Sanniang Bay

The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin turns pale and often distinctly pink as it ages, and a resident population lives in the shallow waters off Sanniang Bay, feeding around the river mouths, which makes this one of the more reliable places in China to see them from a small boat. Sightings are frequent though never guaranteed, and operators run short trips from the beach. The bay itself has a long stretch of sand, oyster and fishing rafts offshore, a village of seafood restaurants and a beach where sea-tolerant trees grow close to the water. Conservation rules limit how close boats may approach.

The landscape

• The humpback dolphins - a resident pink-tinged population offshore.
• The bay beach - a long sandy stretch with shallow water.
• The oyster rafts - working aquaculture across the bay.
• The fishing village - seafood restaurants along the shore.

When to go

October to June for calmer seas and better sightings; summer brings heat and typhoon risk. Mornings are the usual departure time for dolphin boats. Sightings are best in clear settled weather.

Things to know

Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed and boats must keep their distance. Some operators push the rules, which is worth declining. Facilities are simple and English is rare.

Nearby

Qinzhou lies northeast; Beihai is southwest.