WATCH: Minke Whales, Puffins, Razorbills and Guillemots delight tourists on Rathlin Island boat trips
Kintra Boat Tours guide Steph Jackson says she knows how much tourists appreciate seeing nature at its rawest.
But she also knows, it cannot be guaranteed during their boat trip.
The cruise across the Atlantic to Rathlin Island, where grey seals bask on rocky shores and towering lighthouses guard the coastline is magical.
She said that with fresh air, breathtaking views, and unforgettable wildlife encounters — this is Rathlin at its most magical.
"But we cannot guarantee what people will see,” she said.
"At the moment the Minke Whales are around and they are incredible.
"Seeing them makes our lives a lot easier too. It makes everyone’s day.
"Minke Whales are the smallest species of whale and are 7-10 metres long roughly
“They are pretty impressive.
“We have also been getting dolphins occasionally, but again you cannot promise because people get disappointed if they don’t show up”.
Located just six miles off the Antrim coast, Rathlin island hosts the region's largest seabird colony with over 250,000 birds.
Tens of thousands of Puffins, Razorbills, Guillemots, Kittiwakes, and Fulmars flock to the island's spectacular cliff faces from April through early August to breed.
Steph said Kintra Boat Tours go out two to three times a day.
“It is busier in the summer obviously with the children off school,” she said.
“Around Rathlin and the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge we see a nice bit of bird life.
"Generally speaking to see Puffins we usually go around the lighthouse in Rathlin because we can get quite close up to the cliffs to see the birds.
"As well as Puffins we also see plenty of Guinawotts, Razorbells and Gannets.”
For more information see Kintra Tours