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Dolphins captured swimming next to boat off Abersoch coast

Dolphins captured swimming next to boat off Abersoch coast

Leader Live5 hours ago

The Llyn Peninsula is home to one of only two "semi-resident" populations of bottlenose dolphins in the UK.
If you walk along the coastal path or shore for long enough (at any time of year), you are more than likely to catch a glimpse of a dolphin, the National Trust said.
Dolphin hotspots on the Llyn Peninsula, according to the National Trust, include:
While some people catch a glimpse of dolphins from afar while walking the Llyn Peninsula coast, a North Wales man has captured the moment he came within touching distance of the marine creatures.
Charles Bradford, who hails from Hawarden, was out in his boat off the Abersoch coast when two dolphins swam right by, one even passing under it.
The 40-year-old described the moment as "surreal".
There were several reports of dolphin sightings in Abersoch last week, as local residents ventured out to the coast to make the most of the hot weather.
Abersoch Watersports captured its own dolphin footage, which also included a video of "a whole lot of fascinating jellyfish".
Britain's biggest resident population of dolphins lives in Cardigan Bay, according to Visit Wales.
You can spot bottlenose dolphins all year round off the Welsh coastline, but in the summer months, you are almost a "near-certainty" to spot one.
The Visit Wales website says: "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.
"Boat trips can take you to Aberporth, Mwnt, Cardigan Island and Cemaes Head and you've a good chance of seeing dolphins."
While there are a number of paid tours you can take that can give you a closer look at the sea creatures, there are several spots across Wales that are ideal for spotting dolphins from dry land, that won't cost you a penny:
While dolphins frequent Welsh waters, there is other sea wildlife you might be able to spot if you are lucky.
RECOMMENDED READING:
The best locations to see dolphins, whales and other marine wildlife in Wales
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Their dolphins' smaller cousins, harbour porpoises, can be seen around most of the Welsh coast, as well as the dolphin hotspots listed above.
Visit Wales adds: "You can often see porpoises off the coast of Gower, the Pembrokeshire islands, and in the seas off Anglesey and the Llŷn Peninsula."
If you're lucky, you might be able to catch a glimpse of orcas, basking sharks and/or humpback and minke whales.

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