Shearwater Cruises offers exciting skippered cruises to the offshore islands and peaceful bays of South West Ireland. Any one could join comfortable cruising yacht "Seadrifter", and spend a relaxing week sailing along the south west coast visiting Cape Clear Island, the Bull Rock, the dramatic Skellig Rocks and the Blasket Islands.

The cruise offers a unique chance to see great numbers of seabirds at close quarters as the islands are home to huge colonies of gannets, shearwaters, stormy petrels, puffins and terns. You could have a chance to see sightings of whales and dolphins.

Each cruise is planned to suit the individual group, and there are opportunities to explore remote islands, swim or snorkel, learn about navigation and enjoy a cruising holiday.

Experience the magic of sailing in unpolluted waters, with magnificent scenery and peaceful, secluded anchorages. Enjoy good food ashore in one of the delightful harbours we visit each evening or relax and dine on board - the choice is yours. For children there are lovely beaches and the joys of shrimping and catching fish.

The owner and skipper is an experienced offshore sailor, who has completed over 80,000 miles and holds an Ocean Masters Ticket. He is also a keen ornithologist, with an intimate knowledge of the natural history of the area.

"Seadrifter" is a Victory 40 ketch designed by Van de Stadt. She is an exceptionally strong, spacious and comfortable cruising yacht with 6 ft headroom. Six to eight people can be accommodated in three cabins with two heads providing showers and hot and cold water throughout. The large covered centre cockpit offers shelter in less favourable weather. She sails well and also has a large Perkins diesel engine, which motors her with ease through any seas.

Shearwater Cruises, Seaview Farm, Kilbrittain, Co. Cork, Ireland

Tel: +353 (0)23 49610, e-mail: johnpetch@eircom.net  

If trip like this is not for you, then relax in comfort with Harbour Cruise which is approximately 1 hour long.

Enjoy commentary and music as they cruise the crystal blue waters of Kinsale, one of the most beautiful and protected harbours and historical locations in all of Ireland.

Learn about Kinsale's rich history and the sinking of the Lusitania a few short miles off Kinsale’s coast.

The new luxury vessel The ‘SPIRIT of KINSALE’ is comfortable in any kind of weather and is fully licensed by the Department of the Marine. She is equipped with comfortable lounge seating and carpeting, full bar and snacks, and a stereo system.

Trips are daily scheduled and have a price 9 euros per person. Tel: 021-477 8946,

mobile phone: 086-250-5456, e-mail: jeromelordan@utvinternet.com