Over the last few years the offshore and inshore waters of Hastings have produced numerous sightings of Bottle-nosed Dolphins. Most sightings are of two or three individuals but there have been increasing reports of larger groups, including a few records of a small group with young. The regularity of these sightings and the records of this family group indicate that this could be a breeding pod, but more records are needed to confirm this.
Despite the regular presence of these animals in the inshore waters of Hastings it is still difficult to catch sight of one of them. This small group which is estimated to consist of at least nine individuals roam the few miles of coast between Rye Harbour and Bexhill, but seem to mostly stay a few miles offshore. It is usually the feeding, or breeding movements of fish that bring the dolphins inshore. Large shoals of fish, which usually stay out in the deep water, move in to shallower water during spring and summer to feed and breed. Mackerel are the most conspicuous, due to the shadow-like patterns their large shoals make on the surface of the water during warm weather. It is also this species of fish which the dolphins are most regularly seen feeding on. The greater the number of fish in the inshore waters of Hastings the more likely the occurrence of dolphins.
There are a few hints and tips that will increase your chances of sighting a dolphin this summer. A disturbance of the water surface is the first sign you will see of a dolphin, therefore watching when the sea is calm is essential. It is almost impossible to catch sight of a dolphin when the sea is only slightly choppy. Light reflecting off the sea will also ruin any chance of observing a dolphins fin cutting through the sea surface, so observing in the morning or evening when the sun is low in the sky is best as the reflections and glare is less. An overcast sky also produces a diffused light that is ideal for observing dolphin activity.
Gulls will follow feeding dolphins in the hope of picking up scraps left over from their feeding activities. Look out for a large excited flock of gulls, moving slowly parallel to the coast, this sometimes indicates the presence of feeding dolphins.
Dolphins are mostly seen when the tide is coming in, or when the tide turns, as this is when fish are on the move. They have been seen all along the Hastings Seafront, but for close views watching from the end of the Pier, from St. Leonard’s Marina or from Rock-a-Nore is best. You are probably more likely to see dolphins from Hastings Cliffs, due to the proximity of deep water offshore from the cliffs, but to view dolphins from the cliff-top, binoculars or a telescope will be needed.
Bottle-nosed dolphins are curious, playful animals and will approach boats to bow-ride, but they are still wild animals and if disturbed too much will vacate the area. It is therefore best not to approach any dolphin if watching from a boat. If you are patient and the dolphins are willing they will approach you, and you might be rewarded with very close views of this magnificent animal.
Hopefully there will be plenty of fish inshore this summer, and the dolphins will frequent the inshore waters of Hastings.
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This page last updated: 12/07/2001