Bottlenose Dolphins Cardigan Bay Wales
Cardigan Bays is home to one of only two resident groups of
Bottlenose Dolphins in the UK.
Estimates to the number of Dolphins in the Bay vary but a figure of 127
is often quoted
Click on the dolphin[ left] to hear the 'chirp' sound
it makes.
The dolphin picture [right] is making a typical 'clicking' sound.
All About Dolphins
Bottlenose Dolphins grow to around 4 meters in
length and can weigh more than 400 kilos.
They live for more than 40 years and produce only one calf in three years.
They cruise at around 10km / hour with a maximum speed of 40km / hour.
Watching dolphins in their natural
environment is always a magical experience. Into The Blue gives you
the opportunity of taking a two hour boat trip and visiting these majestic animals
in their home waters off the coast of Wales.
All trips are organised in association with Marine Connection, a charity
aiming to protect and study marine mammals, as well as inform the public
on the importance of these protected species, in particular the need
to appreciate dolphins in their natural habitat and not in
sea life attractions and zoos. As Marine Connection says: "You do
not need to touch a dolphin to be touched by a dolphin".
As well as the dolphins there is also a huge display of marine
wildlife which varies depending on which location, and time of year,
you visit. Species sighted include bottlenose, common and Risso dolphins
and throughout the colder months there is also the opportunity to see
some of the larger whales, including fin and minke. (whales are not usually
sighted at the Welsh location)
Money raised from these trips supports vital research work on the marine
mammals that frequent these areas and other marine projects and campaigns
worldwide.
New Quay Wales (April to October)
Trips depart from New Quay on the west coast of Wales. Bottlenose dolphins
are present all year round, along with the Harbour porpoise who is
also a frequent visitor to the area. The coastline between New Quay
and Cardigan has always been noted for its marine wildlife
which also includes grey seals. During the summer months sun fish
are also regular visitors. Unfortunately whales are not usually seen
at this location.
Experience Summary: The experience
lasts approximately two hours. Each boat carries a maximum of 12 passengers
with full commentary and interaction between crew and passengers. All boat
operators follow strict codes of conduct to ensure no disturbance is caused
to marine wildlife you encounter.
Availability: From April to early October, usually with
am and pm start times available. Trips are very popular in the summer, so
please allow plenty of notice for booking. If your trip is cancelled due
to the weather, you will be re-booked for another suitable date.
Requirements: The minimum age is five. Pregnant women or
heavily overweight customers cannot be accommodated. The viewing of specific
species cannot be guaranteed. All passengers should dress warmly and wear
low flat shoes. Passengers are asked to arrive 30 minutes before departure.
Location: New Quay, west coast with
good access from the A487.
Spectators and Facilities: This activity is not suitable
for spectators however, they are welcome to watch the departure and return
of the boat. There are great opportunities for photographing the marine life.
It is possible to spot dolphins almost anywhere as you explore the beautiful coast of Cardigan Bay. The best places to observe them are:
- Cardigan Island Farm Park
- National Trust Beach at Mwnt
- Ynys Lochtyn at Llangrannog
- New Quay.
Or why not try
Winston Evans Boat trips from New Quay beach.
Remember dolphins are wild free ranging animals so there is no guarantee of a sighting. May to November are the best months. The best times being early morning, evening and immediately after high tide.
The New Quay Dolphin Monitoring Group have been observing dolphins in order to learn how they use their remarkable sound faculties as a sensory tool, a hunting weapon and a means of communication.From the observations made in New Quay Bay, the bottlenose dolphin population appears to co-exist with groups of Atlantic grey seals and harbour porpoises using the same habitat.