The North East is lucky to boast a vibrant and beautiful coastline – and if you are lucky enough, you can spot a dolphin or two.
According to the Northumberland Wildlife Trust, bottlenose dolphin, white-beaked dolphin are the two “regularly occurring” breeds you may see in a visit.
But where are they usually seen?
Seaham
Lauren Whitaker, 36, of Ryhope, was left shocked yet overjoyed when a visit to the beach with the family led to her capturing a pod of dolphins swimming in the ocean by Seaham in late July, 2024.
Lauren and her family were just packing up to leave the beach when they saw the pod of 20-30 dolphins leaping out of the water – a sight they said was “fantastic”.
A dolphin pictured in Seaham. (Image: LAUREN WHITAKER)
Hartlepool
On August 28 2024, Rare Risso’s dolphins owned by the King were spotted off the coast of Hartlepool.
Why are they owned by the King? Well, it’s because of an ancient decree that dates back to the 12th century.
King Charles III inherited thousands of dolphins from the Crown when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died in 2022.
Rare Risso’s dolphins spotted off Hartlepool coast. (Image: TOM COLLINS/SWNS)
Redcar
A pod of majestic dolphins were photographed by Northern Echo Camera Club member Ray Simpson at South Gare in Redcar in early September 2024.
In the images taken by Mr Simpson, dolphins can be seen leaping out of the water, next to a ship in the water at South Gare, while in other images, several of the dolphins can be seen swimming on the surface of the water.
Dolphins at South Gare, Redcar. (Image: RAY SIMPSON)
South Shields
Beautiful pictures were captured of dolphins leaping in and out of the water in South Shields in late August.
A dolphin pictured in South Shields. (Image: STEVE RAINE/CAMERA CLUB)
Last summer, we reported on a few dolphin sightings around the region – and if you’re eagle eyed and time it right you may catch a glimpse yourself this year.