A Week Aboard the Celtic Mist: Wildlife, Waves, and Winds
Crew: skipper Mick, first mate Paul, biologists Hélène & Maeve, Antoin, Brian, Karen & Maureen
Sailing the Irish coast aboard the Celtic Mist promises breathtaking encounters with wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and the ever-changing moods of the Atlantic. What began as a week of hopeful navigation and exploration quickly turned into an unforgettable journey filled with unique challenges and rare moments of beauty. From the windswept harbour of Dingle to the playful dolphins and a majestic whale, this adventure was about more than just the miles we sailed—it was about the experiences that brought our crew together, both on the water and ashore. Despite the weather’s best efforts to keep us grounded, our time aboard the *Celtic Mist* became a celebration of connection, discovery, and the wild spirit of Ireland’s coastal waters.
Day 1
Our week began as the crew boarded the Celtic Mist, ready for adventure and discovery. After settling in and exploring the boat, we enjoyed the local weekend regatta before stocking up on supplies for the week. The day ended with a delicious meal from a nearby chipper. Over crispy fish and chips, stories were exchanged,a perfect start to getting to know each other and setting the tone for the coming days.
Day 2
Sunday marked our first true day of sailing, and the crew was eager to get underway. After a lovely breakfast, we gathered for a safety briefing and a discussion of the day’s plans. It was a hands-on start, as everyone had a role as we left the marina. For many, this was the perfect time to learn basic sailing terms, such as bow lines, stern lines, or manage fenders.
As we sailed toward the Blasket Islands, the calmness of the morning made for smooth sailing. The sea was almost serene, and seabirds were abundant. We were captivated by the sight of Manx shearwaters and gannets diving gracefully into the ocean in search of fish. The birds were a prelude to the wildlife we hoped to encounter.
Approaching Great Blasket Island, the sea began to change, with the swell growing larger. Spotting cetaceans became increasingly difficult due to the rolling waves, but then, like a flash, a Risso’s dolphin broke the surface. Although its appearance was brief, it stirred excitement throughout the crew. The dolphin quickly disappeared beneath the waves, and with the swell worsening, we made the decision to turn back towards safer waters.
It proved to be the right choice. Once in calmer seas, we were greeted by groups of common dolphins. They were incredibly playful, darting towards the boat and riding the bow wave. It was a magical experience as the dolphins leaped and frolicked around us, offering an unforgettable close encounter with these incredible creatures.
The day took an even more thrilling turn when we spotted the blow of a humpback whale in the distance. We deviated from our course to get a closer look. As we neared the area, we cut the engine and waited, anticipation building. Minutes later, the whale surfaced for air right behind the boat, treating us to a spectacular display of lunge feeding. The sheer size and power of the humpback were awe-inspiring.
We lingered for some time, hoping to capture a photo of its distinctive tail for identification purposes. Though the whale resurfaced several times, it never showed its fluke, and eventually, it slipped back into the depths, leaving us with memories that would last a lifetime. The dolphins continued to play around the boat, but as the day drew to a close, we headed back to the marina, already buzzing with stories to tell.
Day 3
The winds picked up overnight, and Monday greeted us with blustery weather that kept us in Dingle marina. Although we couldn’t sail, the day was far from wasted. After a well-deserved lie-in, we split into smaller groups to explore the charming town. Some chose to tour the famous Dingle Distillery, learning about the local craft of whiskey-making, while others wandered the winding streets, stopping at Murphy’s for a scoop of their renowned ice cream.
Later in the day, we reconvened aboard the Celtic Mist for a presentation on the different species of cetaceans that inhabit Irish waters. The talk was both informative and inspiring, as the crew learned about the various whales, dolphins, and porpoises -and tried to answer Karen’s questions. As evening fell, we embraced the Irish tradition of music at a local pub, enjoying live music and the warmth of the local culture.
Day 4
Tuesday’s forecast offered no reprieve from the high winds, and we made the difficult decision to abandon our goal of reaching Bantry by week’s end. While the weather kept us confined to Dingle, spirits remained high. The crew found ways to pass the time—some discovered the distillery-not the same as yesterday, of course-, others explored the coastal paths, braving the wind for a walk and a glimpse of seabirds in flight.
In the evening, we celebrated Karen’s exciting news—her offer on a new house had been accepted! The boat buzzed with joy as we gathered for dinner, followed by the classic game of Qwirkle, a favorite among the crew. The laughter continued well into the night, with a spontaneous jam session on the guitar with the neighbours. It may not have been the day we had planned, but it was one filled with good company, laughter, and shared experiences.
Day 5
Wednesday dawned with strong winds once again, forcing us to remain in port. The morning was spent at a slower pace. Some crew members caught up on work or reading, while others ventured out to visit the Blasket Islands Centre, delving into the history and culture of the islands we had sailed near just days before.
After lunch, we gathered aboard the Celtic Mist for a special talk by Antoin from Fairseas, a conservation organization dedicated to protecting marine life in Irish waters. His presentation shed light on the environmental challenges facing marine ecosystems and the efforts being made to create Marine Protected Areas. It was a poignant reminder of why we were out on the water—to observe, appreciate, and protect these incredible creatures.
The rest of the day was spent enjoying each other’s company over games of Qwirkle and a hilariously unsuccessful attempt to master Texas Hold’em poker. The evening was punctuated by the sound of wind whistling through the rigging, adding a sense of coziness to our onboard dinner. A lighthearted photo shoot using Brian’s toy camera wrapped up the day with laughter.
Day 6
The winds finally began to ease on Thursday, and we seized the opportunity for a short outing into Dingle Bay. Although the sea was still rough, we managed to spot numerous seabirds and even a curious grey seal who popped up near the boat. However, the conditions proved too rough for effective wildlife observation, and after an hour, we returned to the safety of the marina.
The afternoon was relaxing —some crew members indulged in reading, while others wondered around town. The evening offered a choice between more games aboard the boat or a visit to a pub for traditional Irish music. The atmosphere was relaxed as we reflected on the week’s adventures, both on and off the water.
Day 7
On Friday, we reluctantly began preparing for our departure. The morning was spent cleaning the boat and ensuring everything was in order. As the afternoon rolled around, the marina buzzed with energy as the weekend regatta kicked off. Watching the rowing race in action was a fitting end to our time in Dingle.
In the evening, we enjoyed a final meal together at a local restaurant, followed by one last pint at the pub. It was a bittersweet farewell, as we celebrated the week’s experiences—though the weather had limited our time at sea, the encounters we had with wildlife were nothing short of spectacular. We left with new friends, cherished memories, and a deep appreciation for the wild beauty of Ireland’s coastal waters.
Over the course of the week, we spent about 10 hours navigating, with 6 of those hours dedicated to searching for wildlife. Though it was a relatively small amount of time on the water due to the weather, we were fortunate to witness some incredible sights: a majestic humpback whale, a Risso’s dolphin, and approximately 70 common dolphins.
As we look back on our week aboard the *Celtic Mist*, it’s clear that the journey was shaped by far more than just the sea conditions or the number of miles covered. Instead, it was the laughter shared during downtime, the thrill of spotting a humpback whale on the horizon, and the bond formed among the crew that truly defined this adventure. While the winds may have kept us close to shore, the memories we made and the wildlife we encountered will stay with us long after we’ve returned to land. This week was a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary experiences come not from the plan we set out with, but from embracing the unexpected and making the most of every moment.