A family of dolphins were spotted at a popular Ceredigion beach last Monday (October 7).

During a boat trip at New Quay Beach, a white-finned dolphin named ‘Ghost’ and her calf called 'Spirit' were seen jumping in and out of the water.

This was before a third dolphin made an appearance and joined in with the aqua acrobatics.

The dolphin named Ghost is recognized by it's white fin.The dolphin named Ghost is recognized by her white fin. (Image: Sarah Michelle Wyer/Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips)Ghost has a juvenile named Spirit.Ghost has a juvenile named Spirit. (Image: Sarah Michelle Wyer/Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips) The dolphins performed some aqua acrobatics for the onlookers.The dolphins performed some aqua acrobatics for onlookers. (Image: Sarah Michelle Wyer/Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips) New Quay Harbour is a hot spot for dolphins.New Quay Harbour is a hot spot for dolphins. (Image: Sarah Michelle Wyer/Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips) Cardigan Bay is one of the largest in Europe for dolphin populations.Cardigan Bay is one of the largest in Europe for dolphin populations. (Image: Sarah Michelle Wyer/Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips) Dolphins are the apex predators at New Quay Beach.Dolphins are the apex predators at New Quay Beach. (Image: Sarah Michelle Wyer/Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips) The dolphins were spotted during an 11am trip.The dolphins were spotted during an 11am trip. (Image: Sarah Michelle Wyer/Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips) Sarah expressed how dolphins are more like humans than we think.Sarah expressed how dolphins are more like humans than we think. (Image: Sarah Michelle Wyer/Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips) New Quay mainly has bottlenose dolphins.New Quay mainly has bottlenose dolphins. (Image: Sarah Michelle Wyer/Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips) Ghost was first spotted in 2006.Ghost was first spotted in 2006. (Image: Sarah Michelle Wyer/Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips) Spirit emerged towards the end of August 2021.Spirit emerged towards the end of August 2021. (Image: Sarah Michelle Wyer/Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips) The dolphins at New Quay Beach are semi-residential.The dolphins at New Quay Beach are semi-residential. (Image: Sarah Michelle Wyer/Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips) Wildlife guide at Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips, Sarah Michelle Wyer said: “It’s normal to see dolphins here in New Quay. Cardigan Bay is one of the largest in Europe for dolphin populations.

“It’s made up of semi-residential dolphins. Some spend their life here while others migrate from one ocean to another. One hotspot is New Quay Harbour where dolphins can be seen on boat trips and whilst walking by the pier.

“The fact there are so many dolphins shows the sea here has good wildlife. Dolphins are top of the food chain here; they are the apex predators. They are very intelligent and more like us humans than we give them credit. There are mainly bottlenose dolphins in New Quay.

“Ghost was first recorded in 2006 in Cardigan Bay. Meanwhile, her calf, Spirit, was born towards the end of August 2021.”

The dolphins were spotted during an 11am trip with Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips – an award-winning company with over 70 years of experience.

On their Facebook page, the company posted: “This trip was a real treat for both passengers and crew.

“We all get to know our local Dolphins and their 'Dolphinalities'. The Dolphins in these photos are part of our local pod which we spot in New Quay Bay regularly throughout the year.

“Even to us working on the boat’s day in, day out... We love these animals, and they give us special memories too. We get just as excited as passengers a lot of the time. Sometimes more!

“Sarah says capturing photos like these are very special to her, particularly when she has waited for years to get specific photos of specific Dolphins
(the world of wildlife photography).

“Hope you all enjoyed it as much as Sarah & Chloe did today, and we want to thank everyone who joined us on the water.”

For more information about spotting dolphins, visit the New Quay Boat Trips website.