A group of boat trippers were treated to the incredible sight of a lone dolphin playing in Portland Marina.

Danni Dyson, 51, was one of around ten people on a seven-hour nature spotting boat trip which was relatively unsuccessful with the group only seeing a number of birds.

However, as the trip neared the end, and they pulled back into Portland Marina, they were greeted by a truly ‘amazing sight.’

A number of dolphins are regularly spotted in the harbour and Mr Dyson was able to take some great pictures of his encounter.

Mr Dyson said: “I noticed this buoy started moving, and then the smaller one next to it did as well. It was like something out of Jaws. The buoy was going under the water and then lifting into the air.”

He explained that after this, a single dolphin appeared.

Dolphin splashing around in Portland MarinaDolphin splashing around in Portland Marina (Image: Danni Dyson)

Mr Dyson who was visiting from Poole added: “It was doing this for about 30 minutes. At first, we were worried that it was trapped but we were told that it’s perfectly normal, and that they do this to keep themselves amused, they play with the buoys, swimming round and round the same area.

“It was amazing. Just an amazing end to the trip. I love going to Portland, and it’s my wife’s favourite place. It was fantastic.

“I have only ever seen a dolphin once before, it was amazing to see one, especially that close, just 20 metres away.”

Dolphin splashing around in Portland MarinaDolphin splashing around in Portland Marina (Image: Danni Dyson)

He described the dolphin as ‘massive,’ explaining that it ‘looked like it was smiling.’

The boat trip was actually a present that Mr Dyson received for his birthday last year and the nature enthusiast captured some amazing images of the event.

Dolphin splashing around in Portland MarinaDolphin splashing around in Portland Marina (Image: Danni Dyson)

The mammals are a regular visitor to the Dorset coast and as reported by the Echo back in July, Sarah Bamber, 50, from Weymouth, arranged a boat trip to celebrate her 50th birthday.

Mrs Bamber had hoped to see the resident dolphin at Portland Harbour, and her birthday wish came true as the creature came close to her boat.

However, one of Weymouth and Portland’s most unforgettable dolphins will always be Danny.

Danny the dolphin appeared to seek out the company of humans - much to the delight of passengers on boats and swimmers.

It is thought he died after coming into contact with a boat propellor.