I’m no marine biologist — just a photographer who’s spent a fair few days staring at Kenmare Bay, waiting for something interesting to break the surface. And lately? Dolphins.

Three of them, showing up like clockwork near the pier, and it’s been a lot of fun.

Here’s what I’ve noticed, and a few tips if you want to try getting some shots of your own.

🕰️ 1. Timing is everything — watch the tides

Every sighting I’ve had has been just as the tide starts to turn from high to ebbing — water starts heading back out to sea, and boom, there they are.

My theory? Salmon heading for Sheen Falls get caught out fighting the flow, and the dolphins know it’s easy picking. No activity on a rising tide, no activity hours after — just that sweet window when the buffet opens.

👉 Check tide charts — look for the hour right after peak high tide.

📍 2. Location: Pier + patience

I’ve been spotting them from the Kenmare Pier, looking out toward the middle of the bay. They don’t hang around for long, but they do move in slow arcs — surface, dive, pop up 100m away.

Bring binoculars or a long lens (300mm+ ideally), and be ready

🔇 3. Keep quiet and low profile

Not sure if it’s the noise or movement, but the less you fuss, the closer they seem to come. They like to follow the rib from the rowing club – so if the rowers are out – that might be a good time. 

☀️ 4. Good light helps… and so do clouds

Overcast days cut glare and make it easier to spot fins. If the sun’s out, bring polarizing filters — they’ll help cut surface shine and let you see just below.
Don’t worry about gear though – better to catch it on a phone camera than miss it whilst you are waiting for an amazon delivery. 

🎯 5. Focus on behaviour, not just splash

Once you see them, track their pattern. Dolphins often surface in a rhythm — if you see a dorsal fin, there’s a good chance they’ll reappear in 10–20 seconds on a similar heading. Anticipate rather than react.

Spray-and-pray rarely works here — they’ll be above the surface long enough for you to capture. 

Bonus: Enjoy the moment

Honestly, the first time I saw them I nearly forgot I had a camera. Don’t be afraid to just watch for a bit.
Kenmare Bay on a still evening with dolphins is a win. 

If you’re out there and spot them too, give me a shout and share your images. I’d  love to know if anyone else is seeing the same pattern?