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.

While the Cliffs of Moher are world-famous for birdwatching (specifically puffins), it is indeed possible to spot whales from the clifftops, though sightings are less frequent than those of smaller marine life. The most common sightings from the cliffs include Minke whales and occasionally Humpback whales, particularly during the late summer and autumn months as they migrate. You are much more likely to see Basking Sharks (the world's second-largest fish) during the spring and early summer when they feed on plankton near the surface. Bottlenose dolphins and Common seals are also frequently visible in the waters below. For the best chance of a sighting, visitors in 2026 are advised to bring high-powered binoculars and look for "blows" or disturbances on the water's surface on calm, clear days. Many tourists also opt for a "Cliffs from the Sea" boat tour, which brings you closer to the water level where marine life is easier to distinguish.