The best kept secret is out! Cape Clear Island is one of the world's best bases for whale & dolphin watching trips. The seas around and beyond Cape Clear Island are full of life, from the amazing and harmless Sun Fish to the ferocious Orca, the killer whale. During the summer of 2007 you didn't even need to go on a trip because large numbers of that gentle giant the Basking Shark swam into the South Harbour and could be watched from the hostel windows.
The best time to go whale & dolphin watching is from June through January, when you have a good chance of seeing Minke, Humpback, Sei & Fin whales. Common Dolphins are resident in these waters throughout the year. Seals of the common and grey variety also abound in these seas. Occasionally, if you are very lucky, you will see Sperm whales, Blue whales and even Orca (the killer whale).
There are a number of operators offering Whale & Dolphin watching trips in the waters off Cape Clear, from the famous Colin Barnes to The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, but the big news this year is that Cape Clear Island now has its own boat, The Liscannor Star, which offers Whale & Dolphin watching trips and coastal cruises. Fortunately all of the operators tend to keep in close contact and tell each other when and where Whales are spotted.
West Cork has a truly remarkable and beautiful coastline and is also ideal for bird watching and you have a great chance of seeing sea birds that you would not see from the land. And last, but not least, it is a real treat to see the Fastnet Lighthouse, the last teardrop of Ireland, up close.
