June has brought a wave of excitement to Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours as we’ve been blessed with incredible sightings of bottlenose dolphins. Witnessing the joy on people’s faces as these majestic creatures grace our trips has been truly remarkable. Join us as we delve into the wonder of bottlenose dolphins, their fascinating facts, and the unforgettable experiences they’ve brought to the Serenity fleet.

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are renowned for their enchanting presence. With their sleek bodies, curved dorsal fins, and captivating behaviors, they capture the hearts of all who encounter them. These intelligent and social marine mammals create an atmosphere of awe and wonder wherever they go. They have been travelling up and down the Northumberland coastline thrilling people young and old. A few friends of ours, even travel up and down the coast following them to see if they recognise any of them, and of course they do but they even spot some new ones from time to time.

I have to give a big shout out to a few friends who have been amazing to myself and my crew over the last few years and if it was not for them we would not know as such about these beautiful creatures so ladies thank you. Moria, Sam and Ali are my 3 amigos, so thank you for your knowledge, pictures and of course your sense of humour.

These fascinating dolphins have a varied diet, primarily consisting of fish, squid, and crustaceans. They are skilled hunters, using their keen senses and echolocation to locate and catch their prey. Working together in cooperative groups, known as pods, they employ strategic techniques to corral and capture schools of fish, ensuring a successful hunt. They are sizeable creatures, typically reaching lengths between 6 to 12 feet and weighing around 300 to 1,400 pounds. Despite their size, they are incredibly agile and fast swimmers. They can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour, gracefully gliding through the water with effortless ease. We watch them at while they play with the boat and in a flash one flick of their tails they are gone. Its just amazing. People used to say that we chase them but that’s not the case as a lot of the time they come straight to the boat to play with the twin hulls. Its really fascinating to watch and I’m certain they look at you in the eye as if to say come on your not fast enough. They also have a relatively long lifespan, with individuals living on average between 40 to 50 years. However, some have been known to reach ages of 60 years or more, showcasing the endurance and resilience of these remarkable creatures. We have a local one who is known by everyone called “Runny Paint” and she is in her mid 40’s now. Just amazing really.

The sightings of bottlenose dolphins have been a source of immense joy for the entire Serenity fleet during the month of June. The first-time experiences of witnessing these majestic creatures frolicking and swimming around our boats have been nothing short of magical. The joy and awe reflected on our guests’ faces create an atmosphere of pure delight and appreciation for the wonders of nature. This also makes our day too which is always good. As we revel in these incredible encounters, it is vital to recognize the importance of conservation efforts to protect bottlenose dolphins and their habitats. Responsible boating practices are a must, such as maintaining a safe distance and minimizing disturbances, ensure the well-being of these marine creatures for future generations to enjoy.

While June has gifted us with unforgettable moments we hope to see more action for the rest of the season. Their captivating presence, combined with the sheer delight they bring to our guests, has made it an extraordinary time for everyone at Serenity. From their size and speed to their hunting techniques and impressive lifespan, these intelligent creatures continue to fascinate and inspire. Let us cherish these encounters and work together to preserve the beauty of our marine ecosystems for years to come.

Thank you to Ali for the wonderful pictures….