Dylan Thomas Trail

Boat trips and dolphin watching near New Quay, Wales

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Some say that Cardigan Bay is best viewed from the sea. This special area of Wales is home to some pretty interesting and rare marine wildlife, including the majestic Bottlenose dolphins. 

While you’re staying at our Quay West Holiday Park, set sail on a New Quay boat trip and experience it all up close for yourself. All aboard!

Dolphin Survey Boat Trips

Dolphin Survey Boat Trips

Do your bit to support marine conservation when you book a New Quay boat trip with Dolphin Survey Boat Trips. You’ll help the wildlife boffins understand and study all the animals that live in this special area!

On one of these daily boat rides, you’ll get to climb aboard a purpose-built boat made for up to 12 passengers and explore Cardigan Bay from the water. In season (that’s April to October), you can book a ride for 90 minutes to join marine experts on a tour of the New Quay coastline. On your way, see if you can catch a glimpse of dolphin and porpoise pods, seals, and all kinds of rare sea birds. That’s not all — those with a keen eye might be able to spot jellyfish, whales, and even sharks...

Tips for your trip

To make the most of your trip, wear something comfy and warm. That means ideally a waterproof jacket and some non-slip footwear. Binoculars and a camera are handy if you want to get nosy. Suncream is a must during the warmer months.

If bellies start rumbling during your trip, fear not — you can bring a packed lunch on board to enjoy lunch, nautical style! Toilets are available onboard, too.

Babies, kids, and adults are all welcome to come along, with babies under one year go free. You can join the tour once you’ve booked by popping to New Quay beach near Glanmore Terrace.

Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips

From New Quay Harbour you can jump on board with the whole family, including your dog, to enjoy a spot of dolphin watching! Trips with Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips last from one to two hours and run from April to October. Look out for dolphins, porpoises, and seals, as well as sea birds such as cormorants and petrels! 

As with all boat trips, turn up wearing your comfiest shoes and clothing to keep you warm and dry. Even the best dogs must be kept on a lead (or on laps).  

Cost varies depending on the length of your trip.

Epic Fishing Trips

Epic Fishing Trips
There's lots going on above and below the water here

If fishing conjures up visions of stinky diesel trawlers and a fishy smell that doesn’t wash out of your clothes for weeks, think again. For a truly epic, modern family fishing experience, book an epic fishing trip! The owners, Tim and Corrine, welcome everyone over five years of age aboard their purpose-built fishing boat, The Legend of New Quay. It’s smooth and quiet with no diesel fumes. Perfect if you’re not familiar with sea fishing. Make sure you’re wearing comfortable footwear and meet at the Big Pier in New Quay to start your journey. 

Hopping aboard, the owners will take you out to their secret reef where even novices can learn how to fish. Don’t fret — all the fishing gear you need is included. On the way, you’ll get a chance to spot dolphins, porpoises, and seals in their natural habitat. Once you get the hang of dropping your bait and hooks into the briny deep, catch mackerel, whiting, cod, and more.  

How does a mackerel BBQ sound? You can take your catch home with you to enjoy.

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SeaMor Dolphin Watching Boat Trips

If you fancy learning all about the marine life around Ceredigion Bay, then look no further than a New Quay boat trip with SeaMor. Ride across all the wildlife hotspots in this area with marine experts. They’ll fill you in on everything there is to know about the local geology, history, and wildlife that makes the bay their home. You can choose either an hour or 90-minute trip, and everyone’s welcome — even well-behaved furry friends! 

Once you book your trip, you can find SeaMor next to the little pink ice cream shop at New Quay beach. Hop on board and take a tour around the bay, sea caves, and special feeding areas where you’re likely to see dolphins and harbour porpoises. On the longer journey, you get to lift a lobster pot — don’t let the name fool you! The sea around these parts is rich with animal life and you could find small sharks, spider crabs, sea spiders and prawns among many others. You’ll be pleased to know all animals are released safely after you’ve had a nosy.  

SeaMor has a special treat in store if you’re around for the end of the day — a sunset trip. It’s an hour long and the perfect end to a day out with the chance at spotting dolphins breaching the waves. Perfect.

A Bay To Remember

A Bay To Remember

Down the coast a little way from New Quay, you’ll find St Dogmaels. From the moorings here you can catch a ride on one of A Bay To Remember’s Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) and head out for some wildlife spotting! The fully trained team offer daily trips out into Cardigan Bay ranging from one to two hours. Kids are welcome from the age of four on short trips and eight on longer trips. 

If you fancy something extra special, book a sunrise or sunset boat trip to experience the most tranquil times of the day. 

On your boat trip, you’ll have a chance to spot dolphins and porpoises, especially when you pass through one of their favourite feeding spots. If there’s time, you’ll sail to Cemaes Head, the highest clifftops in the area, where the seals love to chillax on the hidden beaches.  

Remember to wear waterproof clothing and comfy shoes as the weather can change.

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