According to the Sea Watch Foundation, 30 whale and dolphin species have been recorded in UK waters, with the bottlenose dolphin and the harbour porpoise among the most popular.
Dolphins are often spotted along the North East coastline and recently two dolphins were seen near Roker Pier.
There have also been numerous reported sightings in South Shields, Tynemouth, Seaham, Hartlepool as well as Northumberland.
The 'Roker and Seaburn dolphin watch’ Facebook group is also a good way to keep up to date with the latest sightings.
Take a look at where there has been sightings in May and so far in June in the North East.
. Dolphin sightings in the North East
Andrew Douglas, from Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours, saw a humpback whale swimming off the Northumberland coast and walker Jake Dawson spotted dolphins in Amble. Photo: Andrew Douglas and Jake Dawson
1. Whitburn coast
There have been a number of dolphin sightings in the Whitburn area over recent months, according to the Sea Watch Foundation. Most recently, two harbour porpoise were spotted on May 17, 2021. A minke whale was also spotted in the same location on the same day. While on May 9, 2021, another harbour porpoise was spotted off the Whitburn coast. Photo: Whitburn coast
2. Roker
Eight bottlenose dolphins were spotted in Roker on June 1, 2021, according to the Sea Watch Foundation. A further five were also spotted on the coast on May 20, 2021. On May 14, 2021 another bottlenose dolphin was seen the Sunderland coastline. Photo: Stu Norton
3. Hartlepool Headland
There have been multiple sightings of harbour porpoise dolphins on Hartlepool's Headland in recent weeks, according to the Sea Watch Foundation. Two bottlenose dolphins were spotted on May 28, 2021, and five were seen on May 18, 2021. Five dolphins were also seen the day before, on May 17, 2021. Photo: Tom Banks/JPI
4. Frenchman's Bay in South Shields
The Sea Watch Foundation has reported that ten bottlenose dolphins were spotted at Frenchman's Bay, South Shields, on May 21, 2021. While four were spotted on May 20, 2021 and two were seen on May 14, 2021. Photo: JPI