Fungi the Dingle Dolphin

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Experience a Swim with Fungi

Its a rare experience to be able to swim with a dolphin. Here in Dingle Bay you have the opportunity to hire wet suits, gloves, boots, fins, a snorkel, & goggles and avail of a two hour long boat trip out to see Fungi in he's natural environment. Once you arrive at the mouth of the harbour you can jump in and spent time swimming around while you watch dive in and around you. Many visitors have come back time and time again to experience the joy and pleasure they get from such an experience. Details of where to hire wet suits and take a boat trip out to Fungi can be found below.

Fungi the Dingle Dolphin - General Information

In 1984, a young bottle-nosed dolphin started to appear at the mouth of Dingle Harbour. The now world-famous dolphin has remained in Dingle since, and has become both a friend to the locals and a great "attraction" for visitors.

Christened "Fungi" by the local fishermen, the male dolphin lives and plays within a small area at the mouth of Dingle Harbour, overlooked by the lighthouse. A small cave under the cliffs at Burnham is thought to be his home, and from dawn till late night, Fungi is always around to welcome boats, trawlers and yachts to the Town.He is a curious and friendly animal, and has been photographed bringing gifts to divers of still living fish, clasped gently within his jaws. But to show his freedom, Fungi never accepts gifts from divers, or fish thrown from returning trawlers.

Fungi rarely ventures far from the mouth of the harbour, a fact that has baffled scientists and specialists. A simple explanation given is that at the time of his arrival, the body of a young female bottlenose was washed up locally. Dolphins are thought to show great fidelity in their relationships, and may only have one mate for life. Every June and July, schools of dolphins are to be seen in the area, although usually further offshore, and once or twice Fungi has been seen playing with these groups. His much-publicised fling with a young dolphin, named Smokey, was expected to cure his love sickness. Unfortunately, Smokey left, and Fungi stayed.

It is rare that humans can interact with these beautiful animals, but Fungi has swam and jumped and played with us. He has remained wild and free, existing in his own area at the mouth of Dingle Harbour, playing in the bow waves of boats and launching himself out of the water to startle and excite the crowds. He has warmed the hearts of the thousands of people that have travelled from near and far to see and swim with him.

Boat trips to see Fungi leave from the top of the pier in Dingle Town. Trips last approximately 45 minutes. There is a money back guarantee if our friend fails to appear, but don't worry as this guarantee has never had to be paid out!

Wet suits are available to rent during the summer season.

Brosnans offer wet suit hire for a 2 hours at €25 and for an extra €25 you can take a boat trip and swim with Fungi (2 hour duration). NB: Prices here are as of 2006

The Wet Suits come in all Sizes with Gloves, Boots, Fins, Snorkel, & Goggles as standard.

Each suit comes in a convenient carry bag for easy handling

Boat trips leave Dingle pier all day, every day, all year round to see Fungi, wild and free in his natural habitat. On the two hour early morning swimming trips from 08.00 to 10.00, the visitor has the chance to swim with Fungi in the peace and tranquility of Dingle Harbour.

All bookings and enquiries are taken at the head of the pier from a central booking office. Several boats depart from the harbour all day long so there is plenty of room for everybody. Life jackets are given to all as standard.

Nicki Woodford - UK - Date: 2007-06-05

"I stayed in dingle last year with my husband for a long weekend.  It was absolutely beautiful (we were lucky with the weather as well and came home looking like lobsters).  We went on a boat trip each day and the swimming trip and can highly recommend it."

Oonagh Dennehy - UK - Date: 2007-06-15

"Fungi was mountains of fun to watch. He is not at all shy, he is a master showman. He will swim alongside boats and enjoys being noticed.  Kids and grown ups love him as he glides along by the vessile jumping, twirling and enjoying himself. He is a great character and he is waiting to entertain you trust me on this!"

Sue dennehy - UK - Date: 2007-06-15

"I have just been to see Fungi and he is  gorgeous. Deep blue in colour and quite a size. He swam between our boat and another boat and even swam in front of our boat when we went backwards out of the bay - probably to swim in the warm water coming out the back. Next time I want to get in and swim with him properly.  He obviously loves it there. A star! "

Rebecca Middleton - UK - Date: 2007-06-19

"My auntie and I have been holidaying in Ireland for the past 3 years.  One of our highlights two weeks ago was a boat trip from Dingle Harbour to see Fungi. He was amazing and well worth seeing. I would recommend anyone to go and see him".

Bev - UK - Date: 2007-07-02

"I came to Dingle nearly 12 years ago and swam with Fungi, he looked straight into my eyes and I made a wish.  I am returning again this year hopefully to see him again and am bringing my wish with me, my 11 year old daughter.  Can't wait to see him x"

Candida mulhall - UK - Date: 2007-10-30

"I went to see Fungi a couple of years back and he was such a delight to watch, ive seen him 2 or 3 times before as me and my family have been going to ireland every year since i was 11 and im now 21. Id definately go back and see him again".

kerry clarke - (Bognor Regis) UK - Date: 2008-03-22

"I swam with fungi back in 2003 when I was on honeymoon in ireland it was just out of this world it was a amazing feeling to be so close to such a wonderful animal every time I think of that time it makes me smile I have a large photograph of fungi above my fireplace with his ever lasting smile"

Tom and Val UK - Date: 2008/5/17

"On Thursday May 15th we took the boat trip hoping to see Fungi as the highlight of our holiday.Imagine our delight when ,not only Fungi,but 30 or more other dolphins appeared.There were babies and adults and groups of several together leaping and swimming around and under the boat.It was one of the most magical experiences we have ever had and worth every penny of the fee.even the boatman said he had never seen so many at once.Thank you."