The dolphins were photographed touching noses off Roker last weekend as a pod swam close to shore.
Dolphins at Roker, Sunderland (Image: Anthony Skordis/ANT AND DEX PHOTOGRAPHY)
Local photographer Anthony Skordis, who goes by the name Ant and Dex Photography on social media, took the striking pictures, which show dolphins breaching in the North Sea.
The dolphins were quiet at first, then became more active as Anthony photographed them from Roker Pier.
Anthony, who lives locally, has spent years photographing dolphins and other wildlife along the North East coast.
The sighting follows several recent dolphin appearances along the region’s coastline.
Dolphins at Roker, Sunderland (Image: Anthony Skordis/ANT AND DEX PHOTOGRAPHY)
Earlier this week, dolphins were also spotted off Redcar beach, where the animals were filmed swimming and leaping from the water.
Dolphins at Roker, Sunderland (Image: Anthony Skordis/ANT AND DEX PHOTOGRAPHY)
Dolphins are regular visitors to parts of the North East coast, although sightings can be unpredictable and often attract significant attention when pods move close to shore.
The dolphins may look as if they are kissing, but close contact can help them interact and communicate.
Dolphins also breach to communicate, feed, remove parasites and travel through the water, researchers suggest.
The photographs show several dolphins leaping clear of the sea, including two coming nose-to-nose.