About

Founded by Steve Hartley, our company brings over four decades of experience in marine conservation and charter boat operations, dating back to the early 1980s.

In 1996, Steve established the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, while simultaneously launching Wales’ first eco-tourism boat business—pioneering a model that successfully blends responsible tourism with wildlife conservation.

 

We deliberately limit our trips to just 12 passengers per vessel, ensuring a more personal, immersive experience for every guest while minimising our impact on the marine environment.

 

Our team played a key role in developing the Marine Wildlife Code of Conduct, now followed by operators throughout New Quay. Every trip we run strictly adheres to this code, placing the welfare of wildlife at the heart of everything we do.

 

Our work has been widely recognised, with features on national television, including the Dolphin Towndocumentary, showcasing the powerful connection between sustainable business and marine conservation.

 

Each trip is led by experienced guides and often joined by marine conservation professionals from the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, providing expert insight and enriching your experience.

 

When conditions allow, we use hydrophones to listen beneath the surface, offering a unique opportunity to hear the sounds of the marine world—including dolphins in their natural habitat. We also collaborate with researchers from the Centre to support ongoing studies into dolphin communication.

 

We are proud to offer frequent sightings of the “Cardigan Bay Big Three”: bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, and Atlantic grey seals

 

Boat information

1. 'Anna Lloyd' is a 33ft catamaran (twin-hull) with an elevated point (tuna tower) for the crew to spot wildlife.

2. ‘Sulaire’ is a 33ft charter boat,

Both boats are comprehensively equipped with the latest safety equipment and is fully licensed and insured for 12 passengers and include a toilet and part sheltered deck.