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What it is: the opportunity to see some of nature's most magnificent marine animals against a stunning backdrop.
Whale watching trips are popular with tourists, locals and visiting cetacean (whales and dolphins) experts who hope to catch a glimpse of dolphins, whales, turtles, seals and seabirds off the Irish coast.
What it isn't: damaging to the environment or the animals if you choose your tour operator with care. Whale Watch West Cork is committed to marine conservation and research and to ensuring its impact on the marine environment is minimal.
It endeavours to educate all visitors about marine conservation and the dangers to whales and dolphins posed by human behaviour. It also runs a subsidised research programme for university students.
What it entails: the waters of west Cork provide ideal feeding grounds for many marine animals which come in close to shore in search of food.
Twelve visitors can be accommodated on each tour and the trips take between three and four hours.
Whale Watch West Cork has an 84 per cent success rate of spotting dolphins and whales.
The waters are also home to the Atlantic grey seal and the common seal as well as harbour porpoises. Chance sightings of Orcas (killer whales), long-finned pilot whales, sharks and turtles also occur.
A humpback whale named Boomerang appears occasionally.
What you need: warm clothing - the air temperature at sea can be two or three degrees colder than on land. Any food or drink you require, although tea and biscuits are provided on board. Binoculars and a camera - you will definitely want to remember this trip.
Lifejackets are provided and the catamaran has safety rails, a wheelhouse (for bad weather) and high standard safety equipment, so it's chi ld friendly.
What they say: ''We see a beautiful coastline and wildlife that you may never see again in your life. There is something for everyone, dad can be a bird watcher, mum a whale watcher and the kids will get to see sunfish [the world's largest bony fish] up close.
You are assured of seeing something which is fascinating. It's unusual not to see any whales or dolphins, but there is amass of other fascinating things out there and a beautiful coastline." - Dr Nicholas Slocum of Whale Watch West Cork.
When to go: May to December. The best months are between May and August when visibility is generally good and the waters hold the greatest variety and numbers of species.
May and June are good times to spot Minke whales and July and August are the best months to sight Common dolphins.
At the end of June and during November you have a good chance of seeing Fin whales (second only to the Blue whale in size). Sightings of BottleNosed dolphins and Risso's dolphins take place throughout the season.
Who to contact: Dr Nicholas and Wendy Slocum at Whale WatchWest Cork, www.whale watchwestcork.com or on 02833357/086-120 0027.
Trips are also organised from Inchydoney Lodge and Spa in Clonakilty, West Cork, on 023-33143 or www.inchydoneyisland.com.
Families, corporate groups and schools can all be catered for. Nick Slocum has a PhD in Zoology and has been diving and sailing the waters of Ireland and Britain for 20 years.
The boat departs from Reen Pier near the village of Union Hall. During July and August there are three trips a day.
Union Hall is a 90-minute drive from Cork city. The company can provide you with information on accommodation in the area.
Cost: €50 per adult and €35 per child, though if you have several kids they may cut you a deal.
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01 April 2007 By Ruth O'Connor, Sunday Business Post