best time to see dolphins in scotland

Just sayin…). Anyway, back in the real world, I’ve lost count of the number of times over the years I’ve had to write about these dolphins – in important symbol of wildlife in Scotland. These cheeky and charming creatures have primarily claimed the north east coast of … Local wisdom says the resident dolphins come here to fish on a rising tide – so, obviously, that’s the best time to see them. And the smallish mountain is Morven, looking big because of the telephoto. Actually, come to think of it, I could put it on my Loch Ness Monster page – as it wouldn’t be the first time that the back-half (or the dorsal fin) has been photographed, then made into the neck of Nessie. There is nothing more magical then seeing Dolphins in the wild. Naturally, I had no camera. See? Dolphins are visible in many parts of the seas surrounding Scotland but never can they be seen from such a short distance as on Chanonry Point on the Black Isle. It is open seven days a week between June and September. Look, she’s even got two horns, wouldn’t you say? These distant pics were taken at Inverie, Knoydart, near Mallaig, while we were enjoying lunch outside the local pub. Actually…unforgettable. Best places to see them: England - Lyme Bay and North East coast Scotland - Hebrides. Best places to see these cetaceans? Chanory Point is situated East of Fortrose off the A832. Though I live by the shores of the Moray Firth, somehow these highly intelligent creatures know only to appear when I don’t have my camera. I used to try countermanding this by yelling ‘Stop, stop, you haven’t been in the gift shop yet!’ But no, there was this mad stampede of exiting visitors every time. This page is about where to see dolphins in Scotland. Besides Chanonry Point on the north side of the Firth by Fortrose, as mentioned above, the Kessock Bridge at Inverness is said to be worthwhile…then going eastwards, it’s Nairn, Burghead and, well, it seems they can pop upanywhere. The Point also gives a good view of the slightly sinister-looking long defensive walls of Fort George, on the other shore of the Firth (and itself another good dolphin watching vantage point). Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss our latest news and events, © Copyright 2018 Explore Inverness. Still, you may ask, why bother when the local branch of Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) have a Field Officer who manages to nail them on regular occasions? These are some of the biggest individuals anywhere in the world because the feeding grounds are rich and also, because the water is cold, they need an extra-thick layer of blubber. With panoramic views of the harbour mouth and North Sea, you may also enjoy spectacular sightings of marine wildlife such as seabirds, seals, otters and whales. Bottom line is that, unlike seals, say, you can’t guarantee a sighting of dolphins in Scotland. They can be seen close inshore on both the east and west coasts, but are spotted less often on the north coast and in the Northern Isles. Fortrose Cathedral, Fortrose: "When is the best time to see the Dolphins from..." | Check out answers, plus see 92 reviews, articles, and 72 photos of Fortrose Cathedral, ranked No.3 on Tripadvisor among 5 attractions in Fortrose. In the water around Skye a pod of dolphins can be a common sight to see. The WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre is situated at the mouth of the River Spey and is a haven for wildlife including bottlenose dolphins, ospreys, grey and common seals, the occasional otter and many coastal birds. You might see them very close to where you stand on the shoreline. We constantly monitor cetacean and basking shark movements and only run these trips when there is a chance of sightings. They can often be seen in front of the large ships in the harbour. Some of the largest bottlenose dolphins in the world live here. This guide names some of the best dolphin spotting locations along the Moray Firth Coast to try and spot them but if you don’t see them you’ll find some wonderful fishing villages, places and beaches. Jan. You can check out the tide forecast ahead of time online (for free) to plan your trip, or purchase a tide forecast and dolphin-watching guide from Moray Dolphins. You might see them very close to where you stand on the shoreline. Yes, I agree, it’s pathetic. Is it those half-remembered Flipper television shows from childhood? However, as with everything to do with where to see dolphins in Scotland, it isn’t that simple and predictable. A little local knowledge goes a long way, and the dolphin tour cruises operating from Inverness and other coastal towns are worth the risk of getting wet. The dolphins you are mostly likely to see are bottlenose, rissos and the common dolphin, although you might see others as well. (I mean for your dolphin encounters.). Oh, how the weather comes up from the often gloomy Great Glen to the south-west! From around 1 hour after low tide, the tide turns and dolphins start to chase fish in. They were just close enough for me to take one of the worst-ever dolphin photographs. Minke whales, common dolphins and porpoise can all be seen off the Scottish coast. (Treat that as good advice if you plan to swim here yourself.). For more detail read on in our dolphin watching in Scotland guide. And you certainly won’t get the place to yourself. For tide times  look at the bottom of this BBC Tides link for Cromarty Tide details. Regular buses run from Inverness city centre to North Kessock. There are toilets at the Tourist Information office next door and other facilities are just a short walk away in North Kessock village. The best time to see dolphins out and about is generally when the tide starts to rise again after low tide; they are usually quite active in the area around an hour after this point. If you want to avoid crowds, fall or spring might be best, although you won't see as many dolphins. VAT no: 278389049. The Moray Firth supports the North Sea’s only known resident population of bottlenose dolphins. Moray Firth, Scotland. Seen around the coasts of Scotland they are sometimes visible from good shoreline vantage points. And there are waders and ducks and sometimes pieces of temptingly arty-crafty pieces of driftwood cast up on the massive, stony storm-beach. Book now. There are lots of seagoing types based around the Moray Firth who will take you out in their boats to see them. Anyway, even if you don’t see the Moray Firth dolphins right at the river mouth at Spey Bay, on the east side if the Spey estuary, then in summer you can often see fishing osprey even before you’ve climbed out of your car . Anyway, it’s Chanonry Point that has the reputation as a dolphin hot-spot and for a few years now has had a large car park by the shoreline and also the ultimate sign of a tourist congregation: an ice cream van. It’s half a dolphin – the back half. That’s the, uhmm, charm of dolphin watching. Bottlenose dolphins are perhaps the best-known cetaceans found around Scotland. Visit the WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre for the chance to see the amazing bottlenose dolphins of the Moray Firth. Discover more about visiting Moray. Like some of the locals, they have an extra layer of insulating blubber. If you do want to watch dolphins, start your journey at West Cork and the short-beaked common dolphin will make your journey unforgettable! Best time. May — September. Dolphins. Whales and dolphins can be seen at any time of day but in some of their favoured feeding areas are sometimes closer to the shore during a rising tide. With the fish on the move, the dolphins are not far behind. The last time I was in Aberdeen, I managed to stalk a dolphin that was hanging about the old quad at Marischal College. No matter, the point is you’re never sure where you’ll see your next dolphin. The best places to see whales in Scotland They're some of the most majestic creatures in the world, and nothing compares to seeing whales in their … Sure, places like Chanonry Point on the Moray Firth increase the chances, but it’s their unpredictability that make the encounters special. (That’s a good place – they hunt salmon there. Harbour porpoise are also present all year round. August–December. You can also call the Dolphin Space Programme project officer on 07921 106144. They are amazing. Local author Elizabeth Sutherland describes the feelings on encountering the animals as ‘the sightings of these gentle sociable mammals are rare and joyful’. Company no: SC576670. Trust me. Bottlenose dolphin at Chanonry Point . (He was burned to death in a spiked tar barrel at Chanonry Point. Although dolphin sightings at Chanonry Point are a regular occurrence, the best time to catch a sighting is usually on a rising tide. See a playful bunch of bottlenose dolphins near Inverness. And a close viewing is unforgettable, especially if it’s from the shore. The best time to see whales and dolphins.Bottlenose dolphins are present in the Moray Firth throughout the year although there are more sightings during the summer months as the dolphins spend more time close to the shore feeding on salmon coming in and out of the rivers. As I write this, I am trying to outwit them by always carrying it on Moray Firth coastal walks, but inconspicuously, so I have high hopes. The Moray Firth, south shore, actually has a kind climate. Minke whales are normally seen between March and October. If you are lucky you might also spot Atlantic white-sided dolphin, white-beaked dolphin, common dolphin, bottle-nosed dolphin, harbor porpoise and the whale-sized Risso's dolphin. The best-known of our cetaceans are the bottlenose dolphins of the Moray Firth colony. The Dolphin Space Programme website is at http://www.dolphinspace.org/ for all the contact details of responsible boat operators and information about the type of trips they provide. The viewing area is wheelchair accessible. Spey Bay is a short drive from Elgin, east of Lossiemouth. Besides, the excitement they caused that warm July day indicated they must have been anything but common. You could celebrate Christmas in a loch-side lodge, toast Hogmanay (the New Year) in January in Edinburgh, or take advantage of less rain in February. Check tide times before your visit. Actually, I exaggerate. There was a kind of gasping exhalation – which I knew right away wasn’t me – and I turned round to find a few of them breathtakingly close inshore. I mean, how do they know? This allows the dolphins to concentrate on – for example – avoiding moronic jet skiers, a phrase which some may consider tautology. Harbour porpoise are also present all year round. On the other hand, you may spend some time prowling up and down the beach and see nothing at all by way of marine mammals. Here’s my confession about dolphins in Scotland. Porthgwarra, Cornwall. Scottish bottlenosed dolphins are the largest in the world which helps them to cope with the chilly waters of the North Sea. Even the city of Aberdeen claims that it’s the best place for dolphin-spotting – and it isn’t even on the Moray Firth. The Firth is that big bite or sea inlet up near the top of Scotland. But I feel obliged to share it with you. This means if you know tide times for a particular day, you can work out the best time to see dolphins at Chanonry Point. europe. Dolphins leaping around, right at the mouth of the River Spey. There are around 200 Bottlenose dolphins that live all year in the chilly waters of the Moray Firth and around the East Coast of Scotland and half this population are seen regularly along the Black Isle coastline, especially in the spring and summer months. If you are thinking of taking a boat trip to see the dolphins please try and book with a company that is a member of the Dolphin Space Programme accreditation scheme who will ensure that you get the best possible views of whales and dolphins without causing any disturbance. As for the actual population size, it depends on what you read. To my knowledge this is the only place on mainland Scotland where you can observe them like this. (I didn’t on my last visit!) If you get to see dolphin then you will be incredibly close, and only a few meters away. Anyway, these Knoydart dolphins look a bit like common dolphins, but I wouldn’t dare to label them definitively. Otherwise, while waiting for the cetaceans to show, you’ll find yourself wandering by the lighthouse (private) and sheltering from the sea-breezes (euphemism) while regretting not wearing an extra wind-proof layer. You could start your dolphin-spotting quest at the Scottish Dolphin Centre at Spey Bay. No. Scotland’s coastline juts and jags like jigsaw pieces to create swathes of sand, pebbles and sentinel-like sea stacks that line one of the best environments for marine wildlife watching in Europe. Dolphin watching in Scotland. And those dots are dolphins. The Moray Firth colony are just part of the ambience of the Firth – seen often enough to be kind of reassuring that all is well out there on the water (possibly). (Pictured here) Lucky shot, wouldn’t you say? Check that these businesses all comply with the recommendations in the code of practice known as the Dolphin Space Programme. Moreover, they particularly like playing in the waves or researching boats' vessels. And Chanonry Point is particularly popular as one of the best onshore locations in Scotland - or perhaps anywhere - from which to view dolphins. Minke whales are normally seen between March and October. Wait, they’re not harbour porpoises, are they? Where to See the Northern Lights in Scotland. Local wisdom says the resident dolphins come here to fish on a rising tide – so, obviously, that’s the best time to see them. Chanonry Point is noteworthy, especially on a rising tide, when they can be seen feeding on salmon just a few metres away. Torry Battery is a fantastic spot to see dolphins all year round. The Centre is based in an 18 th Century salmon fishing station and has a fascinating history. The Moray Firth is one of the best places in the UK to see dolphins, and the chances of seeing them up close are greatly improved with taking to the water. Finally, just in case you have been given the impression that the Moray Firth has exclusive rights to cuddly cetaceans, another place to see dolphins and their ilk is the Isle of Mull. Enjoy beautiful walks along the tumultuous River Spey, spot a seal or osprey, and discover Spey Bay’s fishing heritage during a tour of the historic Tugnet icehouse. (Changed hands since then – now important to check TripAdvisor. Scotland has the biggest bottle-nosed dolphins in the world. There are a few different species that visit our waters, but the most regular are the ‘Bottle Nosed’ and the ‘Common’. When to see them: All year round. The great thing about Scotland, from the whale-watching point of view, is that it has hundreds of miles of coastline so your chances of being in the right place at the right time are enormously increased. The Moray Firth, probably. Common Dolphin Featured in. The Moray Firth is home to around 200 dolphins, which can often be seen at very close quarters here as they fish and play in the turbulent waters off the point. So I went back the next day and they were still there, only a bit further out. Dolphin Centre at North Kessock – The nearby Dolphin and Seal Centre at North Kessock also offers dolphin watching opportunities during the summer. 4 HOUR WHALE AND WILDLIFE TRIP : These trip only run when whales are likely to be in the area May to September and are run when tidal conditions are right to give the best chance of a sighting. Ireland. Most Moray Firth residents who notice these things reckon that, statistically speaking, Chanonry Point by Fortrose, just north of Inverness, is the best place to see dolphins in Scotland. I expect dolphins turn up at river mouths, such as the Spey, to waylay inbound salmon. Considered the best spot in the county to see dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks and sometimes even whales. This is mainly because Chanonry Point sticks out into the Firth and that there is comparatively deep water close inshore. The best places to see dolphins in Scotland The cool waters surrounding Scotland are the perfect habitat for the sleek marine mammal, with bottlenose, white-beaked and common dolphins all … I know it sounds as though these clever cetaceans are planning their own discovery of outer space (trying to get away from us, probably) – but it’s actually about giving them personal space, if you happen to find yourself afloat next to a pod of dolphins. That said, with time, patience and effort there’s a reasonable chance of seeing the Moray Firth Dolphins but allow for a few visits. Every tourism promoter wants a piece of the dolphin action. Some say as low as 130, others give a figure of around 200. (‘Firth’ and Norwegian ‘fjord’ are linguistic cousins, by the way.). It lies behind Dunbeath on the north shore of the Firth. Or is it because they are always drawn with big smiles on their faces? Shetland, Scotland Naturally, every place and tourism organisation wants to give the impression that the Moray Firth dolphins are on their patch. He was a kind of Nostradamus of the Highlands who came to a sticky end. Dolphins at Chanonry Point can be seen at anytime (and not at all!) ), I had no camera. ?. (A surprise in itself.). Check tide times before your visit. Surprise. Dolphins can be found around the world - from the warm waters of the Ionian Sea off Greece to the chillier climes of the Azores and Scotland. Find out what a dolphin watching holiday in Scotland will entail with information on how to identify the different dolphins, where best to view them, the best time to go and more. But that’s a whole other story.). Best time for dolphin watching vacations. The main whale and dolphin watching season in Scotland runs from March to September, though it varies from place to place and from species to species (dolphins are often seen year-round). Top Scotland Dolphin & Whale Watching Activities: See reviews and photos of dolphin & whale watching in Scotland, United Kingdom on Tripadvisor. This pic was taken from a high point west of Covesea lighthouse, Lossiemouth. Find out more on whale and dolphin conservation right here. That’s part of the fun. Entry to the Centre is FREE. I think the dorsal fin isn’t ‘blunt’enough. However, as with everything to do with where to see dolphins in Scotland, it isn’t that simple and predictable. Check out their ‘latest sightings’ board. One summer, I remember walking the dogs at Spey Bay on the Moray Firth coast, between Buckie and Lossiemouth in the north of Scotland. They have all the expertise to need to point you towards the most up-to-date sightings. All buses are operated by Stagecoach/Bluebird and timetables can be found on the Stagecoach website at www.stagecoachbus.com/bluebird. (Pictured here) With all of the Moray Firth to play in, the local dolphins can turn up anywhere – and in flat calm days they can be spotted, ooh, miles and miles out. Common dolphin iwdg.ie. A popular dolphin that can be found in the South and West coasts of the country, they spend most of their time out at sea but often come close to the shore to feed. Watch the seascape with the naked eye at first, then once a pod is spotted, use binoculars to see activity more closely. You might find the plaque that commemorates the death of the Brahan Seer here. Top Scotland Dolphin & Whale Watching Activities: See reviews and photos of dolphin & whale watching in Scotland, United Kingdom on Tripadvisor. The Bottlenose Dolphins are particularly visible on an incoming tide so if you really want to see them you need to plan ahead. The best time to see dolphins in Scotland is during the summer, but they can still be seen year-round. Or perhaps I mean taking a breath close inshore. They have an exhibition centre and a cafe too, for a warming bowl of soup, perhaps. Naah. Finally, except in high summer, a knitted woolly hat (or toorie as we would call it) is also advised, should you wish to blend into the background and to keep your ears from falling off in the wind. Dolphin cruises and the Dolphin Space Programme. The best time to see the northern lights in Scotland is December through February, the darkest months of the year. In fact, there are other places, especially in the west, where dolphins of various species put in an appearance. Some time ago, when I the manager of the marine aquarium in Macduff, Aberdeenshire, (in the eastern end of the Firth), if dolphins appeared offshore, the staff could empty the place in seconds simply by walking round and shouting ‘dolphins spotted outside’. Around one hour after low tide, the tide turns pushing the fish away. The short answer is probably to go to view the resident dolphins of the Moray Firth. Known as the ‘Dolphin Coast’, Banffshire and the Moray coast are a mecca for anyone wanting to see bottlenose dolphins in their natural environment. You can watch these amazing dolphins hunting and playing from shore or from well behaved, award winning tour boats – the choice is yours. Royal Yacht Britannia – Scotland’s best attraction? but the best time to see them is usually on a rising tide. All rights reserved. I’ve seen the Moray Firth dolphins east of Macduff quite frequently and once, while walking the shoreline just west of Portsoy, I actually heard them before I saw them. Any time of year, you can also expect to see grey and common seals hanging around coastal areas, keeping fat and sleek on … Yet they are also seen infrequently enough to make each viewing one to be enjoyed, appreciated, or later remarked upon…’Saw the dolphins today’….’oh, well done – lucky you!’. The point is without doubt the best place to watch the Bottlenose Dolphins. There are some fantastic images of dolphins by Charlie Phillips. The best time to see whales and dolphins.Bottlenose dolphins are present in the Moray Firth throughout the year although there are more sightings during the summer months as the dolphins spend more time close to the shore feeding on salmon coming in and out of the rivers.

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