When people think of South Devon, they often picture sandy beaches and relaxed marina strolls. But just beyond the harbour, the waters of the Torbay UNESCO Global Geopark have transformed into a bustling hotspot for incredible marine life.
Recent Sightings: A Playground for Ocean Giants
If you think you need to travel to the Arctic to see ocean giants, think again. Torquay’s rich underwater ecosystem has recently seen an incredible surge in cetacean activity.
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Acrobatic Dolphins: Torbay boasts a resident pod of common dolphins and harbour porpoises. Passengers regularly report pods of 20 to 30 dolphins charging alongside boats, riding bow waves and leaping completely out of the water.
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The Return of Whales: Sleek Minke whales (growing up to 10 metres long) are increasingly frequent visitors, drawn into the bay by massive shoals of fish. On rare, spectacular occasions, even massive humpback whales have been spotted treating onlookers to tail-slaps right in our coastal backyard.
Who To Cruise With: Top Local Operators
Ready to grab your binoculars? South Devon has some fantastic, eco-conscious boat operators waiting to take you out:
Go Boat Trips
If you are planning a trip to the English Riviera, Go Boat Trips in Torquay is a fantastic choice for experiencing South Devon’s stunning coastline directly from the water. Departing from Torquay Harbour, they offer a brilliant mix of adventures, highlighted by their popular Coastal Sea-Fari and Sunrise cruises, which give passengers a great chance to spot local marine wildlife like dolphins and seals. They also host unique themed evening cruises—such as their Fish n’ Chips, Kebab, or “Spud Night” trips—making it incredibly easy to pair beautiful, panoramic views of Torbay with a relaxed, casual meal at sea. find out more
Torquay Watersports
Operating out of the MDL Marina, their high-performance RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) gets you out to the marine action quickly. They offer 60- and 90-minute Coastal Explorer tours designed to maximize your chances of seeing dolphins, seals and bluefin tuna. FIND OUT MORE
Devon Sea Safari
In their safe and stable ten-metre Humber RIB boat, they offer unique tours that explore the beautiful Devon coastline like never before. These trips provide fantastic opportunities to view an abundance of marine wildlife and incredible geological formations, while also providing information on the area’s fascinating local history. Tours depart from and return to Teignmouth’s Fish Quay Pontoon (located behind the New Quay Inn Pub on the riverside of town). FIND OUT MORE
Boat Safari (Brixham)
Based just across the bay (and easily accessible), they offer bespoke wildlife tours. Their longer 4-hour safaris head deep into Lyme Bay, targeting the offshore waters where larger marine species like Minke whales and rare seabirds frequently feed. FIND OUT MORE
Book a Break Today
Tag us in your photos of your trip using #TLHhotels and make sure to share your experiences with our staff on your return to your hotel. We love to hear what you’ve been up to! BOOK A BREAK