Cork Whale Watch is Ireland’s longest established and most experienced whale watch operator, running dedicated trips year-round in West Cork. We continually explore new grounds, inshore and offshore, searching for whales and dolphins. In taking a trip with Colin Barnes you are tapping into 45 years of his experience as a former fisherman, whale-man and a conservationist with a genuine appreciation for and understanding of the ocean, its biodiversity and the ecosystems within it. Since 2001, Colin has built an international reputation, second to none, in finding whales and there is nobody that can explain the processes at work quite like him. These skills, combined with his legendary boat-handling, provide world class encounters with some of the largest creatures on the planet. We are only a 90 minute drive from Cork City and within easy reach of Kinsale, Bandon, Clonakilty, Rosscarbery, Leap, Glandore, Union Hall and Skibereen.

In joining skipper Colin Barnes on the Holly Jo you are embarking on an adventure that will both stimulate your senses, as well as challenge much of what you thought you knew about whales and whale watching in Irish waters. Our 4-5 hour trips “in search of giants” will take you inshore to view grey seals and harbour porpoises, before venturing offshore in search of common dolphins and some the planet’s largest animals. Our reputation is based on providing world-class whale encounters right here in West Cork, with minke whales, fin whales and even humpbacks on occasion. Our passion for finding large whales takes us to new grounds and our guarantee is that we will make every effort to ensure you have the best whale watch experience possible. The wildlife combine with the landscapes and birdlife to make this experience a highlight for many wildlife enthusiasts visiting Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. We look forward to meeting you at Reen Pier. See our 5 star reviews on TripAdvisor.

Local

Eat and Drink

• The Church Restaurant - Skibbereen (4.6 miles) - The Church Restaurant is located in the heart of Skibbereen Town in West Cork. Steeped in history, i...
• Glebe Gardens & Cafe - Baltimore (9.8 miles) - The Glebe is a café, restaurant, public gardens, farm shop, and venue. We are a family run business...
• Richys Restaurant & Rcafe - Clonakilty (13.7 miles) - Richy's Restaurant offers a warm and relaxing atmosphere where one can sip a glass of wine from ...
• Oconnors seafood restaurant Bantry - Bantry (16.0 miles) - Oconnors seafood restaurant in Bantry Westcork is a well renowned award winning restaurant. In the l...

See and Do

• Cork Whale Watch Union Hall (0.0 miles) - Cork Whale Watch is Ireland’s longest established and most experienced whale watch operator, runni...
• Glebe Gardens & Cafe Baltimore (9.8 miles) - The Glebe is a café, restaurant, public gardens, farm shop, and venue. We are a family run business...
• Clonakilty Park Adventure Centre Clonakilty (13.1 miles) - Be prepared to swing, climb, jump, scream, laugh, drop around Clonakilty’s exciting new Aerial Tre...