Wildlife around the Gwynedd Coastline

We are very lucky here in Gwynedd, there are a number of marine species to be seen around the coastline. Should you encounter and whilst out on your craft please do not disturb them and give them space.

Here a details of some of the wildlife that you might encounter :-

Dolphins

Several types of Dolphins such as the Common, Bottlenose, Risso's and Striped can regularly be seen around the coastline and some times in large numbers. An encounter with dolphins is always very special experience but do remember to slow down if you encounter a dolphin and give them plenty of room.

Porpoises

Porpoises seem at first very similar to Dolphins but they are in fact considerably smaller in size and are much more wary and shy than the Dolphins. As with dolphins give them enough space to go where they wish, slow down and do not harass them. 

Basking Shark

The Basking Shark is a rare visitor to the coastline but can be seen sometimes during summer months.

Although a huge creature of up to 11m in length with a somewhat frightening huge mouth (as can be seen in the above picture), this large slow moving shark feeds on plankton and posses no threat to humans what so ever.

Because of their huge size and the fact that the move very slowly at approximately 2 knots it is vitally important that they are given space to move as they wish and are not harassed.

Seal

There are a number of seals around the coastline and can regularly be seen basking on the rocks during the summer months. Seals are very nosy and inquisitive and may come quite close please slow down if you encounter any and give them plenty of room.

Birds

There are a number of species of birds that can be seen around the coastline as well such as the Cormorant, Razorbill, Guillemot, Chough, Gull

Occasional Species

Minke Whale

Over recent years there have been sightings of Minke Whales around the coastline, and not far from Criccieth beach in March 2007 a Minke whale was unfortunately stranded and later died despite rescue efforts.

Minke whales can grow up to 10m in length and  weigh anything up to 10 tones.

Leatherback turtle

The leatherback turtle can be seen occasionally around the coast and feeds mainly on jellyfish (They can consume up to their body weight of jellyfish each day). These turtles can grow up to two meters in length and can weigh more than 1,000 pounds.

Be sure that you look out for the leatherback turtle as they quite often feed on or near the surface.

Note :

Should you encounter a beached or stranded whale, Dolphin or Turtle whilst out around the coastline please alert the beach wardens if they are present or alert the coastguard who will direct any rescue efforts.