7 Budget-friendly Things to do in Baltimore That You Shouldn't Miss

Baltimore Sea Safari is a family run boat trip business from Baltimore in West Cork, Ireland, providing coastal sightseeing tours, with whale, dolphin, porpoise, seal and wildlife watching. Our aim is to introduce our passengers to the outstanding beauty of the West Cork coastline, while looking out for the wildlife that may be in the area. The waters off Baltimore offer the perfect environment to see whales, dolphins, porpoise, basking shark, seals and a wide variety of seabirds. We operate in an area of exceptional unspoiled natural beauty within Carbery Hundred Isles, Roaringwater Bay (which is a designated Special Area of Conservation SAC) and the Ilen River, which are home to the most diverse range of sea and bird life to be seen anywhere in Ireland. During our boat trips we provide an informative commentary on the sights of interest, and on the fascinating history of the area and its wildlife. We visit seal colonies on all of our boat trips, and the shallow draft and high manoeuvrability of unique boat allows us to take passengers into sea caves previously used by smugglers and pirates. During all of our boat trips we collect data on the wildlife that we encounter, logging times, numbers, behaviour, positions and take photos for photo ID where ever possible. This data is shared with other agencies, groups and universities to help develop a better understanding of the whales, dolphins, porpoise, basking sharks, seals, ocean sunfish and other wildlife that frequent the waters around the West Cork coastline. We also have an onboard Hydrophone for listening to the sounds of the sea. Even though we have a good record for whale, dolphin and wildlife sightings, they are not guaranteed.

Responsible tourism award winner - Whale Watch West Cork runs responsible whale and dolphin watching tours led by zoologist and conservationist Dr Nic Slocum. All tours depart from Baltimore, Harbour, West Cork on board Voyager- daily between April and November (sea conditions permitting). Each tour takes you around the beautiful islands and headlands of West Cork,stopping at Cape Clear Island affording visitors an insight into the unique lifestyle of the islanders of Roaring Water Bay. Our overseas arm, Whales Worldwide, runs exclusive wildlife holidays to unique destinations including Baja, Maui, Patagonia and Sri Lanka to watch whales responsibly in their natural habitats. Each tour is personally guided by Nic Slocum with a maximum of ten like-minded guests per holiday. We are dedicated to providing each of our customers with a safe, comfortable and educational whale and dolphin watching experience. We seek to impart accurate knowledge on the marine mammals and other wildlife we encounter and on the wider issues of marine conservation through informed commentary with special emphasis on the current threats facing these unique animals and their fragile environment. We directly support conservation measures through education and research.

Activities in and on the water include scuba diving (for qualified divers / clubs & groups), whale & dolphin watching tours, Fastnet Lighthouse sunset tours and guided snorkel tours. Located in the centre of the village of Baltimore (opposite the Baltimore Harbour Leisure Centre / Pool). Special offers available for those also staying in the Stone House B&B.