Enjoy being part of a marine wildlife tour in Wales! These trips around the Cardigan Bay area of Wales are so much more than just a boat ride - you will be heading out to the open seas in the marine wildlife centre's 33ft long research vessel, accompanied by an expert marine researcher, who will be surveying and recording the details of all marine mammal sightings.
The marine tour covers the heritage Ceredigion coastline between New Quay harbour and Yns Lochtyn, following a set route and recording time, speed, weather conditions and sightings of dolphins, porpoise and seals. Outbound, you'll sail close to the reef buoys in the open seas, as the dolphins often use the tidal races to feed. Although porpoise shy away from passing boats, dolphins love to play in the water, so you should be able to see their frolicking from your spot on the boat observing the horizon, or from the part-sheltered deck at the stern.
On the return leg of your Welsh marine tour, the boat hugs the shoreline to get a better view of the Atlantic Grey Seals often 'hauled out' on the rocks. If you're lucky, you may get to see a seal pup with its white fluffy fur. As well as the dolphins, porpoise and seals, you might see Sunfish, normally associated with warmer waters and jellyfish on this marine wildlife tour, as well as a whole host of resident bird life.
The Marine Wildlife centre is a public information, education and research centre dedicated to raising awareness of the marine environment through interactive displays and marine wildlife tours around the Bay.
The experience lasts approximately 2 ½ hours. Your boat departs from New Quay on the west coast of Wales. Bottlenose dolphins are present all year round, along with the Harbour porpoise. On the tour you may also possibly see regular visitors such as grey seals, sun fish and a variety of seabirds including razorbills, guillemots and kittiwakes. Boats carry a maximum of 12 passengers with full commentary and interaction between crew and passengers. The tours follow a strict marine code to make sure the wildlife is not disturbed.
Experiences are available from April to early October, usually with am and pm start times available. Trips are very popular in the summer, so please allow plenty of notice for booking. If your trip is cancelled due to the weather, you will be re-booked for another suitable date.
The boat departs from New Quay harbour, Wales with good access from the A487.
There is no minimum age. Passengers should dress warmly and wear flat, rubber soled shoes. A reasonable level of fitness is required as you will need to enter and exit the boat safely. Passengers are asked to arrive 30 minutes before departure.
This activity is not suitable for spectators however, they are welcome to watch the departure and return of the boat. There are great photography opportunities around the harbour and along the coast.