A LARGE pod of playful dolphins put on a show as they swam through the water.

Passengers were enjoying a boat tour around Seven Sisters near Eastbourne when they spotted fins in the water on Monday.

But, rather than swim away, around 20 of the creatures came in for a closer look.

The dolphins leapt from the water, putting on a spectacular display for all those onboard the Newhaven-based Maverick Adventures boat tour.

A video was submitted to the Sussex Dolphin Project, an organisation which aims to “inspire and engage the local community to learn about the incredible marine wildlife off the coast.

Thea Taylor from Sussex Dolphin Project said: “This must have been a magical experience for those on the boat and fairly unusual to see a pod of this size so close to Seven Sisters.

“The area is a real hotspot for harbour porpoises, and we get frequent sightings of our smallest cetacean from Seven Sisters through to Beachy Head, but it’s exciting to see a pod of more than 20 bottlenose dolphins in the area as well.

“Please do keep sending in your marine mammal sightings to Sussex Dolphin Project.”

Sussex Dolphin Project keeps a record of the number of dolphins spotted off the Sussex coast as part of its research into the county’s marine mammal sightings.

This summer, the project is offering boat trips to people in Brighton to provide them with the opportunity to learn about, and hopefully see, some of the amazing marine wildlife that lives on the Sussex coast.

Thea said: “We’re delighted to announce the dates for Sussex Dolphin Project’s 2021 sunset wildlife cruises, which will run twice a month from May through to September, departing from Brighton Marina.

“Although dolphin sightings are rare this close to shore, you will learn all about our Sussex dolphins, porpoises, seals as well as the other amazing marine life including seabirds, seahorses and shark species. We look forward to welcoming you aboard.”

The cruises also offer guests a “unique view” of Brighton’s seafront as the sun sets from behind the West Pier and the i360.

All proceeds from ticket sales go directly to Sussex Dolphin Project.

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