STUNNING footage shows the moment a group of lucky visitors got up close with a pod of dolphins.

Trident Charters offers fishing, sightseeing and commercial trips available from Mudeford Quay.

While on a commercial trip along the Dorset coast, a group of visitors on the boat Trident were treated to a rare sight of playful dolphins on April 24.

Tom, the owner of Trident Charters, said: “While en route to the Isle of Wight, we spotted a pod of approximately 20 bottlenose dolphins which followed us for part of the journey.”

“It doesn't matter how many times I see them it's always lovely when they come up to the boat to play in the wake.

“My customers didn't believe me at first, but they all thought it was amazing how close they come to the boat and what a great start to their trip out for lunch at the Hut on the Isle of Wight.”

Tom also mentioned that he tends to see the dolphins five to ten times a year, which means it is a rarity for them to be spotted in April.

A pod of dolphins was also spotted around Hengistbury Head earlier in the week.

According to the Dorset Wildlife Trust, bottlenose dolphins are the species most frequently seen along the Dorset coast.

It says: "These dolphins are the biggest bottlenose dolphins in the world – their size helps them cope with the cold Dorset waters.

"They are very social animals and can often be seen in small groups of up to 15 dolphins.

"They love to jump out of the water and will happily approach boats to bowride (surfing in the waves created by the boat). They feed on fish, often working as a team to hunt."

Bottlenose dolphins can be identified by their chunky grey body and large sickle-shaped dorsal fins.