5 Cork seafaring folk who want to take you wildlife spotting this summer
There’s more to the sea than just the beach.
Just beneath the surface, there is a whole other world that we humans are infinitely mesmerised by.
And if you’re a curious catfish wanting to uncover the mysteries of the ocean, a day of wildlife spotting off the coast could be the highlight of a weekend away or a lasting memory for families.
Whatever your motivation, heading out on a boat to spot marine life will leave you feeling revived from all that salty air and connected to the world around you. From wildlife exploration in Baltimore to snorkelling adventures in Robert’s Cove, Ireland’s coastline offers a huge range of activities, especially in the summer.
So strap on your lifejacket, get your boat shoes out of storage, and put yourself in the capable hands of one of these coastal experts:
1. Cork Sea Safari
Take off from Crosshaven and head to Robert’s Cove, Nohoval and Newfoundland Bay in search of a variety of marine bird life as well as sleepy grey seals and basking sharks. You might even catch some common and bottlenose dolphins playing on the way back.
The Wildlife and Coastal Exploration tour departs from Crosshaven at 10.30 am, May – September. Tickets are €55 per adult or €40 per child.
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2. Whale Watch West Cork
Irish waters were made a whale and dolphin sanctuary in the 1990s. Since then, over 24 species have been recorded in Irish waters and Cork has become a destination for whale-watching enthusiasts the world over.
See how many you can spot as you set sail from Baltimore Pier with Whale Watch West Cork this July, and say hello to the seasonal Atlantic Sunfish and basking sharks (they’re very friendly with the local seafarers).
You’ll have to wait until later in the year to catch sight of fin and humpback whales, however, as they typically make an appearance from September-January. The tour leaves Baltimore Harbour daily at 9.30am and 2.15pm for a four-hour tour.
Tickets are €55 per person, available from the website here.
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3. Atlantic Whale and Wildlife
If you love watching birds coast on the wind and hunt for prey, check out the Marine Wildlife Tour with Atlantic Whale and Wildlife tours in Courtmacsherry.
You’ll spot wading birds including oystercatchers, bar-tailed and black-tailed godwit, whimbrel, curlew, grey plover, dunlin, redshank, grey herons, egrets, several species of duck and perhaps even brent geese.
Look out for the soaring black-headed, black-backed, herring and common gulls and cormorants. When on the water you’ll be able to make friends with some gannets, Manx shearwaters, puffins, razorbills and kittiwakes.
In late summer and autumn sometimes spot great, sooty and Corey’s shearwater along with great, long-tailed, pomarine, and arctic skuas. The Atlantic Whale and Wildlife Tours start at €60 per adult for a 3-4 hour tour.
Times vary depending on sea conditions, so check out their website here for times and contact info.
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4. Oceans of Discovery
Get up close and personal under the sea with a snorkelling lesson at Oceans of Discovery. The ‘Try a Dive’ three-hour lesson lets you experience underwater life without having to commit to a course, and you can practice in a pool or the sea.
After learning the basics, head out on a relaxed fun dive around Robert’s Cove (no deeper than five meters)- this is your chance to experience all Scuba Diving has to offer and marvel at an array of local marine life.
Oceans of Discovery is located in Roberts Cove, just a short drive from Kinsale town. Lessons are €110 per person. More details can be found on their website here.
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5. Wild Atlantic Wildlife
Kayak in Adrigole Harbour, and paddle in the sheltered waters where seals will follow your kayak and curiously bob their heads out of the water to see what you’re about.
You can hire your kayak from Wild Atlantic Wildlife from 10am till 4pm daily during the summer months of June, July, and August.
Prices start from €15 per person or €25 for a double or triple canoe. For more info on Kayaking with the Seals check out their website here.
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