Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips
Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips
5
Boat ToursEco ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife Tours
Full view
About
Award winning Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips from the original New Quay Boat Trips company, est. 1955 by Winston Evans. Now famous for the new Suncatcher and Dreamcatcher boats and the iconic Ermol 5 & 6. New Quay's first Dolphin Spotting Boat Trip to receive a Gold Award a 'Quality Assured Visitor Attraction' from Visit Wales. All skippers are 'WISE' qualified and follow a code of conduct. Sea Watch Foundation's 'Recommended Boat Operator' for over a decade. Our enthusiastic guides will give you a warm welcome and keep you entertained and informed about the wildlife and local history while our Boatmasters guide you along the conservation area to spot some of the many bottlenose dolphins and a variety of other marine wildlife. Discounts available for large groups and partner organisations. Private charters available on the beautiful 'Dreamcatcher' Cheetah catamaran. Dogs are welcome free of charge. Suncatcher and Dreamcatcher are wheelchair accessible (booking office closed for winter).
New Quay, Ceredigion, Wales
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingSimilar Experiences
Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show optionsTravelers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,458 reviews
Excellent
1,255
Very good
145
Average
37
Poor
9
Terrible
12
Rammy2002
Ramsbottom, UK96 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Our first ever boat trip with our teenage twins & it was fabulous.
Both the guide & the boat driver were very knowledgable about the waters and had some great facts.
We saw some Dolphins which was amazing & we was all over the moon.
The boat was value for money and we would highly recommend doing this trip.
10/10 from us!
Both the guide & the boat driver were very knowledgable about the waters and had some great facts.
We saw some Dolphins which was amazing & we was all over the moon.
The boat was value for money and we would highly recommend doing this trip.
10/10 from us!
Written May 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Z M
1 contribution
Oct 2024 • Couples
We booked a trip yesterday with Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips. They offer a great selection of tours at various times, so it's easy to find one that fits your schedule. Their communication was top-notch; they kept us informed about whether our tour would go ahead and even provided an alternative slot, close to ours, in case the minimum number of people needed for our tour wasn’t met before the departure time. We really got the sense that they cared about making sure we had a great experience.
We were very lucky with the weather. It was a beautifully sunny day but quite windy and a little choppy but we were on the Ermol 6, which was a steady, comfortable boat that provided excellent views all around, and we felt very safe throughout the trip. The crew was absolutely wonderful and shared lots of fascinating information about the local wildlife and the area, which really added to the whole experience. During the tour, we saw a lot of beautiful sea birds and even some seals as well as close-up views of the impressive cliffs and rock formations along the coast. Getting to see all of pretty New Quay from the water was also wonderful. Although we didn’t see any dolphins during our tour (there can't be any guarantees you will), we still had an amazing time. In our opinion, it's great value for money, and we were even lucky enough to see some dolphins playing in the bay from the pier before we left!
Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips gets ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from us and if we find ourselves in the area again, we would definitely book another one!
We were very lucky with the weather. It was a beautifully sunny day but quite windy and a little choppy but we were on the Ermol 6, which was a steady, comfortable boat that provided excellent views all around, and we felt very safe throughout the trip. The crew was absolutely wonderful and shared lots of fascinating information about the local wildlife and the area, which really added to the whole experience. During the tour, we saw a lot of beautiful sea birds and even some seals as well as close-up views of the impressive cliffs and rock formations along the coast. Getting to see all of pretty New Quay from the water was also wonderful. Although we didn’t see any dolphins during our tour (there can't be any guarantees you will), we still had an amazing time. In our opinion, it's great value for money, and we were even lucky enough to see some dolphins playing in the bay from the pier before we left!
Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips gets ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from us and if we find ourselves in the area again, we would definitely book another one!
Written October 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your fab review, it is really appreciated by us and future travellers. We look forward to seeing you next time.
Written October 27, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AndrewWestWeybridge
West Weybridge28 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Wow! What a fantastic company, offering a wonderful experience. From start to finish, everything was just perfect. Online booking and payment was simple. The staff all around New Quay and on the quay were just lovely. The welcome onto the Suncatcher boat was warm. Reassuring safety information was given. It was comfortable (not overcrowded) on the boat with excellent views all around. Our guide (Sarah) was just amazing... providing lots of interesting information with her commentary about dolphins, seals, and sea birds. The skipper was highly skilled and made sure all sides of the boat got closer views of the dolphins, seals and nesting sea birds. I highly recommend (in fact, urge) anyone in the New Quay area to go on one of their trips.
Written August 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah P
1 contribution
Sep 2024 • Family
😍what an absolute amazing experience we had (18th September 2024), this is my 3rd time doing these trips and it’s the 2nd time we were lucky enough to spot some dolphins! Highly recommend Dolphin Spotting Boat trips for your dolphin spotting experience, we had Phoebe & I think she was called Chloe (if I’m wrong I”m sorry) they was so lovely, very friendly & funny and was very informative about the wildlife we was lucky to see. They certainly made the experience much more enjoyable! We went on the 18.30-19.30 trip and watching the sunset over the sea was just spectacular! I loved every second of the whole experience!
Written September 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kerry J
1 contribution
May 2023 • Family
Had a lovely hour on the boat. The young ladies in charge of the Dreamcatcher were all fantastic. We went on the last boat of the day, no other boat had really seen dolphins all day and we were lucky. The dolphins came up to and under the boat, jumped out of the water multiple times. We saw a seal and watching the different sea birds and the magnificent colourful cliff faces and just the joy of watching the sun go down over the water, the end of the day trip is truly amazing even if you do not catch sight of the dolphins, they are a huge bonus, The trip is well worth the money!
Written June 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kie K
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Family
Do not bother going to anyone else use this company! You won't regret it. I'm not one for writing reviews but feel we are quick enough to yell when things go wrong so it's only right to shout to the world when things go excellent ! In a world where high level of customer service is dying this company can show how its done. I have mobility needs and walk with a frame but desperately wanted to take my daughter on a dolphin trip as an end of college treat. The time the staff spent on my booking they could have easily dealt with lots of other 'mobile" customers but they made me feel valued as a customer. The trip itself went smoothly. I was helped on and off the boat and there was plenty of space to get around on the boat. We got to see a mother dolphin with her baby which was beautiful (although we all agreed even without the dolphins it would be a beautiful trip and could have stayed on that boat all day) The crew were knowledgeable and felt so safe in thier hands. We all learnt something too! In my group? Age ranged from 16 to 73 and we all left with the same huge smile! Was well worth the 3 hour drive there and certainly didn't want to drive the 3 hour trip home as wanted to go again! Thanks for looking after me and my family. You made me feel like a human again (rather than a nuisance!) Keep up those standards and your business isn't going anywhere!
Written September 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a lovely review of our people, thank you for taking the time to write. Nobody who wants to experience the joy of dolphins in the wild will ever be a nuisance to us because thats what we are here for, not just an easy pound note.) Please come again now you now its achievable and thanks again for telling others about your experience.
Written September 7, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sarah
8 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
We had a wonderful time on the boat today!
Phoebe was fab and so informative about the local area and wildlife!
Jono the captain was brilliant and even though we didn’t see any dolphins he made a real effort to hang around as long as he could to try and spot some!
It was my daughter’s 6th birthday and Kian made it extra special for her. It was raining and she was struggling a bit to see what us grown ups could see and appreciate but he made it very special for her! He is only 16 and he was fantastic with his knowledge of the boat and of the animals telling her lots of facts and even let her see in the hatch (full of snacks so she was very happy) and he and Jono even let her see in the wheel house! He really is a credit to the crew!
It was seemingly from shore quite a stressful, full on day for the captains due to the wonderful annual regatta going on in the harbour but you would never know to look at them!
Fantastic trip! Definitely worth the pennies, just wish we could have given more of a tip as the team were fantastic!
Will definitely be coming back again!!
Phoebe was fab and so informative about the local area and wildlife!
Jono the captain was brilliant and even though we didn’t see any dolphins he made a real effort to hang around as long as he could to try and spot some!
It was my daughter’s 6th birthday and Kian made it extra special for her. It was raining and she was struggling a bit to see what us grown ups could see and appreciate but he made it very special for her! He is only 16 and he was fantastic with his knowledge of the boat and of the animals telling her lots of facts and even let her see in the hatch (full of snacks so she was very happy) and he and Jono even let her see in the wheel house! He really is a credit to the crew!
It was seemingly from shore quite a stressful, full on day for the captains due to the wonderful annual regatta going on in the harbour but you would never know to look at them!
Fantastic trip! Definitely worth the pennies, just wish we could have given more of a tip as the team were fantastic!
Will definitely be coming back again!!
Written August 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura S
3 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
I recently went on a 2-hour dolphin spotting boat trip and had an amazing time! Chloe (I think it was) and the other staff member were fantastic - they were so knowledgeable, funny, and made the experience even more enjoyable. We luckily spotted some dolphins and had a great time out on the water it was quite choppy but this made it even more fun. It was definitely worth the money and I would highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a fun and memorable experience. Thank you to Chloe and the staff for a fantastic day!
Written August 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, it means a lot to all our team when we get 10 /10. Chloe appreciated the recognition.
Written August 9, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Len S
11 contributions
Jul 2023
Spent 3 fantastic days in New Quay had a boat trip each day and each one was different. First one with George and Steve was exhilarating due to the weather and even though we didn't see the dolphins whilst on the boat, the experience it self made up for it. Day 2 again with George and Steve was even better as we saw several dolphins, the sea was calmer on this trip, although we really enjoyed the rough sea. Day 3 this time George was joined by Sarah, and it was magical. The dolphins really put on a show, and they were around most of the time.
We went on the hour and a half boat trips (£20 per adult), although they had 1 hr trips for £15 per adult. We would definitely recommend them. All the staff and crew were really helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. We can't wait to return to New Quay and we'll certainly be going on the boat trips again. It was an experience we wouldn't have missed for the world.
Thank you to everyone who made these trips so memorable. You all do a fantastic job.
We went on the hour and a half boat trips (£20 per adult), although they had 1 hr trips for £15 per adult. We would definitely recommend them. All the staff and crew were really helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. We can't wait to return to New Quay and we'll certainly be going on the boat trips again. It was an experience we wouldn't have missed for the world.
Thank you to everyone who made these trips so memorable. You all do a fantastic job.
Written July 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bad Dad
Bristol, UK4 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
I know you're not guaranteed to spot dolphins but when I asked the woman whether there had been sightings she said "All the time" adding that there were seals as well. All we saw was birds and the kids were hot and bored for most of the trip. I get the impression that the companies run too many tours and they aren't bothered if you don't see anything - they'll still take your money quite happily.
Written August 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Or crews put their hearts and souls into making every trip entertaining and informative. I constantly get told how amazing our crew guides are by people getting off our boats. Can you provide me with a booking reference number please? I want to make sure you were actually on one of our boats.
Written August 2, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We've just booked a break in the area next March. Are you running trips at that time of the year please?
Written October 31, 2022
We've just booked a break in the area next March. Are you running trips at that time of the year please?
Written October 31, 2022
Sorry we missed this question and thanks to you all for answering. We accept cash at the booking office SA459NW and we can accept cash on the boat if you haven't booked. It is advisable to book online for the trip time and duration you want to ensure you secure your seats.
Written November 18, 2022
What time of the day is best would you say to go on the boat trip? Are dolphins more active or seen more during certain hours of the day?
Many thanks
Written September 12, 2019
We also went around midday and were told there was not a better time all depends on the day. Definitely go for the longer trip to give yourselves the best chance.
Written September 13, 2019
Thank you to all the kind people who answered the question. The dolphins start appearing in April and remain here through until late September. It is quite rare not to see them at some point during the day, some days they are spotted all day, others less often.
Written July 7, 2019
do i need to book the trip before arrival or is it possible to buy a ticket to boat trip in a shop before the trip.im planning to come on Wednsday this week
Written June 24, 2018
Hi is always better to book your seats just in case is busy. You can always call the office from 9am on 01545560800 to make sure we have available spaces.
Written June 30, 2018
do i need to book the trip before arrival or is it possible to buy a ticket to boat trip in a shop before the trip.im planning to come on Wednsday this week
Written June 24, 2018
It can get very busy sometimes, so it’s all depending on you. If your time is limited it’s best to book ahead, but if your there for more than the day ask on site, we’ve been out more than once before now over the week.
We’ve never been out and not saw a dolphin , but it does happen.
Two hour trip and just seeing a dolphin in the last 10 minutes is still worth it.
Hope you’re lucky
Written September 13, 2019
How much does it cost for adults and children?
Written April 16, 2018
£10 per adult,£5 per child for 1 hour trip,but worth every penny
Written April 17, 2018
Showing results 1-10 of 15
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.