It was a breath-taking moment nobody in the boat will ever forget - the sight of a humpback whale the size of a bus leaping clear out of the crystal waters off the coast of West Cork.
One of nature's most spectacular sights was caught by a passenger on a whale watching trip out of Courtmacsharry on Saturday.
The video shows a humpback what, which can grow to around 15 metres in length and weigh around 25-30 metric tonnes (bigger and heavier than a single-decker bus) leap clear of the water and roll in the air before crashing back into the sea, CorkBeo reports.
Mark Gannon of local operators Atlantic Whale and Wildlife Tours said it was a once in a lifetime moment for everybody aboard the boat.
"It was spectacular, it was so close to the boat, a rare, rare sight, to see it right by us," said Mark.
"You'll see a lot of whales around at the moment, we've had humpbacks and Minke, lots of dolphins, the place is alive right now.
"And we see a lot going on every day."
"But to see a full breach with a twirl like that, right up close, is special. Everybody on the boat was absolutely delighted."
Mark says a local wildlife photographer caught a similar moment in almost the same spot on virtually the same day two years ago.
"It was very like that, we don't know if it's the same whale but it could be".
Humpback whales migrate up to 25,000kms each year in search of food and to mate and give birth and many have been tracked following the same migration route year after year.
The video was caught by Michelle Kinkaid, one of the visitors who were out on the boat with Mark and you can hear the sheer delight of everybody who was lucky enough to see this majestic animal leap clear of the water.
The tour operator, who has been involved in angling charters and whale watching boats for four decades in West Cork, said this summer has seen a lot of Irish people holiday at home for the first time in years.
"Obviously, we're not getting the foreign visitors coming so it's all Irish people.
'And a lot of them are saying that they had never been out in a kayak or on a boat or just getting out on the water in Ireland and they are finding it a great experience.
"I think this summer is allowing people to explore their own country again and they love what they are finding. It could change a lot of attitudes," he said.
