Wildlife

The Shannon Estuary is alive with wildlife – from playful resident dolphins to visiting humpback whales, curious seals, otters, and a rich variety of seabirds. Every trip brings a new chance to witness the magic of nature up close.

Dolphins

The Shannon Estuary is home to a very special group of resident bottlenose dolphins — not just occasional visitors, but a population that lives here year-round. What makes them especially fascinating is that they are genetically distinct — meaning they’re not the same as the dolphins off other parts of Ireland or Europe. The Shannon Dolphin Project, run by the Irish Whale & Dolphin Group (IWDG), has been watching, studying, and protecting these dolphins for decades. They use photo-identification (that’s taking pictures of dorsal fins and other unique marks) so they can tell individual dolphins apart, track who’s who, who’s born, and how families change over time.

Seals

The Shannon Estuary is an important home for Atlantic grey seals. They can often be spotted resting on quiet beaches, offshore rocks, and sheltered islands such as Scattery. Summer is a lively time when pups are born, but seals can be seen throughout the year, either hauled out onshore or bobbing in the water with just their curious heads peeking above the waves.

Birds

The Shannon Estuary is a paradise for birdwatchers, with everything from seabirds nesting on the dramatic Bromore and Ballybunion cliffs to rare species soaring over Scattery Island. Bromore Cliffs (Ballybunion, Kerry) is part of the Lower Shannon SAC (Special Area of Conservation), and it’s recognised as a prime wildlife area.As we sail along the cliffs you can spot guillemots, fulmars, cormorants, ravens and rock doves. On Scattery Island, birds of prey like kestrels and the rare hen harrier can be found, while shorebirds and other seabirds make use of the island’s varied habitats. Together, these sites showcase the incredible variety of birdlife that makes the estuary such a special place for wildlife.

Conservation & Sustainability

Our Commitment to Sustainability & Conservation

At West Coast RIB Adventures, we’re lucky to call the Shannon Estuary our home – a place full of dolphins, seabirds, seals, and spectacular coastal landscapes. With that privilege comes responsibility, and we take our role in protecting this environment seriously.

EXPLORE TOURS

OUR ECO-PROMISE

Respecting Wildlife

Our tours bring you close to dolphins, seals, seabirds and more in their natural habitat – always on the animals’ terms. We follow the IWDG Code of Conduct for Responsible Whale and Dolphin Watching, keeping a safe distance and avoiding sensitive areas. This ensures our tours are respectful, sustainable, and enjoyable for everyone.

Working with Conservation Groups

We’re proud to share sightings and support research by organisations like the Shannon Dolphin Project. Their work monitors individual dolphins and family groups that live here year-round. Every trip helps raise awareness and contributes to their conservation efforts.

Minimising Our Impact

Our vessels are maintained to run cleanly and efficiently. Skippers reduce idle time, limit fuel use, and we’re exploring more sustainable technologies for the future. Onboard, we encourage reusable water bottles and a waste-free experience.

Sharing Knowledge

Our crew love pointing out wildlife, explaining the estuary’s ecosystems, and sharing stories about the birds, dolphins and seals that call this place home. We want guests to leave with not just memories, but a deeper appreciation of this unique environment.

Caring for the Future

The Shannon Estuary is a Special Area of Conservation, and we want it to stay that way for generations to come. From local clean-up projects to greener operations, we’re committed to keeping our adventures kind to the environment as well as exciting for our passengers.