Hook Heritage Ltd., Hook Head, Co., Wexford, Ireland

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group

This rare sighting of a humpback whale off Hook Head, in Co. Wexford, was captured by Padraig Whooley of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group.

In Jan 2010 - they chartered a boat after they'd heard reports of a number of Fin whales and a Humpback off Hook Head in Co. Wexford.

They were met with the majestic and rare sight of giant humpback whale exploding out of the water.

Humpback whales are amongst the largest creatures on earth. They can grow to 50 feet long and can weigh 40 tonnes.

YouTube footage.

Boat owners intending to try to see the whales should be aware of the Marine Notice 15 of 2005 - "GUIDELINES FOR CORRECT PROCEDURES WHEN ENCOUNTERING WHALES AND DOLPHINS IN IRISH COASTAL WATERS".

Latest news and pictures from Irish Whale and Dolphin Group.

The whales made a welcome return to The Hook in 2011 and we are sure they will take their annual vacation here again in 2012.