THEY’VE gotta lotta bottle in Guernsey just now – Bottlenose Dolphins, that is! Marine life experts are reporting a boom in the dolphin population around the islands.

A decrease in marine activity and traffic is said to have led to a significant increase in sightings around the shores of the Channel island, particularly along the east coast.

Watchers report some of the highest figures in over 30 years, after 24 boat surveys and 600 volunteer hours donated to the research project – and the rise in numbers is a welcome discovery.

It’s a welcome boon for the tourist industry, too, with the island offering a number of opportunities to spot marine wildlife, with numerous safari, boat and kayak tours.

Outdoor Guernsey’s ‘Herm Circumnavigation’ kayak tour gives tourists the chance to see dolphins creatures up close, and other options include ‘Island Rib Voyages’ by speed boat.

As well as dolphins, there have been plenty of seals, while puffin tours run throughout April and July, with a large colony of puffins just a 20-minute boat excursion from Guernsey.

For trips, attractions and tourism advice, head to www.visitguernsey.com. Lead image taken off Point Robert by Sue Daly, courtesy of visitguernsey.