No matter how many times you see a dolphin – and in Cardigan Bay, it’s a daily summer spectacle – you never get bored. You’ll also see seals, and maybe porpoises. And if you’re extra lucky, orcas, basking sharks and whales.
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What time is best to see dolphins in Cardigan Bay?
The area between Cardigan Island in the south and Aberporth in the north is a great viewing spot to see bottlenose dolphins between June and September. Though, you can see them year-round. The summer months are best with New Quay being the hottest spot (June-October).
When can you see whales in Wales?
Their detailed knowledge of Pembrokeshire’s coastal and offshore waters ensures regular sightings of resident and migrating dolphins (common, bottlenose and Risso’s), whales (minke, sei and fin), orcas and sharks. May to September are the best months, particularly June.
Where can I see whales in North Wales?
The coast around the west coast of Anglesey has rich cool waters which bring in the fish and then the bigger marine life. LLandudno, the Menai strait and also south stack we tend to see a lot of marine mammals in the strong tidal currents during the summer months.
Where can you see whales in Northern Ireland?
Sightings off the coast of Northern Ireland have increased over recent years as whale watching becomes more popular. The best places for whale watching are headlands, islands and bays when the sea is calm. The sea off Whitehead and Blackhead, Co. Antrim is a good place to see killer whales.
Are there dolphins in Cardigan Bay?
Teeming with dolphins
Britain’s biggest resident population of dolphins lives in Cardigan Bay. You can see our bottlenose dolphins all year round, but depending on where and when you go, you can raise your chances of spotting them to a near-certainty. Summer months are best, with New Quay being the hottest spot.
When can you see seals Cardigan Bay?
Seal pups, a particular favourite of visitors, are usually spotted during September and October. These inquisitive creatures are best viewed from the land as this has the lowest impact upon their environment.
Where can I see orcas in Wales?
You’ll have the best chance visiting the Shetland Islands, off the north coast of Caithness, Scotland, where sightings take place all year round.
Can you see whales off the coast of Wales?
Among the many whales spotted off the Welsh coast are blue whale, fin whale, humpback whale, killer whale, long-finned pilot whale, minke whale, and sei whale. Some of these species are rare visitors. For instance, humpback whales are unlikely off Wales, but there were verified Cardigan Bay sightings in 2005.
Can you see orcas in Wales?
“There have been occasional sightings of killer whales in Wales, and it is thought that these individuals are part of a group known as the West Coast Community which are normally seen around the Hebrides in Scotland,” she said.
Can I see dolphins in North Wales?
Here in North Wales Harbour Porpoises can be seen all year round. Bottlenose Dolphins are less commonly seen but are routinely spotted, often in large pods. The Risso’s Dolphin, a wonderful species to watch, can be seen toward the end of the Summer and hotspots include Bardsey Island on the Llŷn Peninsula.
Can you see dolphins in Llandudno?
Llandudno, Conwy
We previously reported on a pod of 11 dolphins were caught near the Great Orme in Llandudno. An RSPB worker captured some breathtaking footage of the pod in an entrancing display which lasted nearly 30 minutes. You can watch the clip here.
Can you see dolphins in Wales?
Cardigan Bay in West Wales is home to the UK’s biggest population of dolphins. Both bottlenose dolphins and the smaller breed harbour porpoises inhabit the waters around the Welsh coast, but you are far more likely to see bottlenose dolphins all year round.
What is the best time to whale watch?
This means they are most active during twilight hours which are both before sunrise and after sunset. They can communicate with one another without being detected by predators or prey during these twilight hours because the water will absorb the sound of the whales’ communication.
Where can I see dolphins in Northern Ireland?
Best places to spot dolphins along Northern Ireland’s coast
- Causeway Coast. WOW!
- Donaghadee Harbour.
- Portstewart.
- Cranfield, Kilkeel.
- Malin Head.
What time of year can you see whales in Ireland?
The minke whale migration brings them to the west coast of Ireland from March to November. Fall and early winter is the best time to spot fin whales (September to December) and humpback whales (November to January). Occasionally, people see orcas and long-finned pilot whales.
What time is best to see dolphins Wales?
Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips are available from Winston Evans Boat trips at 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.
What is the best time of day to see dolphins?
Dolphins are most active at the crack of dawn, between 10 am and noon, and from 2 pm till dusk. A great pair of telephoto lenses or binoculars can be invaluable tools to spot dolphins easily.
Does Cardigan have a beach?
There are numerous other beaches of varying size along the Cardigan Bay coast, though many of them can only be reached on foot using either local walks or the Wales coast path. For example, on the walk from CwmTydu to New Quay, you pass above Castell Bach Beach and cross Treath Soden [Cwm Silio].
Are there seals in Cardigan Bay?
Around 130 thousand Atlantic grey seals inhabit the north Atlantic and Baltic waters. They are regularly seen from the shore around Cardigan Bay offering a fascinating sight with their large bulbous heads protruding from the water, eyes staring in a friendly curious manner.
Where can you see seals in cardigans?
Cwmtydu Beach
The small cove of Cwmytydu in it’s deep wooded valley is surrounded by high pastures where you may well see wild ponies. The restored lime kiln marks the back of the beach which is commonly supposed to have been used for smuggling.