Surf's up! Pod of 40 bottlenose dolphins ride 8ft-high waves along South African coast




These acrobatic dolphins prove you don't need a surfboard to ride the waves.



The pod of 40 bottlenose dolphins were spotted jumping out of the back of the breaking waves that were rolling into the coast.

Despite facing waves as big as eight feet, some of the more energetic marine mammals were seen leaping six foot out of the sea.

Who needs a surfboard? This pod of 40 bottlenose dolphins were spotted riding 8ft-high waves as as they made their way up the east coast of South Africa Acrobatic: Despite facing waves as big as eight feet, some of the more energetic marine mammals were seen leaping six feet out of the sea

The dolphins were photographed by Mark van Collier as they made their north up the east coast of South Africa, near Port St Johns.

Mark travelled alongside the pod on a boat and was amazed to see so many dolphins 'surfing' in unison.

There were no human surfers around to take note from the skilful dolphins as that part of the coast tends only to be frequented by a few local fisherman.

Wildlife photographer Mark, 36, from Cape Town, South Africa, said: 'This was a very large pod for bottlenose dolphins.

Like a salmon: Photographer Mark van Collier said: 'Most of the dolphins were quite conservative with their jumps but one or two would occasionally reach for the sky' Sepctacular: Bottlenose dolphins have been known to breach up to 16ft out of the water Riding high: Dolphins can reach speeds of up to 18mph in the water and their pods typically include between 10 and 30 members

'Most of the dolphins were quite conservative with their jumps but one or two would occasionally reach for the sky and leap 6ft out the back of a breaking wave.

'They seemed to be enjoying themselves repeatedly surfing on the waves that rolled into the many small bays along the stretch of coast.

'I have seen dolphins do this many times in ones and twos but to encounter such a large group all joining in on the fun was truly amazing.

'I regard myself as more of an underwater specialist photographer so I was extremely pleased with these images.'

Although these dolphins displayed some spectacular jumps, bottlenose dolphins have been known to breach up to 16ft out of the water.