Dorset Dolphins

Grab yourself a pair of binoculars and find a suitable lookout. Headlands provide an excellent vantage point but make sure you keep well back from any cliff edges. Scan the sea and look for their distinctive dorsal fins or other signs of activity such as breaching (jumping clear of the water) or bow-riding passing vessels. Another sign to keep an eye out for is circling or diving sea birds, indicating that dolphins may be feeding below, herding fish towards the surface.

Wildlife watching boat tours are a great way to see the coast and spot wildlife. Make sure you choose a responsible or WiSe accredited operator if possible: https://www.wisescheme.org/

If you have spotted a whale or dolphin in Dorset, please let us know by tagging us in your tweets (@DWTMarine) or by emailing: kimmeridge@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

To see a whale or dolphin can evoke such emotion and create memories that will stay with you forever.

All cetaceans are protected from disturbance and harm by law. Follow the advice provided in the Marine and Coastal wildlife code to find out what disturbance looks like and how to avoid causing it.

If you encounter a cetacean when you’re on the water, you should:

• Slow down and keep speed below six knots (no-wake speed).
• Stay at least 100 metres away and slowly move further away if you notice signs of disturbance.
• Keep your distance if there are already more than two boats or watercraft in the vicinity.
• Never encircle or chase animals.
• Never try to swim with, touch or feed them.

Sometimes the animals may choose to approach you, in this situation you should maintain a steady speed and direction and let the animals leave when they choose.

Occasionally cetaceans may beach themselves through confusion, fear, or ill health. If you find a live stranded cetacean, call the British Divers Marine Life Rescue hotline immediately on 01825 765546.

Do not try to return them to the water – you will be risking the health and safety of both the cetacean and yourself.

Whilst it is sad to see a dead dolphin washed up on the beach it’s still important to report these strandings. Please let us know or report directly to the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP) on 0800 652 0333. 

This information offers a glimpse into the health of our local seas. It can also help to provide a better understanding of what species are found around the UK and their distribution. In some cases, the carcass will be retrieved by CSIP so that they can carry out further examinations to try and identify any factors that may have contributed to its death.  

Please remember, all cetaceans can carry harmful diseases which could be transmitted to us when they are alive or dead. Make sure you remain at a safe distance and keep dogs on leads.

Occasionally, dolphins may become separated from their pod or choose to lead a more solitary lifestyle. In recent years, several solitary bottlenose dolphins have been observed in Dorset. Unfortunately, this way of life can often lead them to becoming habituated as they seek out interaction with people and boats, putting them at risk of harmful situations.