A Hot Summer on the Llŷn Peninsula
If you’ve been down to any of Pen Llŷn’s stunning beaches this summer and ventured into the water for a swim, paddleboard, or simply dipped a toe in the water, you won’t have failed to notice that the sea feels warmer than usual.
After such a long, hot summer, it’s perhaps not surprising. We’ve experienced some exceptionally warm and dry weather across North Wales, with temperatures regularly reaching the 20s and, during the hottest spells, around 30°C. The warmth hasn’t just been felt on land either. Sea temperatures around the UK and northwest Europe have been unusually high, with the Met Office reporting a significant marine heatwave this summer.
Here at Tremfan Lodge Park, we’ve certainly noticed the difference when enjoying the bay at Llanbedrog. The warm water has been perfect for those early morning swims, paddleboarding and long summer days on the beach.
Marine Wildlife at Llanbedrog Beach
But warmer seas can also mean changes beneath the surface, and this summer has brought some fascinating marine wildlife sightings around the Llŷn Peninsula.
At Llanbedrog Beach, we’ve seen barrel jellyfish and moon jellyfish, while along the wider coast there have been reports of large numbers of by-the-wind sailors (Velella velella) washing ashore. With their tiny sails and striking blue colour, they can look like miniature alien creatures. Despite often being called jellyfish, they are actually colonial hydrozoans.
Unusual Wildlife Sightings
There have been some particularly unusual visitors too. An ocean sunfish (Mola mola) was found on a beach near Abersoch, while Velella velella have also been reported at Trefor on the northern coast of the peninsula.
The warmer water has certainly got us wondering what else might be changing. Mackerel are familiar summer visitors around the Llŷn Peninsula, but whether there are fewer around Llanbedrog this year is difficult to establish. Fish movements are influenced by food, tides, currents and water temperature, so a few local observations can’t tell us the whole story.
Dolphins and Marine Life
The Llŷn Peninsula waters are also home to an impressive variety of marine life, including Risso’s dolphins, bottlenose and common dolphins, harbour porpoises, seals and minke whales. They have been active and playful in the waters around Abersoch and on occasion visit us just off Llanbedrog beach. An amazing sight for all.
Magical Bioluminescence
And then there are the really magical summer sightings, bioluminescent plankton, which can sometimes create flashes of electric blue light in the sea on warm, calm nights.
It’s been a remarkable summer to enjoy the coast, but also a fascinating one for wildlife. So next time you’re at Llanbedrog Beach, take a moment to look beyond the sand and out across the water. You never know what might be passing beneath the surface.
