Sea Safari Adventure with Bantry Bay Boat Hire in Cork
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the boat has stable seating and minimal physical demand.
Overview
Set sail across Bantry Bay’s 21 nautical miles with Bantry Bay Boat Hire and encounter dolphins, seals, and Whiddy Island’s historic shores on a thrilling two-hour boat tour.
Sea Safari
Expect to encounter dolphins, seals and learn about the history of the bay from your Skipper.
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About This Adventure
Embark on an exhilarating boat tour through Bantry Bay, exploring 21 nautical miles and the historic Whiddy Island. With a skilled skipper, encounter playful dolphins, porpoises, and seals while learning about the local wildlife. This unforgettable 2-hour adventure promises stunning coastal views and the thrill of nature's wonders.
This is an exciting new boat tour aboard our RIBs which will enable us to explore approx 21 nautical miles of Bantry Bay area and around the historic Whiddy Island. Suitable for 10 year olds and older.
One of our skilled skippers will take you to sights of interest while teaching you about the habitat of the beautiful wildlife we come across. We would expect each trip to encounter dolphins, porpoises and seals. Depending on the season sightings of humpback and minke whales have been recorded but are not as abundant as the dolphins in Bantry.
The trip lasts about 2 hours and covers almost 25km of coastline.
A minimum of 5 passengers is needed for the trip to depart. This will be confirmed 1 hour before the scheduled departure. Customers will have a choice to be rescheduled or refunded.
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Adventure Tips
Dress for Changing Weather
Bring waterproof layers even in summer as sea conditions can change rapidly.
Bring Binoculars
Enhance wildlife spotting with binoculars to catch distant dolphins and seals.
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to get settled and hear pre-trip info from your skipper.
Mind the Sun
The reflection off the water intensifies sun exposure; wear sunscreen and sunglasses.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Common dolphins
- Harbour seals
History
Whiddy Island once served as an oil terminal and played a strategic role during the 20th century, adding depth to the coastal landscape.
Conservation
Local operators promote responsible wildlife viewing to minimize disturbance to marine animals and protect Bantry Bay’s delicate ecosystem.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cork
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof Jacket
Protects from sea spray and sudden rain.
Binoculars
Improves distant wildlife and landscape viewing.
Sunglasses
Reduces glare from water and protects eyes.
spring|summer|fall specific
Non-slip Shoes
Ensures safety on wet and uneven boat surfaces.