dolphin whale watching boat tours around the blasket islands blasket island ferry dingle peninsula, west kerry, ireland.
Ireland baltimore west cork whale and dolphin boat trip youtube. This is one of the most popular boat tours in ireland and gives you a chance to see dublin like youve never seen it before. The summer schedule runs from 1 april to 30 october inclusive. Whale watch west cork baltimore all you need to know. Marvel over the startling coastal scenery as you drive along ireland s wild atlantic way, then hop aboard for a memorable cruise around the bay. Whale watching in ireland irish whale watching west cork. Whale watching with nic and west whale and dolphin tours. Sep, 2012 two blue whales cruise the waters 80100 nautical miles off irelands south coast. Whale watching in west cork, ireland with colin barnes. All tours depart from baltimore, harbour, west cork on board voyager daily between april and november sea conditions permitting. Back in 1991, ireland s biologically diverse waters were declared a whale and dolphin sanctuary, the first of its kind in europe. Here, in the spectacularly beautiful atlantic waters of dingle bay, we regularly encounter at least five species of cetaceans whales and dolphins, with porpoises. Whale watchingseeing some of the largest animals on earth in their natural habitatcan be a thrilling activity. The word does little to explain and illustrate the excitement that a sighting of these species produces amongst the passengers on a boat or the walkers on a lonely cliff top.
Irelands southwest coast is one of the easiest places in the world. The whales and dolphins of southwest ireland tour destination. There are other species of whales in irish waters, the most common hereabouts being the minke whale and there being a total here of 17 different species of whale and 6 of dolphin with just 1 of porpoise. West cork is now recognised as one of the best places in europe to go whale watching and you get the dolphins thrown in for free. Return via open sea with chance to see dolphins, minke whales, basking shark in season and other species including humpback whales occasionally. Here, in the spectacularly beautiful atlantic waters of dingle bay, we regularly encounter at least five species of cetaceans whales. Overview dingle bay eco tours is a 4 hour boat tour of the blasket islands and dingle bay with the opportunity to see whales, dolphins, seals, basking shark in season, puffins and other marine wildlife and view the wonderful seascapes and landscapes off the west coast of ireland along the wild atlantic way. West cork is now recognised as one of the best places in europe to go whale watching and you get the dolphins. The possibility of an increase of whales into our waters is a continuing subject for debate. Whales worldwide unique whale and dolphin encounters.
In small family groups or in pairs, these fast moving. The irish government declared the coastal waters of ireland a whale and dolphin sanctuary during the early 1990s. Whale watching when you think of going whale watching you may think of far off countries such as canada or australia, however you may be surprised to learn that there is a great deal to see a lot closer to home. To be honest northern ireland is not really renowned for whale watching. Whale of a time caters for family fun, corporate hire and whale and dolphin watching. Multiaward winning whale watch west cork runs responsible whale and dolphin watching tours led by. This year ive seen quite a few porpoises and even dolphins around the north coast but thats not all that common although obviously boat sightings are more common. Restrictions whale and dolphin weekend break in west cork experience has no restrictions. Minke whales may be seen in pairs or small feeding groups during may. The winter schedule runs from 01 november to 31 march.
Ireland baltimore sherkin island cape clear duration. Viking splash tours is a guided tour on an amphibious bus thats right, its a road and seamobile. These oftenspotted species range in size from the small harbour porpoise to the planets second largest animal, the glorious giant fin whale. Dolphin watching galway west of ireland boat trip the. The whalewatching trip was my first experience on southwest irelands new tourist. Visitors to your site will appreciate you offering them help with planning their vacation. If you think a 6day vacation in ireland without the typical crowds and highseason prices costs a pot of gold, think again. Bbc travel whale watching on irelands newest coastal route. It will be the highlight of your irish and west cork holiday experience.
Travel through ireland s rugged landscapes and welcoming locales during the off season and see your luck change. Glide past slea head, the westernmost point of europe, then cruise out to the blasket islands and look out for humpbacks whales, dolphins, seals. All are welcomed to enjoy one weekend of watching marine wildlife. Whale watching in ireland irish whale watching west cork ireland. The tour is informal and casual with experienced skipper and crew and wildlife guide. There are 12 tours going to ireland, with the most popular time to go being may, which has the most number of tour departures. Whale watching trips ireland whale watching day trips ireland. Fin whales are the second largest creature on the earth after the blue whale. Responsible tourism award winner whale watch west cork runs responsible whale and dolphin watching tours led by zoologist and conservationist dr nic slocum.
Dolphin and whale watching tour from dingle dingle town. Marine whale watch tour boat blasket islands ferry dingle. Mar 02, 20 whaling in ireland stranded whales were, of course, very important in medieval times. The first of its kind in europe, this paved the way for whale watching. Click the button below and complete the bookingenquiry form for your. Hi all, im coming to dublin on wednesday and im trying to arrange a nice boat trip for a group of friends to watch whales, seals andor dolphins. Restrictions whale and dolphin watching weekend has no restrictions. Since that time according to the irish whale and dolphin group, 25 species have been recorded, ranging in size from the small harbour porpoise to the giant fin whale.
Aug 23, 2016 humpback whale breaching off the west cork coast, may 2016 ireland one of europes whalewatching hotspots shortbeaked common dolphin. The whale watching season in southwest ireland is long with a number of different species being seen from april through to december. Whale watching in ireland is a growing tourism activity. The whales we are likely to encounter during our whale watching tours vary with the time of the year. Some of the finest whale and dolphin watching encounters around the globe occur in some of the remotest and most difficult to access locations whales worldwide specialise in getting you to those difficult to get to destinations. Our priority this trip is to show our passengers marine ecosystems and the marine habitats of not only cetaceans but also the extensive bird life around the blaskets including the always. Ireland baltimore west cork whale and dolphin boat trip. I have found some tours from west ireland but couldnt find anything directly from dublin. Whale watching northern ireland message board tripadvisor.