Cardigan Bay in Wales is one of the best destinations for seeing dolphins in Europe. The bay is located between the counties of Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Gwynedd (far west coast). Here, around 300 Bottlenose Dolphins are residents of a special conservation area which has plenty of food for the dolphins. Their habitat hasn’t been destroyed by big towns or industrial development.
Bottlenose dolphins can weigh more than 400 kilos and grow to about 13 ft (4 m) in length, cruising at around 6.2 mi (10km) per hour with a maximum speed of 25 mi (40km) per hour. These intelligent, playful, and extremely sociable animals live for more than 40 years, producing only one calf in three years.
You'll see these fun animals leaping out of the waters almost everyday in the summer. 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). Take one of the daily charter boats out there for a fantastic trip. You can watch porpoises and even orcas, basking sharks, and whales as well.
Practical info
When is the best time to see bottlenose dolphins in Cardigan Bay?
The optimum time of year to observe bottlenose dolphins in Cardigan Bay is in the summer months, specifically June through September. Individuals who choose to embark on a journey to New Quay will have the best chance of seeing the playful mammals. Sightings are still possible year-round, however. Show more
Where is the best place to spot bottlenose dolphins in Cardigan Bay?
The ultimate location to catch sight of bottlenose dolphins in Cardigan Bay is in between Aberporth and Cardigan Island. Embarking on a daily charter boat is an excellent way to experience watching the playful animals. Show more
How many bottlenose dolphins reside in Cardigan Bay?
There are a total of approximately 300 bottlenose dolphins that reside within the conservation area of Cardigan Bay. This appealing destination in Europe permits the dolphins to endure without the disruption of industrial growth or large urban areas. Show more
What are some other marine animals that can be seen in Cardigan Bay besides bottlenose dolphins?
It is possible to witness more than bottlenose dolphins at Cardigan Bay. Porpoises, orcas, basking sharks, and whales are all visible marine animals in the area. This region is also a prime spot for whale watching, as many whale species travel by during their migration patterns. Show more
How long do bottlenose dolphins typically live and how many calves do they produce in a year?
Bottlenose dolphins are sociable animals that possess high intelligence and playful personalities. These creatures can live for more than 40 years, and females produce merely one calf every three years. Their average weight is over 400 kilograms, and they can grow to roughly 13 feet (4 meters) in length, attaining maximum speeds of 25 miles (40 kilometers) per hour while cruising at 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) per hour. Show more
