Look out for marine life in the waters directly off the Cliffs, from plankton in April and May to the second-largest fish on the planet; the Basking Shark. Sea mammals below the Cliffs include whales, basking sharks and seals and you may even be treated to the sight of a dolphin pod on a calm day.

Yes, it is possible to see whales at the Cliffs of Moher in 2026, though they are a rarer sight than dolphins or seals. The nutrient-rich waters of the Atlantic off the County Clare coast attract several species, most notably Humpback whales and Minke whales, which are typically spotted between late summer and early winter. While the 120-meter height of the cliffs provides a great vantage point, spotting them from land requires high-powered binoculars and a very calm sea. In 2026, many visitors opt for boat tours from Doolin or Galway to get a closer look at the marine life. While "Puffins" are the primary animal attraction at the cliffs (nesting between April and July), the waters are also home to Basking Sharks and Harbour Porpoises. If you are "very lucky" as local guides say, you may see the blow of a distant whale from the O'Brien's Tower lookout. However, whale sightings are opportunistic and not guaranteed, making them a "magical bonus" to the dramatic geological scenery of Ireland's most famous coastal attraction.