Wild about Sea Life, Passionate about Dolphins
Dolphin Watch UK started as a hobby in childhood, an infatuation you might call it, that’s become a way of life an adulthood. Im very lucky to be able to work with some of the top skippers in the UK with countless years of experience to deliver a day to remember and if you bring your camera the photos to prove it. Although we specialise in Dolphin Safaris, we also hope to see other beautiful marine life including Seals, Porpoises, Seabirds and theres always a chance of Sharks, Sunfish and even Whales….
Check out our dolphin counters to see how the skippers are getting on in finding them in the different ports the we currently run from.
We work closely with skippers, their crew and other boats to maximise the chances of giving you an exceptional day and whilst sadly its not always possible, these are wild animals after all, luckily the OFF days are very few and far between.
To find out more about why we use the Boats and Skippers we do and to see some of the fantastic animals we are lucky enough to see while we are at sea, click the below;
Brixham
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Fowey
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St. Ives
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MARINE LIFE WE SEE
WHAT YOU MIGHT SEE AND SOME INTERESTING FACTS
A little glimpse into what you can expect to see out on the trips. Some like the Common Dolphins, as the name suggests, we see regularly. Others like Risso Dolphins, White Beaked Dolphins and Minke Whales not so much, but still in enough numbers to add to our list and it makes it even more special occasion when we do. Give the links a click to find out a bit more about each one.
Common Dolphin
Delphinus Delphis
These energetic dolphins are often spotted in large groups which will approach boats, bowriding and leaping alongside. At sea, they can form superpods - huge groups made up of thousands of individuals!
Bottlenose Dolphin
Tursiops Truncatus
The largest and most commonly sighted dolphin in British seas. UK bottlenose dolphins are the biggest in the world - their large size helps them cope with our chilly waters!
Lagenorhynchus Albirostris
Look out for the distinctive white beak that gives this energetic dolphin its name. Don’t be surprised to see them breach and bowride too!
White Beaked Dolphin
Grey Seal
Halichoerus Grypus
The larger of our two UK seal species, the curious face of a grey seal bobbing in the waves is a familiar sight all around the British Isles. Catch them in profile and you'll see how they got their scientific name, Halichoerus grypus - it means hook-nosed sea pig!
Thresher Shark
Alopias Vulpinus
The thresher shark is a migratory species and passes through UK waters in the summer months. If you’re lucky, you might see this magnificent shark jump high out of the water in to the air.
Sunfish
Mola Mola
The ocean sunfish is the largest bony fish on the planet and visits UK seas during the summer months to feast on jellyfish.
Basking Shark
Cetorhinus Maximus
This gentle giant is the largest shark in UK seas, reaching up to 11m in length. There's no need to fear them though, they only eat plankton!
Risso Dolphin
Grampus Griseus
Risso’s dolphins are mysterious creatures usually only found in deep, offshore waters. however we are still lucky enough to see these from time to time.
Minke Whale
Balaenoptera Acutorostrata
The UK's smallest whale, the minke whale, is notoriously inquisitive around boats and is even known to breach clear of the water. Beware though - their fragrant breath has given them the nickname Stinky Minkes!
Harbour Porpoise
Phocoena Phocoena
The smallest and most numerous UK cetacean. Listen out for the loud "chuff" as they come to the surface to breathe - giving them the nickname "Puffing Pig"!
Common Seal
Phoca Vitulina
The smaller of our two UK seal species, common seals are also known as harbour seals. Despite being called "Common", they are actually less common than grey seals!
Blue Shark
Prionace Glauca
It's easy to see where the Blue Shark got its name from. These sleek, elegant sharks have beautiful metallic blue backs which provide brilliant camouflage out in the open ocean.