Special Experiences: Wildlife
Itinerary WL-1: Whale & dolphin watching in West Cork from GBP 369 per person for 4nts
There is something truly special in observing large marine mammals in their natural environment and since the Irish government declared the coastal waters of Ireland a whale and dolphin sanctuary during the early 1990's, the area of West Cork has become established as a renowned destination for lovers of these magical animals.
Our short break includes two half day boat trips with an expert resident marine biologist, and with four nights in the attractive coastal village of Baltimore you will also have plenty of time to relax and explore more of the beautiful coastline of West Cork.
What you might see
Coastal waters off the southwest of Ireland are a summer feeding ground for a number of whale species - Baleen Whales commonly seen off the south coast include Fin Whales and Minke Whales, which makes whale watching in Ireland some of the best whale watching in Europe. In recent years over 12 cetacean species have been seen in the clear, unpolluted West Cork. The area also plays host to resident populations of Common Dolphins and Harbour Porpoises and in addition, there are frequent sightings of other dolphin species at different times throughout the year including Bottlenose Dolphins and Risso's Dolphins. There are some opportunistic sightings of Killer Whales (Orca), Long-finned Pilot Whales, White Beaked Dolphins and Atlantic White Sided Dolphins. Other marine mammals regularly sighted on these wildlife boat tours include both the Atlantic Grey Seal and the Common Seal.
When to go
While Porpoises and Common Dolphins are resident, Minke Whales arrive off this coast starting in May. Fin Whales traditionally arrive in June or July. Both species continue through August into the autumn. The less predictable Humpback Whales traditionally arrive during August or the early autumn months.
The whale-watch experience
Your vessel is a comfortable, well-equipped, twin-engine catamaran, built specifically for whale and dolphin watching tours off West Cork and is licensed to carry 12 passengers and 2 crew by the Department of the Marine. She is fast and stable and has all round excellent visibility, ideal for whale and dolphin watching tours. With a toilet on board, facilities for making hot drinks and a spacious wheelhouse with seating, passenger comfort is assured. You should dress warmly and bring any food or drink you may require.
The two trips depart from Baltimore harbour, a short walk from the hotel. Your guide is a very experienced skipper and marine wildlife expert. He has also drawn up a code of conduct for whale watching to encourage best practice in conservation and education in the whale watching business.
Your Hotel
Just on the outskirts of Baltimore, this traditional inn features a bar area crammed with memorabilia of years gone by, leading into a bright and airy restaurant. Sup on sumptuously-fresh seafood as you gaze out to the boats bobbing on the water, or chat over a Murphy’s with the locals. Rooms are extremely spacious, and neatly decorated with splashes of cheery colours. A feeling of being beside the seaside pervades the place, and the welcome is every bit as friendly as you’d expect.
Prices & Dates
This holiday is available from mid-May to end October 2010.
The price is £369 per person for October, £389 per person for May and £429 per person for June, July, August & September, for 4 nights on a bed & breakfast basis, which includes two half day whale-watching boat trips.
Travel to Ireland
We would be delighted to book your travel to Ireland for this holiday.
The most convenient ferry routes are the overnight Swansea to Cork service or the Pembroke or Fishguard to Rosslare day time services.
There are direct flight connections to Cork from many UK airports including London airports, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, Manchester, Luton, Southampton and Edinburgh.
Note for wildlife trips:
We of course cannot guarantee that you will see any of the wildlife described - these are wild animals and as such cannot be called to order, and no refund will be made if you are unlucky enough not to see any of the animals described, despite the very best efforts of the guides.
All our holidays include a map of Ireland with recommended routes from your specified starting point, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday.
All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.
The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee
All our holiday prices include a service charge of £8 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.
We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.
