Humpback whale spotted off Welsh coast surprises wildlife cameraman

A humpback whale was spotted off the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales in 2024, surprising two experienced marine professionals. Wildlife cinematographer Dan Abbot recorded the whale in the Celtic Deep at the end of a four-hour snorkelling trip. He described the encounter as completely unexpected.

Lloyd Nelmes, who works as a marine project officer with Sea Trust Wales, also saw a humpback whale in Pembrokeshire waters that year. He watched the whale jump fully out of the water. Nelmes said it was the best wildlife moment of his life.

Humpback whales are rarely seen in Welsh waters, so both sightings were considered remarkable. The Celtic Deep is an open stretch of water off the Welsh coast where unusual marine encounters do occasionally happen.