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DOLPHINS
Bottlenose Dolphins: These playful and social dolphins are commonly seen in the waters, often seen leaping and riding the bow waves of boats.
Common Dolphins: Smaller and more energetic than bottlenose dolphins, they are often seen in large pods.
Risso's Dolphins: Recognizable by their distinctive grey bodies and white scars, they are less common but still a treat to spot.
PORPOISES
Harbour Porpoises: These shy and elusive creatures are smaller than dolphins and can be seen in the coastal waters, often in pairs or small groups. These marine mammals are a delight to watch and add an extra layer of excitement to your fishing trips.
Basking Sharks: In Devon and Cornwall, you can spot the basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus), the second largest fish in the world. These gentle giants can grow up to 12 meters in length and weigh as much as 6 tonnes2. They are most commonly seen from May to September, as they migrate to these waters to feed on plankton.
Basking sharks are known for their slow, graceful movements and their habit of swimming with their enormous mouths wide open, filtering plankton from the water. They are harmless to humans and are a spectacular sight to see in the wild.
WHALES
In the waters off Devon and Cornwall, you can spot several whale species, each offering a unique sightseeing experience.
Minke Whales: These are the most common whale species found in UK waters. They are relatively small baleen whales and can often be seen breaching and feeding near the coast.
Fin Whales: One of the largest animals on the planet, fin whales are occasionally spotted in these waters. They are characterized by their long, slender bodies and asymmetrical coloration on their lower jaw.
Humpback Whales: Known for their acrobatic displays, humpback whales are a rare but exciting sight in the region. They are often seen during late summer and winter. A humpback whale paused the 2021 International Sail GP sailing competition in Plymouth.
Orca: There was a rare sighting of a killer whale (orca) in Plymouth Sound in June 2018. A kayaking family filmed the huge orca, which is actually a species of dolphin, swimming in the area. Orcas are not commonly seen in these waters, making this sighting quite special. The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth was confirmed that the animal's characteristics suggested it was indeed an orca.
