A FAMILY of harbour porpoises were spotted off the coast of Llandudno on the weekend.

Two adults and a calf were spotted in the waters off the Great Orme by members of the Sea Watch Foundation's National Whale and Dolphin Watch on Sunday, 6 August.

The pictures were captured looking directly down from Marine Drive.

Harbour porpoises differ ever so slightly from dolphins, and grow up to 1.9 metres long.

North Wales Pioneer: A harbour porpoise near the Great Orme. Photo: Richard BointonA harbour porpoise near the Great Orme. Photo: Richard Bointon (Image: Richard Bointon)

According to the Porpoise Conservation Society, they are frequently seen in shallow bays, estuaries, and tidal channels, but are an endangered species in both the Baltic Sea and Black Sea.

Lorna Bointon, Sea Watch Foundation regional coordinator for Flintshire, Denbighshire & Conwy, told the Pioneer: “We do see them frequently at this time of year from the Great Orme.

“Due to their size and small, triangular dorsal fins they can sometimes be hard to spot, especially when there's a heavy swell.

“But, with patience and a good pair of binoculars, it's possible to get good views.”

MORE: Harbour porpoises sighted in waters off Rhos-on-Sea beach!

Harbour porpoises were spotted near the beach in Rhos-on-Sea in June and July, and bottlenose dolphins are also sometimes seen from the Great Orme and Rhos-on-Sea.

Lorna added: “I've been an observer for a while now but still get excited when I spot one - so I hope people keep their eyes peeled!”

Sightings are recorded by the Sea Watch Foundation, and should you spot any porpoises, contact Lorna or submit your finding via the Seawatcher app.