Other Marine Wildlife in West Cork

There is always something wonderful to observe when out with Colin.

If whales are hard to find given reasonable weather conditions Colin generally produces a range of species which you would not think possible in these waters.

Most trips have sightings of Ireland's smallest cetacean, the harbour porpoise, and common dolphins are present during summer, autumn and winter often to be seen in large groups with their calves.  Every season brings sporadic visits from Risso’s, Atlantic white-sided and striped dolphins.

Also resident are Atlantic grey and common seals, most often seen basking on any of the beautiful uninhabited islands of the area.

The seals are here all year round and will be seen on every trip.

West Cork waters are home to both oceanic and coastal sea birds, seen in thousands on WHALE WATCH trips, often in association with feeding whales and dolphins. On any one trip up to 20 species might be observed.  

Colin can help identify all the species found here and is a fountain of knowledge on their ecology, and, yes, Colin's passion for birds is as infectious as his passion for marine mammals.

There are also possibilities of brief encounters with migrants such as basking sharks (late spring, early summer), leatherback turtles and sunfish during the summer months.