VIDEO: Dolphins spotted cruising Torbay waters in stunning winter sighting

A comprehensive marine wildlife survey carried out in Brixham on Monday 19 January recorded dozens of grey seals and a pod of dolphins during a calm winter day on the water.

The survey was conducted by The Cove Discovery Project marine observer Chris Thomas alongside Tristan Northway, known locally as “Mr Fish”, and covered Brixham’s outer harbour, the Marina and waters around Berry Head.

A total of 46 grey seals were documented resting on the harbour’s wave barrier, including 22 animals hauled out together on a single pontoon. The group included adult, sub-adult and juvenile seals of both sexes.

Despite regular harbour activity, the seals remained relaxed and undisturbed throughout the observation period.

The team also recorded a range of seabird species, including guillemot, shag, razorbill, herring gull, great black-backed gull and cormorant, highlighting the biodiversity supported by the local marine environment even during winter months.

One of the day’s key sightings was a pod of four common dolphins, observed both from the survey vessel and via aerial drone footage. The dolphins remained at an estimated distance of 20–30 metres and displayed calm, natural behaviour. Observations were limited to around five minutes before the team left the area to avoid disturbance.

The findings form part of The Cove Discovery Project’s ongoing work to monitor and protect marine life along the South Devon coastline.

Dolphin sightings in Torbay are relatively frequent, particularly between May and October, with common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises regularly recorded in the bay. In recent years, sightings of Risso’s dolphins have also increased, including reports of larger pods.

Berry Head is widely regarded as one of the best land-based viewing locations due to its three-sided exposure to open water, with Sharkham Point and Labrador Bay also offering strong spotting opportunities. While sightings are never guaranteed, increased numbers of bait fish such as mackerel - and more recently octopus - have been linked to more regular dolphin activity in the area.