Cardigan Bay Watersports operates on the northern edge of the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation. The area is famous for regular sightings of bottlenose dolphins and seals. We host one of only two resident populations of bottlenose dolphins in the UK – there are around 250 in Cardigan Bay.
Our operating area runs roughly from the end of the main pier out to the north cardinal mark and into the end of the large sweep of Traeth Gwyn beach. Dolphins often come to play in the area, and customers on kayaks and paddleboards get a fabulous view, an experience not paralleled in many other locations.
Our kayak tours are your best chance of seeing the local wildlife, as we paddle south out of our usual operating area and past the fish factory and Carreg Welltog (Target Rock), to Bird Rock and the bird-filled cliffs and seal haul-out spots. (Note we stick closely to the Marine Code of Conduct and stay away from habitats so as not to disturb.) We cannot guarantee sightings of course, but the journey is beautiful.
The coastal waters and coastal belt is designated as the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation. In order to help preserve this diverse population of wildlife, we follow the Ceredigion Marine Code of Conduct and require that our customers follow our lead so that this wonderful environment may be enjoyed as much by future generations as by ourselves.
In addition to dolphins and seals, other animals to be spotted include arctic terns, razorbills, guillemots, cormorants, gannets, herring gulls, fulmar, shags, peregrine falcons, red kites, oystercatchers, buzzards, porpoises and crabs.
Spectacular walks along the Ceredigion Coastal Path and beaches near New Quay will also yield sightings of coastal plant species such as samphire, edible kelp, lichen, fragrant gorse, thrift (sea-pink) and various heathers.
A lot of work is done by the staff and volunteers at Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, (next door to us) in recording the number and movements of wildlife.
Download ourfree fun dolphin quiz from Twinkl! https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/cardigan-bay-watersports-fact-file-activity-t-tp-1626258237