Whale Watching in West Cork

Year after year minke whales, fin whales, and humpback whales return along with several species of dolphins to feed in West Cork's rich waters.

Minke whales are the first to return in spring and feed here until December.  During the summer they are joined by the fin whales, returning from their winter breeding grounds.  Weighing in at seventy tons, they are the world’s second largest animal.  

Colin'slocal recording efforts have contributed significantly to the Irish fin whale catalogue over the last ten years, this unique resource now contains 41 known individuals.
http://www.iwdg.ie/iscope/sightings/photoID.asp?species=2104

Humpback whales may be seen at any time between summer and winter months. They are

perhaps the most popular species amongst whale watchers due to their elaborate behavioural repetoire. Colin's work has also made a significant contribution to the Irish Humpback whale catalogue http://www.iwdg.ie/iscope/sightings/photoID.asp?species=2103

One humpback, first observed from the ‘Holly Jo’in 2001, named ‘Boomerang,’ has returned to the same West Cork waters in seven of the last eight years (2001 - 2008). Boomerang is easily recognisable by his damaged dorsal fin and the unique pattern on the ventral surface of his tail fluke.

Dolphins

Common dolphins are as the name suggest are the most frequently cetacean observed in summer, autumn and winter, often in large groups with their calves.

The harbour porpoise is also a commonly observed small cetacean in West Cork. Bottlenose dolphins are occasionally seen. Every year brings occassional visits from Risso’s and Atlantic white-sided dolphins.