Watching the whales of West Cork

Ireland’s south coast is fast becoming one of Europe’s whale-watching hotspots, and in early August I was reminded just how amazing it can be. I’d heard through the grapevine that there was a lot of minke whale activity off the West Cork coast, so I booked a place aboard a trip with Cork Whale Watch ([You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Skipper Colin Barnes’s expertise soon paid dividends when he spotted a huge cloud of gannets ahead. As we approached the birds, we could see common dolphins moving beneath them, which was thrilling enough. Then: wham!

A minke whale broke the surface, the front half of its body clearing the water as it lunged through the shoal of juvenile
herring at some speed. Everyone on board was rendered speechless. Then it happened again… and again… and again.

There must have been at least six minke whales hitting the shoal, with dozens of common dolphins, thousands of gannets and masses of manx, sooty and even some great shearwaters getting in on the feeding frenzy. It was an unforgettable wildlife moment, and some truly world-class whale-watching.

What I wouldn't give to swim with whales and dolphins. I love them so much.

Hugs

JO xx