A Journey of Nature, Friendship, and Discovery
Crew : skipper Pat, first mate Lucia, biologists Hélène and Izabella, Angie, Anne, Donal and Nicky
Some adventures leave an indelible mark on your soul, and this week aboard the Celtic Mist was undeniably one of them. With a crew united by a shared love for wildlife and camaraderie, we embarked on an unforgettable journey to discover the wonders of the ocean. From breathtaking marine encounters to dramatic seascapes, and meaningful moments shared with new friends, here’s the story of our week at sea—an experience we’ll treasure forever.
Saturday: The adventure began on a relaxed note with the crew’s arrival in the late afternoon in Bantry. After shopping for the essentials, the new crew was introduced to their home for the week. Excitement buzzed in the air as they explored the boat, and later that evening, a dinner at a local restaurant gave us the perfect chance to break the ice and get to know each other. Conversations flowed easily, filled with anticipation for the days ahead. Between conversations, laughter, and shared stories, the group began to bond. The warmth of this first evening set the tone for the bonds we would forge over the coming week.
Sunday: The morning started with an unforgettable surprise. While sipping coffee, we were treated to a close-up of a curious otter enjoying breakfast right next to the boat—a delightful moment that felt like a good omen. After breakfast, our skipper and first mate held a safety briefing, and we talked about the protocol we’d follow during our wildlife observation efforts. Soon after, we were ready and set sail in Bantry Bay. With a gentle breeze guiding us, we raised the main sail and embarked on our first hours at sea. That day we only had a few sightings but it was still magical. The first porpoise of the week and a mother-and-calf pair of common dolphins were the highlight of the day. The conditions were ideal, offering a perfect introduction to both sailing and marine observation. Our day wrapped up with a cozy dinner followed by a choice between a movie or a trip to the local pub (or both), ended by a heavy rain that escorted us back to the boat.
Monday: Monday brought a change in weather, with strong winds in the bay that kept us from sailing. But instead of letting the storm cloud our spirits, we shifted gears and enjoyed a day ashore. After an insightful discussion on marine mammals, the skies cleared, the sunshine allowed for a delightful lunch and we headed to Bantry House, where we explored its stunning gardens and estate. We had a lovely time at the tea room enjoying nice drinks and stocked up on vitamin D. The rest of the afternoon was spent swimming, walking, and sharing stories, surrounded by laughter and good energy. The day ended with a lively evening as we welcomed neighboring sailors to join us. It was their first voyage on their new boat, and the night turned into a celebration full of storytelling, joy, and new connections. We all went to bed early, knowing tomorrow promised a long and exciting journey.
Tuesday: We set off at 5 a.m., sailing into the darkness for what would be our longest day at sea. The early hours greeted us with calm waters, but as the day progressed, the wind picked up and the sea became rougher, making wildlife observation difficult. However, the dramatic landscapes made up for the challenging conditions. We passed Bull Rock, the Skellig Islands, and towering mountains—views so majestic and wild they seemed almost otherworldly. After 15 hours at sea, we arrived in Knightstown on Valentia Island, exhausted but deeply satisfied. Unbeknownst to us at the time, this arrival fulfilled a long promise and dream of Angie’s, who had wished to herself to return to Valentia by sail. After a simple dinner and a delicious cheese platter, we all retired for the night, content after a long but fulfilling day.
Wednesday: With strong winds persisting, we decided to stay ashore for the day, but we didn’t let that stop our fun. We started by a shower at the camping and than wandering through the island, making a stop for some warm drinks at a local bar before visiting the very interesting Transatlantic Cable Museum. Exploring the lighthouse and gardens offered more opportunities to immerse ourselves in Valentia’s history and beauty. Along the way, we chatted with friendly locals, gaining insight into the island’s unique character. Just as the day seemed complete, another otter made an appearance, having dinner and adding a touch of wildlife magic to our shore day. The evening was filled with competitive games of Qwirkle, where Izabella proved her mastery of the game -our Qwirkle Queen!- only for us to discover that some crew members had been secretly practicing earlier in the week to get an edge, leading to a lot of laughter and teasing!
Thursday: We set sail from Valentia at 7 a.m., greeted by choppy seas but still good conditions for observation and it became a day we would never forget. What began as a single dolphin sighting quickly turned into a frenzy of activity. The sea was full of life : seabirds, including gannets and shearwaters, plunged into the water as dolphins danced alongside the boat, playing joyfully in our wake. It felt like we were in the middle of a wildlife spectacle. Suddenly, we spotted a distant but unmistakable lunge feeding (whale feeding at surface) —an exhilarating sight that spurred us to approach cautiously. Surrounded by birds and dolphins, a curious minke whale emerged, swimming closer to us. This was a dream come true for Nicky, whose wish had been to see a minke during our journey. The day’s tally? Five minkes, fifty dolphins, and hundreds of gannets, all performing in an awe-inspiring natural ballet. After an hour of wonder, we resumed our observation route toward Dingle, closing out the day with one final porpoise sighting. We celebrated our week and the natural beauty that surrounded us that evening with pints, delicious pizza, and the excitement in the air for something completely different – the sound of Fred Again performing a DJ set next door. With one last celebratory drink, we toasted to a magical week filled with wildlife, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
We sailed for more than 30 hours, spending 16 hours on effort (looking for animals) and enjoying amazing landscapes along the coast. We spotted many animals, otters, harbour seals, harbour porpoises, minke whales and mostly common dolphins. We also enjoyed feeding frenzy and the scenery of the southwest coast.
This week aboard the Celtic Mist wasn’t just about sailing and adventures on the open seas; it was a profound connection to nature, a shared experience with wonderful people, and a series of moments that reminded us of the magic in the world around us. From the early morning sails to the quiet moments of reflection, we built memories that will last a lifetime. We left the sea behind with full hearts, knowing we had shared something truly special. This experience wasn’t just about the destination, but about the friendships and moments we’ll carry with us long after the journey ends.