IWDG Member's Whale Watch trip/survey, Baltimore, W Cork

These surveys are a great opportunity for current IWDG member to learn more about cetacean ecology, biology, how to observe and identify some of our most frequently observed marine species. The aim is to encourage IWDG members and participants to become more actively involved in recording cetaceans in Irish waters and in so doing to help our charity (CHY11163) to protect whales and dolphins and their habitats Irish waters.

Please note our research vessel the MV Charrig Mhór (orange colour boat) departs from the main pier in Baltimore, the coordinates for which are 51.482855 N, -9.374934 W (see red dot on map below). You should aim to meet at the pier at 10:15am latest, allowing ample time for car parking, as spaces during the busy holiday periods are at a premium and you may find the main car park near the pier is full.

Pre survey welcome, introduction and safety briefing by IWDG Sightings Officer, Pádraig Whooley at Baltimore Pier.

These surveys will incorporate the stunning seascapes and scenery that will include the iconic Fastnet rock and fabulous locations such as Cape Clear Island and Roaringwater Bay. But the focus as always will be on searching for and recording the large whale species that West Cork is renouned for, such as minke, humpback and fin whales, and who knows what else!

Minke whale, lunge feeding on sprat. This is our smallest rorqual and can be seen as early as late March through to Christmas. During the early season in particular April-June, they can be seen in very large, loose feeding aggreagtions.

The humpback whale is our most iconic whale, with a varied behavioural repertoire. They can be seen in West Cork from April through to November. These monthly surveys are an opportunity to help IWDG build on the Irish humpback whale Photo ID catalogue, which has to date documented 117 recognisable individual humpbacks in coastal Irish waters; many of whom have been recorded in local west Cork waters.

The fin whale is the planet's second largest animal, reaching lengths of 60-75ft and may be found in low numbers feeing throughout Summer, Autumn and Winter. Here we see three fin whales sounding off Galley Head on the eastern boundary of our monthly surveys.