Dolphin and Calf photographed from The Great Orme, Llandudno

Dolphins at play from the Great Orme, Llandudno

On the 27th June 2010 I was up early (4am!) to try and get a nice sunrise photo of Llandudno bay, this did not happen due to low fog/mist out at sea. However on my way around the Great Orme I spotted something in the water I pulled over. Camera in hand climbed down the Orme until I got to a cliff face that I did not fancy going anywhere near so stopped at this point. Then it was a waiting game the Dolphins were still some way down and my lens was at maximum zoom. I had never heard a dolphin before, but as I scanned the sea below I was surprised to find that they sound just like a whale. As they come out of the water they blow water from their blow hole which I had never really given much thought to before. After taking some shots I sat back and just watched, I must have sat there for a good half an hour just watching them without squinting through an eyepiece! The below photos for your enjoyment.
Update I have been informed that these were bottlenose dolphins Update 09/09/11 I have since recived an email from "Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre" who advise that these "are actually harbour porpoise. Bottlenose dolphins are much larger and have large sickle shaped fins, unlike the small trangular ones of the harbour porpoise" Thanks to Helen Hiley for your email!

Map of where the Dolphins we're photographed


View Great Orme Dolphins in a larger map