Main Services
New Quay Boat Trips is a long-established, family-run business operating dolphin spotting boat trips from New Quay in Cardigan Bay. Known locally for our experience and wildlife knowledge, we specialise in responsible dolphin spotting trips, offering visitors the chance to see dolphins and other marine wildlife in their natural habitat. New Quay Boat Trips operates independently and is not affiliated with any other dolphin watching or boat trip operators. We are proud to have received Gold Awards from Visit Wales in 2024 and 2025 for outstanding customer experience. Founded in 1955 by fisherman Winston Evans and his father Arden, our family business has been welcoming passengers for over seventy years. Generations return to spot bottlenose dolphins and seals, but just as importantly they return because they feel cared for. One recent guest wrote: “Extremely friendly, knowledgeable and professional… Thank you for the extra attention you gave to our children — our eldest had the best time.” Another said: “Fantastic experience… the staff were amazing, fun and knowledgeable — a must-do while visiting New Quay.” These comments reflect exactly why we entered this award: exceptional customer service has always been at the heart of everything we do. We believe great customer service is built through listening, training and genuine care. We measure customer satisfaction through feedback cards introduced in 2025, monitoring online reviews, tracking repeat bookings and discussing comments as a team each season. This feedback has led to real improvements, including an online booking system in 2021, a new clearer website in 2025 and improved boarding procedures. One guest wrote: “Well organised — from booking tickets to getting on the boat.” Our team are empowered and trained to deliver excellent service. Crew receive ongoing training in safety, wildlife knowledge and customer care, and they are trusted to make decisions that protect passenger comfort. Guests often notice this: “The crew were polite and efficient… very professionally run from start to finish.” We make support accessible and responsive. Customers can contact us by phone, email or online booking 24/7, and when the weather forcest changes we quickly rebook or refund. One family commented: “Our trip was cancelled due to weather, but they booked us on the next available trip the following day.” Safety and professionalism underpin every experience. Fully licensed vessels, clear safety briefings, lifejackets and constant weather monitoring ensure passengers feel secure. We also follow responsible wildlife-watching guidelines to protect marine life. Accessibility and inclusivity are important to us. Wheelchair-friendly boats such as Dreamcatcher and Suncatcher, family-friendly pricing and patient staff help everyone feel welcome. Guests frequently say things like: “Lovely boat and experience — very friendly staff.” These actions show strong feedback systems, empowered teams, continuous staff development, accessible support and thoughtful complaint handling — all key criteria for customer excellence. Our approach has created lasting relationships with customers. Families return year after year, bringing children and grandchildren. One guest wrote: “We actually got engaged on a trip in 2021, so returning with our children was extra special.” Others describe the emotional impact of seeing wildlife: “A remarkable experience… we saw dolphins including babies and felt very fortunate.” These experiences lead to strong repeat bookings, excellent ratings and word-of-mouth recommendations that sustain our small seasonal business in the community of New Quay. For a family business with limited resources, this trust is vital — it protects local jobs, supports tourism and keeps traditional maritime skills alive. Our seventy-year history shows that exceptional service comes from genuine care, empowered staff, listening to feedback and always striving to improve. Other businesses can learn that when customers feel safe, welcomed and valued, they return - and they tell their friends and family.