"Look at the size of that one – wow, it's huge!" Boater films stunning wildlife spectacle off Sussex coast

Skipper Kurt Lander was surrounded by dolphins as he travelled between Littlehampton and Worthing in Sussex.

During the “magical” encounter, the pod of more than 15 bottlenose dolphins was “led by a super inquisitive calf,” says Lloyd Gofton from the Sussex Dolphin Project. 

• What’s the most common shark in Britain?
• Discover 10 of the UK’s largest sea animals

"The pod was clearly curious about Kurt and his boat," says Gofton, "and this experienced skipper did exactly the right thing by maintaining his course and low speed, allowing the dolphins to dictate the interaction.”

Lander had several other dolphin sightings in the same week, all of which he shared with the Sussex Dolphin Project to help them learn more about cetacean sightings in the region.

"Every piece of data makes a difference and will help us to better understand and protect dolphins in Sussex,” says Gofton.

Image and video credit: Kurt Lander

More amazing wildlife videos from around the UK

• Rare killer whale encounter stuns wildlife watchers in Northumberland
• “As I got closer, I saw its tail": astonished gardener finds large animal in pond
• Fierce battle between seal and enormous sea creature filmed in Dorset
• "Adorable creatures" seen frolicking in Lincolnshire waterway