The playful animals were captured up-close by Packet Camera Club member Martin Painter from his motorboat last Sunday and Monday.
The curious cetaceans played in the boat’s bow wave for half an hour in Falmouth Harbour. (Image: Martin Painter/Packet Camera Club)
Taken using a GoPro camera on a stick just below the waterline, the photos capture the vibrant blues caused by the ‘beautiful’ weather over the weekend.
“A pod of dolphins stayed with us for over half an hour,” Mr Painter said about the up-close encounter on Sunday.
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Admirers of Mr Painter’s images described the moment as ‘stunning’ and ‘insanely beautiful’.
Common dolphins are a welcome sight in Cornish waters, particularly in the warmer summer months when they often approach boats to play in their bow waves.
The curious cetaceans played in the boat’s bow wave for half an hour in Falmouth Harbour. (Image: Martin Painter/Packet Camera Club)
When approaching dolphins at sea, Cornwall Wildlife Trust recommends keeping clear of large groups and mothers with calves.
Boaters should slow down, maintaining a steady course if the animals play with bow waves.
The curious cetaceans played in the boat’s bow wave for half an hour in Falmouth Harbour. (Image: Martin Painter/Packet Camera Club)
“Ensure all encounters are on their terms by, ideally, only being close to them if they choose to be close to you.”
The curious cetaceans played in the boat’s bow wave for half an hour in Falmouth Harbour. (Image: Martin Painter/Packet Camera Club)
The curious cetaceans played in the boat’s bow wave for half an hour in Falmouth Harbour. (Image: Martin Painter/Packet Camera Club)
The curious cetaceans played in the boat’s bow wave for half an hour in Falmouth Harbour. (Image: Martin Painter/Packet Camera Club)
The curious cetaceans played in the boat’s bow wave for half an hour in Falmouth Harbour. (Image: Martin Painter/Packet Camera Club)