Dolphin Spotting in Cardigan Bay
Did you know that the UK’s largest resident population of dolphins live in Cardigan Bay?
To increase your chances of spotting these beautiful sea creatures, the summer months are best, with New Quay being a hotspot for boat trips going out to visit the bottlenose dolphins. And if you’re really lucky, an orca or humpback whale may even pass by!
New Quay Boat Trips
For a great day out dolphin spotting we recommend New Quay Boat Trips. Dolphins can be seen all year round but in Cardigan Bay, it’s almost guaranteed!
Based just a 25-minute drive from Aberporth and 35 minutes from Cardigan Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips are the original New Quay Boat Trip. They have been operating from New Quay harbour for almost 70 years. Trips are fun and educational and suitable for all ages. They run 1hr, 1.5hr and 2 hr guided dolphin and wildlife trips.
You’ll not only learn about dolphins and other sea animals such as the Atlantic grey seals but you’ll also meet passionate local people looking to share their expertise through sustainable tourism trips that support coastal and island communities.
Data gathered on your trip by the Sea Watch Foundation will improve the monitoring project of Cardigan Bay. All skippers are experienced boat masters who know a thing or two about the local hotspots for wildlife, together with their enthusiastic crew guides they will tell you what they know about the local area.
History of the Company
The company is run today by Winston Evans and his son Jonathan, Winston who is now 84 started crewing with his father on the Ynys Enlli in the 1950s pictured below.
Despite the company’s heritage, they boast New Quay’s newest dolphin spotting boat ‘Dreamcatcher’, she is a beautiful twin-hulled cheetah catamaran powered with twin 250hp Yamaha outboard engines. Twelve passengers can purchase seats or she can be chartered. There is no restriction on the time of day you can charter the Dreamcatcher, she can be chartered for between 1 and 3 hours. Her powerful twin engines can whisk you to a private beach to dive from the purpose-built platform or if you prefer to cruise gently along the coast enjoying a drink while your favourite music plays through the sound system each private charter can be tailored to your preference.
Multiple vessels are available, all with cushioned seating, some are partly sheltered and WC is available on some boats. They run all day every day weather permitting, the 1-hour dolphin spotting trip being the most popular. They urge customers to book early to avoid disappointment, particularly on the Dreamcatcher due to the passenger limit of twelve.
Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips, Main Pier, New Quay SA459NW
