Whale Watching Extravaganza off Courtmacsherry, Co Cork -18th July 2018
West Cork’s potential as a whale watching hot spot has been known for quite a few years now. Images of Fin whales and Humpback whales have become common place in the waters between Galley head and Mizen head confirming Irleand’s reputation as being the best place in Europe to see whales. What has become apparent in 2018 though is that the waters south of Courtmacsherry and the Seven Heads peninsula, east as far as the Old head of Kinsale have just as much potential as the rest of West Cork.
For the past month tourists have been treated to a whale watching extravaganza which would be fitting of any David Attenborough documentary. Pods of Minke whales 70 strong , Uncountable numbers of common dolphin and of course the iconic Humpback whale have been gorging on bait fish just south of the seven heads peninsula, and all of this is less than a 50 minute boat trip from Courtmacsherry pier on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Mark Gannon, owner of “Atlantic Whale and Wildlife Tours” says he has been left with his “draw dropping” on numerous occasions over the past week. “What we are seeing really is spectacular. The humpback whales in particular have been thoroughly entertaining. We have seen these animals breaching fully out of the water at times. They have also been tail fluking, slapping their pectoral fins and even some “spy hopping”. On one occasion we witnessed some incredible “Bubble Netting”. This is a feeding technique of these ocean giants whereby they blow bubbles beneath the surface in order to corall the bait fish into a tighter bait ball. This is followed by a huge lunge to the surface to swallow their prey. It really is as sight to behold.”
Mark has been running an angling Charter business from Courtmacsherry for over 30 years. He has always had an inkling as to the potential of the coast off Courtmacherry as a wildlife hot spot. He said “ on angling trips we would have often seen whale activity out here. But to be honest , when were fishing we wouldn’t have taken that much notice. Earlier this year I decided that we needed to tap into the potential of this area so we started running whale watching trips. And I am glad to report that my suspicions were accurate. This is a real hot spot for whale activity. Its only now when we are actively looking for whales that we are seeing its true potential. It is one of the best places in Ireland to see these animals”
The area has been enjoying a long run of whale activity and people are being urged to get out there while the going is good. Local guide and wildlife fanatic Christopher O’Sullivan explains what its like to come upon a feeding frenzy. He said “Usually it’s the seabirds that are the give away. If we see a cloud of Manx Shearwaters and Gannets we know we are in business. Then the dolphins begin to take interest in the boat and when they start “Bow Riding” it is a joy to behold. The kids go crazy!” Although the Humpback whales are undoubtedly the star attraction it’s the numbers of Minke whales that have impressed Christopher. He continued “on one trip we had over 70 Minke whales. To see them surrounding the boat and lunge feeding in these numbers is very impressive. They may not be as big as the humpback but they can still grow up to 10 meters and when they are present in such numbers it really is impressive.”
Christopher said “We are trying to support the efforts of the IWDG also. When it comes to our humpback sightings we send all our tail fluke and dorsal fin images to the IWDG sightings officer so each animal can be identified and matched. On a recent trips we successfully photographed HBIRL53, an animal that was last reported off the Kerry coast in 2016 and is now basking in the sun off Courtmacsherry. We have also photographed HBIRL75, 79, and 85. Recording these sightings and behavior is our way of contributing to the science and conservation of these animals.”
For more information on how to witness this spectacular event with Atlantic Whale and Wildlife Tours visit www.atlanticwhaleandwildlifetours.com or visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Atlanticwhaleandwildlifetours
Call 0879016534 for bookings.