Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips
Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips
5
Boat Tours • Eco Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching • Nature & Wildlife Tours
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9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
The original New Quay Boat Trip company, established in the 1950's by Winston Evans. Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips depart from the picturesque harbour town of New Quay, all trips sail within the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation. A choice of purpose built multi-passenger boats and a modern Cheetah catamaran. All skippers are 'WISE' qualified and abide by the code of conduct to keep the wildlife safe. Sea Watch foundation's only 'Recommended Boat Operator' in New Quay. Enthusiastic guides keep you entertained and informed about the wildlife and local history while keeping a look-out for the hundreds of bottlenose dolphins in residence locally. Visit seal haul out areas and bird colonies, longer trips venture further down the coast to the Ynys Lochtyn, a natural feeding are for dolphins. 10 % discounts for groups of ten or why not charter the Dreamcatcher for the price of only eight seats. Wheelchair accessible at certain times due to tides. Dogs are welcome free of charge.
New Quay, Ceredigion, Wales
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Awards
Travelers' Choice
2023
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
1,283 reviews
Excellent
1,090
Very good
137
Average
37
Poor
8
Terrible
12
Sue H
Penarth, UK471 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
Fantastic two hour charter with Mark, Jonathan and Sarah - we were treated to an epic dolphin display just outside of the harbour whilst waiting for our trip and once onboard we observed their antics from a short distance, whilst Sarah filled us in on lots of information about the dolphins in the area.
Sadly the group we had been watching moved further out to see and so we travelled down the coast to view other wildlife including seals and sea birds.
Sarah is very knowledgeable about the area and was happy to answer our incessant questions.
We got absolutely drenched in a downpour, but our whole group absolutely lived our trip and laughed the whole time.
On our return towards New Quay we were once again blessed to see the dolphins and so our trip was just what we had hoped it would be
Thanks to all for such a fab two hours - totally recommended by all of us.
Sadly the group we had been watching moved further out to see and so we travelled down the coast to view other wildlife including seals and sea birds.
Sarah is very knowledgeable about the area and was happy to answer our incessant questions.
We got absolutely drenched in a downpour, but our whole group absolutely lived our trip and laughed the whole time.
On our return towards New Quay we were once again blessed to see the dolphins and so our trip was just what we had hoped it would be
Thanks to all for such a fab two hours - totally recommended by all of us.
Written July 3, 2021
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.
Debbie C
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Family
We booked an hour 4.30-5.30pm but came away wishing we’d booked longer - because it was FABULOUS!
Superb boat and the staff were brilliant. Obviously you book knowing there is no promise of seeing any Dolphins but the skipper clearly knew exactly where to go and within 10 minutes or so we caught our first sight of a mum and calf playing in the water ahead. Several sightings later including a large bottle neck who passed within feet of the boat a couple of times everyone on board had spotted Dolphins at least a few times.
Highly recommend even if you aren’t lucky enough to see the Dolphins the views of Cardigan bay from the water are outstanding. Will definitely book again.
Superb boat and the staff were brilliant. Obviously you book knowing there is no promise of seeing any Dolphins but the skipper clearly knew exactly where to go and within 10 minutes or so we caught our first sight of a mum and calf playing in the water ahead. Several sightings later including a large bottle neck who passed within feet of the boat a couple of times everyone on board had spotted Dolphins at least a few times.
Highly recommend even if you aren’t lucky enough to see the Dolphins the views of Cardigan bay from the water are outstanding. Will definitely book again.
Written August 24, 2021
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.
JennyFQ
Basingstoke78 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
1hr tour around the bay of Newquay and headland. Saw dolphin and her calf, pretty close up (as they are not allowed to get closer than 100m) and it was lovely. Great commentary by Josh who was knowledgeable and evidently very much in touch with dolphin and wildlife welfare. Social distancing maintained with good humour and I think made for a better experience than being in a packed boat. £15/adult for the 1hr trip (need to book in advance - can be done online). Also need to mention Jonathan the skipper ... it was definitely not a "Sarah and Daffyd" experience (a joke that you might get if you get to go out for a trip with these guys 🤣) I would highly recommend.
Written August 6, 2020
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.
LishyorkesCheshire
Cheshire21 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
I booked this as a family of 6, a mix of adults down to 9 years old. This is the first time we’ve been away to South Wales, we were really excited to be near Cardigan Bay so we could go dolphin spotting.
We checked the reviews, and they all seemed so positive so thought the cost would be worth it. It cost £80 for a one hour boat trip. It is a lot of money but I so wanted my young children to see wild dolphins.
The organisation was good, booking was easy over the phone. The staff were helpful and COVID guidelines followed really well.
The weather was poor and I did ask if this made a difference with the chances of spotting dolphins but was assured it made no difference.
So one whole hour, some interesting commentary, but nothing. Didn’t see anything other than some birds nesting on the cliff side. My son was devastated, daughter bitterly disappointed. And both too young to really understand you can’t order wild dolphins to appear.
I do understand this, but did feel that the cost was very expensive, the trip before us saw nothing either. Either reduce prices or I think if it’s quite rare to not see anything then offer a repeat trip as a gesture of goodwill. At least you wouldn’t feel the cost was a waste. This would certainly go some way to feeling less ripped off. I really want to support local businesses, especially during these difficult times. But the trip was too much to then see nothing.
We checked the reviews, and they all seemed so positive so thought the cost would be worth it. It cost £80 for a one hour boat trip. It is a lot of money but I so wanted my young children to see wild dolphins.
The organisation was good, booking was easy over the phone. The staff were helpful and COVID guidelines followed really well.
The weather was poor and I did ask if this made a difference with the chances of spotting dolphins but was assured it made no difference.
So one whole hour, some interesting commentary, but nothing. Didn’t see anything other than some birds nesting on the cliff side. My son was devastated, daughter bitterly disappointed. And both too young to really understand you can’t order wild dolphins to appear.
I do understand this, but did feel that the cost was very expensive, the trip before us saw nothing either. Either reduce prices or I think if it’s quite rare to not see anything then offer a repeat trip as a gesture of goodwill. At least you wouldn’t feel the cost was a waste. This would certainly go some way to feeling less ripped off. I really want to support local businesses, especially during these difficult times. But the trip was too much to then see nothing.
Written August 17, 2020
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.
So if the wild dolphins turn up, it's good value but if they don't we have ripped you off?
I think parents need to be careful what they tell their young children when they book a boat trip which may or my not spot dolphins from.
I am appalled that people like you can ruin the hard work and commitment of all our staff because you failed to manage the expectations of your children. I give you a one star review for upsetting your children when they came out and had a nice boat trip.
Dolphins cannot be guaranteed unless they are captive.
Written August 18, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
p4ul1980
West Drayton, UK37 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
I cannot praise the staff of this trip enough we opted for a chartered trip that was due to go out at 2pm this was moved the day before with plenty of warning due to high winds and dealt with very well. The 2 skippers Conor and George (I think) were extremely helpful and wore masks and advised about social distancing on the boat and the new protocols they have adapted to quickly. Conor was extremely helpful and informative even checking with other boats to see if there had been other sitings. We had a great time and managed to see Dolphins and a Seal all very briefly but seen none the less. Thank you very much for a great trip out. If you could provide better weather for us next time the trip would be perfect ;-). Keep up the great work
Written August 11, 2020
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.
Steve
Dronfield, UK4 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Booked a trip on the New boat The Dreamcatcher. Jono the Captain and the guide Josh were fantastic. Before we boarded they fully sanitised the boat and everyone has to gel their hands as they got on. Only 12 on the boat so it was very safe and comfortable. Josh was great taking time to speak to everyone advising on the wildlife, whilst we saw seals the dolphins on the trip had disappeared but Jono did try to go to know spots where they feed. Don’t forget these are wild animals so appear when they want. On the way back we were running later due to the time Jono spent trying to locate Dolphins so the ride back to harbour was fast and fun
We enjoyed the trip that much that we booked the last trip on the Friday night wiry the same crew. Amazing sun set plenty of jelly fish but sadly no dolphins. Well worth both trips great value money with two great knowledgeable guys who could do enough for everyone on the trip. We were unlucky in the boat but saw pods in the harbour and off the coast near the fish factory.
Would do the tour again with or without Dolphins great trip.
We enjoyed the trip that much that we booked the last trip on the Friday night wiry the same crew. Amazing sun set plenty of jelly fish but sadly no dolphins. Well worth both trips great value money with two great knowledgeable guys who could do enough for everyone on the trip. We were unlucky in the boat but saw pods in the harbour and off the coast near the fish factory.
Would do the tour again with or without Dolphins great trip.
Written June 5, 2021
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.
RCandTC2017
Bristol, UK12 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
Had an absolutely incredible boat trip with this company. Went on the two hour trip and saw so many dolphins!! They came over to jump in the bow waves initially and then were all around the boat when we stopped. Jono and Josh were really friendly and full of knowledge about the dolphins and obviously had a real respect and love for them too. We felt that the precautions taken for COVID were very good and made us feel very safe. Actually probably made it an even better experience with less people on the boat meant that everyone could see the dolphins well wherever they were around the boat. Just an absolutely awesome experience of a lifetime! And definitely worth the price. If you do one thing in New Quay, go on this boat trip. Thank you!
Written September 20, 2020
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.
donz69
London, UK153 contributions
Aug 2020
My wife decided to book the 2h dolphins spotting boar trip and we were all waiting for it. The weather leading to our trip was tricky, a mixture of sunny spells and rain, and when we called the day before we were told that the company is proudly sail come rain or shine, even if a lightning storm was forecasted.
We drove through the lighting storm to get to New Quey on time, in the pouring rain. The weather was awful, the boat Dunbar Castle II had no cover to offer, seats were wet, no umbrellas were offered. We had to choose if we want to stand up for 2h, get soaked, on a choppy sea with fog coming in (as the skipper mentioned when we tried to decide) or not...we went back to the office to talk to them.
Back at their office we were not allowed to rebook or get a refund. We even suggested to go on 1h boat trip instead but the manager on the phone refused this as well. The service was worst than the weather!
Now, I can appreciate that Covid19 had an impact on the business, but it should not have an impact on the customer service and attitude of management toward paying guests. Covid19 impacted the visiting families as well and throwing £85 is not something everyone can do. A considerate approach by the company is a win: win for all.
I Will not recommend them.
We drove through the lighting storm to get to New Quey on time, in the pouring rain. The weather was awful, the boat Dunbar Castle II had no cover to offer, seats were wet, no umbrellas were offered. We had to choose if we want to stand up for 2h, get soaked, on a choppy sea with fog coming in (as the skipper mentioned when we tried to decide) or not...we went back to the office to talk to them.
Back at their office we were not allowed to rebook or get a refund. We even suggested to go on 1h boat trip instead but the manager on the phone refused this as well. The service was worst than the weather!
Now, I can appreciate that Covid19 had an impact on the business, but it should not have an impact on the customer service and attitude of management toward paying guests. Covid19 impacted the visiting families as well and throwing £85 is not something everyone can do. A considerate approach by the company is a win: win for all.
I Will not recommend them.
Written August 18, 2020
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.
You drove through the pouring rain to get to New Quay for a boat trip but it is our fault you don't have an umbrella?
I don't feel you are being reasonable.
You threw away your money booking a trip and walking away from it, you were told we will run in rain and even thunder yet you arrived ill prepared.
Covid 19 means that even with the boats that are part sheltered some people are stuck sitting outside but most people prefer to sit or yes stand outside in the elements wearing appropriate clothing for the weather.
If you had asked for a different trip to allow you to purchase an umbrella or waterproofs you would have received customer service you approved of but whe you walked away from your trip at the departure time and returned to the office demanding money back for a trip which left with your seats empty how can you be surprised.
We try very hard to meet people half way when they make mistakes every member of staff and management care deeply about customer satisfaction.
The weather, like the dolphins is out of our control, however unlike the dolphins waterproofs are easily obtained and would have avoided this negative experience of yours which you blame entirely on our company.
We were not willing to compromise the social distancing policy to squeeze you onto trips which were full.
We hope you and others will learn from this experience and your review.
In short....
You don't recommend us because we didn't refund you because it was raining.
Jonathan Evans
Written August 19, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Georgia L
London, UK3 contributions
Oct 2021
We went on a 1.5 hour dolphin spotting cruise on the Dreamcatcher boat today, and had an absolutely brilliant, wonderful, fantastic trip! Both staff members on board were highly knowledgeable, professional, friendly, and enthusiastic about their work and helping us to locate some wildlife. They have been doing the trip in the area for many years and know what they're doing. One staff member had absolutely loads of knowledge about various wildlife in the area, and was enthusiastic about telling us.
We saw a pod of dolphins (about 7 animals, including a mother and baby), sometimes from very close up, and they were around the boat for a good while. They breached/ jumped completely out of the water sometimes too, to our great excitement. Again, the staff (whose names I unfortunately can't remember- sorry!) did an excellent job of making sure everybody on board could see the dolphins, knew where to look, and were in a good position to do so.
It was dry, windy weather- proof that dolphin-spotting doesn't need to be done on a sunny day! Absolutely great time, cannot recommend this trip highly enough.
The boat took relatively few people so it was a nice, comfortable size with enough room for everyone. All felt safe and secure.
We saw a pod of dolphins (about 7 animals, including a mother and baby), sometimes from very close up, and they were around the boat for a good while. They breached/ jumped completely out of the water sometimes too, to our great excitement. Again, the staff (whose names I unfortunately can't remember- sorry!) did an excellent job of making sure everybody on board could see the dolphins, knew where to look, and were in a good position to do so.
It was dry, windy weather- proof that dolphin-spotting doesn't need to be done on a sunny day! Absolutely great time, cannot recommend this trip highly enough.
The boat took relatively few people so it was a nice, comfortable size with enough room for everyone. All felt safe and secure.
Written October 4, 2021
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.
Sam Rigg
Chiang Mai, Thailand24 contributions
Jul 2020
Had an amazing time on the 1 hour long dolphin spotting trip. Really wish I had gone for the 2 hour trip by the end as there was a lot of dolphins out and about.
Even if you don't see many dolphins, the narrator/guide Josh was entertaining, informative and he seemed to be genuinely passionate about the local environment. We learned a lot about the sea life, birds and even the geology of the cliffs.
Would recommend for all ages!!
Even if you don't see many dolphins, the narrator/guide Josh was entertaining, informative and he seemed to be genuinely passionate about the local environment. We learned a lot about the sea life, birds and even the geology of the cliffs.
Would recommend for all ages!!
Written August 3, 2020
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.
Neil W
Huntingdon, UK12 contributions
We've just booked a break in the area next March. Are you running trips at that time of the year please?
Neil W
Huntingdon, UK12 contributions
We've just booked a break in the area next March. Are you running trips at that time of the year please?
Marleneg21
Greater London, UK
Hi, can I pay with cash?
jevLondon
London44 contributions
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.
Pridmore D
Swansea, UK4 contributions
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
Heather
5 contributions
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.
Hi which month is best for watching dolphins.
jevLondon
London44 contributions
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.
monikauk3
Bury, UK6 contributions
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
jevLondon
London44 contributions
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.
monikauk3
Bury, UK6 contributions
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
CharlieBravo56
Birmingham, UK27 contributions
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
martinsokolovs
Blackwood, UK3 contributions
How much does it cost for adults and children?
GwenMelville
Leighton Buzzard, UK60 contributions
£10 per adult,£5 per child for 1 hour trip,but worth every penny
Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips Information
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