NEW QUAY SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Above the Bow: 1.5‑Hour Dolphin & Wildlife Safari Aboard the Suncatcher
A fully guided 1.5‑hour cruise from New Quay aboard the Suncatcher — the town's first double‑decker wildlife boat — offering extended time in protected waters for spotting bottlenose dolphins, seals and harbour porpoise.
Above the Bow: 1.5‑Hour Dolphin & Wildlife Safari Aboard the Suncatcher.
The Suncatcher, New Quay’s purpose‑built twin‑deck Blyth catamaran, lifts you above the wheelhouse for uninterrupted 360‑degree views of the Ceredigion coast. On this 1.5‑hour extended dolphin and wildlife spotting trip you can walk to the wide bow to watch dolphins bow‑ride beneath your feet, hear whistles from the water, and listen as an experienced skipper and guide point out Atlantic grey seals, harbour porpoise and resident bottlenose dolphins while passing local hot spots along the shore.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Twin‑deck design with 360° vantage
The Suncatcher is New Quay’s first double‑decker wildlife boat: a purpose‑built twin‑deck catamaran with an elevated top deck for panoramic views and a wide bow on the main deck that brings you right to the waterline for close encounters.
Extended time to find dolphins, seals and porpoise
The 1.5‑hour outing covers a greater area of protected sea, increasing the time available to search local dolphin hot spots and to encounter bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic grey seals and harbour porpoise.
A coastline route past Birds Rock, caves and Seals Bay
Trips head south along the coast, passing landmarks such as Birds Rock, the coastal caves and Seals Bay; depending on wildlife encounters the boat may reach Cwmtydu before returning to New Quay.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
Board at New Quay’s main pier and settle on the sheltered indoor deck or climb to the top viewing level. Once clear of the harbour the skipper and guide steer toward known dolphin hotspots; you’ll move slowly along the coast, pausing where wildlife activity is spotted, with passengers able to stand at the bow to watch bow‑riding dolphins and listen to the guide’s commentary on local marine life.
THE BOAT
Twin‑deck design with 360° vantage
The Suncatcher is New Quay’s first double‑decker wildlife boat: a purpose‑built twin‑deck catamaran with an elevated top deck for panoramic views and a wide bow on the main deck that brings you right to the waterline for close encounters.
THE WILDLIFE
Extended time to find dolphins, seals and porpoise
The 1.5‑hour outing covers a greater area of protected sea, increasing the time available to search local dolphin hot spots and to encounter bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic grey seals and harbour porpoise.
THE COAST
A coastline route past Birds Rock, caves and Seals Bay
Trips head south along the coast, passing landmarks such as Birds Rock, the coastal caves and Seals Bay; depending on wildlife encounters the boat may reach Cwmtydu before returning to New Quay.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a 1.5‑hour guided outing aboard the Suncatcher.
The vessel has an indoor shelter deck with hot and cold snacks and refreshments available, plus a private WC on board and shelter from the rain.
Double‑deck configuration provides elevated 360° views from the top deck and a wide bow on the main deck for close waterline viewing.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The excursion lasts 1.5 hours.
Where does the boat depart from?
Trips depart from the main pier in New Quay, Ceredigion, West Wales.
Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?
No — dolphins are wild animals and cannot be guaranteed.
Are there age restrictions or limits?
There are no age restrictions for this trip.
Can I bring a pushchair or a dog?
Pushchairs are allowed and well‑behaved dogs are welcome free of charge.
Are there toilets and refreshments on board?
Yes — there is a private WC on board and hot and cold snacks and refreshments are served from the indoor shelter deck.