Dolphin Spotting in New Quay, West Wales

The beautiful coastline of Cardigan Bay has the largest population of dolphins in Europe, boasting 60 miles (96km) of coast, 30 beaches and a bottlenosed dolphin population of more than 250.
Located in the heart of Cardigan Bay is New Quay, where hundreds of bottlenose dolphins are resident in the waters all year round, peaking between April and October. Two resident groups of bottlenose dolphins in the UK can be found here.

About New Quay's Bottlenose Dolphins

  • Bottlenose dolphins grow to around 4 meters in length and can weigh more than 400 kilos.
  • They can live for more than 40 years and produce only one calf in three years.
  • Social creatures, bottlenose dolphins travel in groups called "pods" of around 10-15.
  • Bottlenose dolphins are super swimmers and can reach speeds over 30km an hour and dive as deep as 250m below the surface.
  • As carnivores, bottlenose dolphins eat mostly fish, but will also eat crustaceans such as shrimp and squid.

Where to Spot Bottlenose Dolphins in New Quay

Bottlenose dolphins are present in New Quay, West Wales all year round. Also visiting are Atlantic grey seals, razorbills, gannets, shearwaters, cormorants, shags, and guillemots, with a sunfish, basking shark, minke whale, humpback whale and the leatherback turtle also putting an occasional appearance.

The best way to see the bottlenose dolphins in New Quay, West Wales is by boat, getting closer to their natural environment. There are plenty of daily Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips available, where the experienced skipper knows the habits and locations of the dolphins.

The dolphins often come close to the boat, even with their young, giving an unforgettable experience. Their frequent socialising and feeding activities are visible above the water as bottlenose dolphins can breach over four meters in the air, creating spectacular displays.

Cardigan Bay is a Special Area of Conservation and Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is a great place to visit.

Best Time to See Bottlenose Dolphins in New Quay

Dolphins are wild free-ranging animals so there is no guarantee of sighting - but April to October are the best months with early morning, evening and immediately after high tide being the best time.

The summer months are when dolphins are in Wales, with New Quay being one of the hottest spots for them, until they migrate to the Isle of Man for winter.