And if this video, taken off the coast of Baltimore in West Cork, is anything to go by, there are some incredible sights out there in our nation’s waters.

Yesterday, Youen Jacob decided to get up close with the gentle giants that are a regular visitor to our shores - a basking shark.

And it’s not just sharks that have been spotted off the coast - there have also been numerous whale sightings.

Whale-watching operator Baltimore Sea Safari, yesterday posted a video of encounter that they rank as one of their top wildlife sightings ever.

After coming across some basking sharks, dolphins and a quick visit to the sea cave, they headed out in search of whales.

After a thrilling encounter with Minke whales, with one that circled and played near the boat, there came word of a humpback sighting.

As they approached the area, the humpback whale breached the water.

Despite some camera difficulties, they were able to capture the incredible moment on a phone

"Once on location the whale entered into a full repertoire of tricks and put its full might and body mass into the display.

The whale spent ten minutes putting on a show for the visitors, tail slapping and pectoral slapping - one which they won’t soon forget.

"The display of power by the Humpback whale off Baltimore today had everyone in awe, it was a truly great encounter and ranked as one of my top wildlife sightings ever… We were truly honored to see such an amazing display off Baltimore and the islands.

"A day that all aboard are unlikely to forget."

Okay, time to head to West Cork. Meet you there?

H/T: breakingnews.ie