Highlights from Lyme Bay (2024)

The weather this year was unpredictable and, as a result, we were only able to operate two of our six sailings from Brixham – one in July and one in August. Despite this, we were still treated to a fantastic display of marine-life on both sailings. With around nine hours at sea on each trip and cruising at an average speed of 8-10 knots, we covered large parts of Lyme Bay aboard our charter boat Spot On! in the capable hands of our skipper Ross Parham and our expert Naturetrek guide, Tom Brereton.

One of the many highlights of our first day trip in July was impressive views of Ocean Sunfish right by the boat.

We were also lucky enough to see 135 Balearic Shearwaters, Cory's, Sooty and 10 Manx Shearwaters, 63 Sandwich Terns, 150 Gannets, 20 Kittiwakes, 10 Razorbills, 2 Bottlenose Dolphins, 5 Harbour Porpoises, 5 Grey Seals, and a Sand Martin.

A pod of 160 Common Dolphins accompanied the boat for a prolonged period and delighted our group with their playful nature.

We experienced more challenging viewing conditions on our day trip in August, but our group was still provided with a great selection of wildlife. Arguably the most exciting sighting was a small shoal of 5+ Bluefin Tuna. After being relatively absent from British waters for decades due to overfishing, it is encouraging that these beautiful fish are being seen more regularly.

It was also a great day for seabirds with an estimated 850 Kittiwakes, 35 Great, 4 Balearic and 150 Manx Shearwaters, 2-3 Pomarine and 3+ Arctic Skuas, and 10 Storm-petrels. The day was finished off nicely with 100 Common Dolphins, 5 Harbour Porpoises, and 4 Grey Seals.

Our Lyme Bay cruises have not only been a great experience for those who joined the trips but have also generated valuable survey data for the charity Marinelife. This dedicated band of marine biologists has been working with statutory conservation agencies to evaluate the importance of the Bay for priority species such as the Balearic Shearwater, Bottlenose Dolphin and White-beaked Dolphin. For the latter species, Marinelife has proposed the creation of a marine nature reserve (Marine Conservation Zone) to operate in partnership with the Wildlife Trusts. The data obtained from Naturetrek trips has formed a key body of supporting evidence for this proposal.

Our 2025 sailing dates are now available to book so, to ensure you do not miss any of the action, please check our website (Tour Code GBR09) or contact Andy Tucker on 01962 733051 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. N.B. In the event your booked departure is cancelled due to poor weather, as much notice as possible will be given and you will be offered a full refund or the opportunity to rebook for a future departure.