Wildcats resemble the domesticated household cat in appearance but tend to be fearful of humans and they will keep their distance. The North sea area of Scotland is filled with Salmon. Unsurprisingly, many tourists who visit Scotland want to see some dolphins, probably due to their prevalence in some foreign marine parks and the 1964 Flipper TV show that we all grew up with. Our local area is one of the best areas in Scotland for porpoise and we see them on the vast majority of summer trips. Common seals can be spotted throughout the year, but they tend to be busy pupping during the summertime so the Spring months of April, March and May are probably your best bet to spot these adorable sea creatures. And, of course, we have some of the worlds most incredible beaches in the Highlands and the Outer Hebrides which look very tropical in the summer with beautiful green and blue-tinted waters filling the scenery. As well as bottlenose dolphins, you may well catch sight of ospreys, grey and common seals, the occasional otter and many coastal birds here. A young wildcat in the Highland Wildlife Park. Learn more about the great Cuckoo from Wilderness Expert Jonathan Willet. Be sure to listen out for the roar of the deer as it sounds remarkably otherworldly should you be in its vicinity youll hear an incredible bellowing sound dominating the hills. How did I have no idea you can see dolphins in Scotland??? You can drive up through the Highlands of Scotland and take the car ferry over to Orkney. com. If you spot a few deerwhen exploring on an outdoor hiking adventure then take note of how they compare in size to one another. The village of North Kessock lies just north of Inverness, over the Kessock bridge. Scotland is considered one of the best places in the world to see wild dolphins, and my own area of the Moray Coast is home to a pod of 200, regularly seen from the coast between Macduff, Lossiemouth and beyond. In March, temperatures generally hover in the 40s and low 50s (4-15C), but by May, upper 70s (23+C) arent uncommon! Catch the cherry blossom bloom in Edinburgh and wildflower season across the entire country by simply walking around or driving without a destination! December is usually the mildest month, with average temperatures of around 4C/39F. We did a circle tour in a rented car (Arnold Clark) and used Airbnb. Just when is the best time to hike in Scotland? Overall, we recommend visiting in May or September for your trip to Scotland, so youll have the best chance for warmer, drier weather and fewer crowds. Everywhere you go, the hillsides will likely be blanketed in colorful daffodils and cherry blossoms! Killer whales (or Orcas) have a very distinctive black and white appearance and are very large creatures in fact, they are the largest member of the Dolphin family. There is something quite magical about dolphin watching, you are dealing with an incredibly intelligent animal and the Moray Firth dolphins are bigger than normal bottlenose dolphins making their jumps and playful nature all the more impressive. The truth is that there are many different reasons to visit Scotland all year round! An adorable Red squirrel enjoying a nice rest in the Cairngorms National Park. I would recommend getting there early to make sure to get a parking spot, we were so lucky to have gotten the last spot. The best time of day to see dolphins at Chanonry Point near Inverness is when the tide is rising. There are a few different places where you can do dolphin watching near Inverness they are seen around the Moray Firth which is the river estuary leading out to the North Sea. There was once a time that it was actually quite rare to see Dolphins swimming in the Hebridean Islands of Scotland, but now they seem to now be much easier to spot in the area. Great info, thanks! Try F6-8, 1/500, ISO100 on a well lit day and alter your settings from there. You can walk over to theSpey Viaductfrom Spey Bay, and over to Garmouth, a really nice walk on a sunny day and a great place to also see Ospreys hunting. Really, spring and summer are a good to time to go dolphin spotting in the Moray Firth. The images on this page, while not professional by any means (!!! Still not guaranteed but can definitely provide a different perspective and experience! Located east of Harris in the Outer Hebrides the Shaint Isles over time has been given various nicknames such as mini St Kilda or little St Kilda, so you know by that naming convention to expect to see a flurry of seabirds populate the area. The countryside transitions from vibrant green to breath-taking purple as the heather blooms. Just in the same way that you cant clamber aboard a boat and click your fingers or whistle or whatever. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, This website and its associated newspaper are members of Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). If youre in Inverness on your way to or from the Black Isle, get in touch with Dolphin Spirit. Similar to March, the month of April offers welcome dry spells as the climate becomes increasingly warmer across the country from the North to the South of Scotland. Warmer temperatures bring lots of people out, both visitors and locals alike, hoping to take advantage of the warmer weather, longer days, and many fun things to do. Its a small natural area on the banks of the Beauly Firth same stretch of water but a different name here! While she is busy with her full time job as a computer technologist, she is an active explorer during her spare time. Find out more about Chris on the about page. They have unusually large brains, 4 to 5 times larger than an animal of their size and yes their brains are bigger than ours! If you manage to catch them at these feeding grounds you are in for a treat and many photo opportunities. I knew they were there, I knew you could see them close, but I still expected them to be a dot in the sea! Before hiking Scotland in autumn you should prepare for summer weather as well as autumn weather remember to pack layers of clothing in your rucksack as it could be warm like a summers day, but later on in the day could become colder and youll need to be ready to add layers should the weather decide to change. Its not as easy to figure out the best times here but its a pleasant day out in any case. Built to stop any further Jacobite rebellions, it was never used after the decisive victory at Culloden. Broughty Ferry Castle, at the entrance to the Firth of Tay, also gives an elevated perspective for potential observations. Dolphins in Chanonry point appear around the rising tide time and the best time to see them is 1 hour after the low tide time. Free to visit, the centre is based in an 18th century salmon fishing station, and is a haven for wildlife. In pictures: The best places to see dolphins in Scotland Located at the east side of the mouth of the Spey, the WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre is dedicated to whale and dolphin conservation. Out of all the top places listed above, the locations near Inverness are where you can see the dolphins swimming from the land. Minke whales July and Augusttend to be the sunniest months in Scotland, but really even as early as spring, we can enjoy beautiful sunny weather, although it can be somewhat cooler in spring compared to summer. Land watching for Bottlenose dolphins is great from the seafront at the village of North Kessock, just across the water from Inverness and the dolphins are regularly seen in the fast tide right in front of the gift shop and art studio where you can also get wildlife watching advice such as tide times (very important for dolphin watching) and the sharp eyed amongst you might also spot local Seals, Otters, Red Kites and even Ospreys as well as dolphins at certain times of the year. It is typically the male that creates the cuckoo sound while a female Cuckoo calls out with more of a gurgling sound almost like water flowing down a sinkhole after removing a plug from your sink! Check out one of several literary festivals that take place around the country. In this blog, we will cover the best places to see dolphins in Scotland plan your Scotland bucket list, alongside my experience of dolphin watching in Inverness Scotland and some top tips to maximize your chances of seeing them. Unofficially, the majority of the month is really a cooler summer than full autumn it is a transition period of the weather changing from summer to autumn. Summer brings festivals Edinburghs world-famous one comes to mind and long, light, late nights. Spot whales, otters and eagles on Isle of Mull, Scotland, Ultimate week of wildlife spotting on the Isle of Mull. Hear the lovely crunch of leaves under your feet by exploring our Autumn Highlands hiking adventure. Atlantic white-sided dolphins are very pretty and stylish, with darker dorsal fins fading to light grey and white along the flanks and underbelly, tempered by yellow flashes splashed along the rear of their flanks. No problem. It is best to check the tide time of the day you are visiting to increase your chances of seeing the dolphins. you can keep an eye out for dolphins from the ramparts of the fort. The Harbour porpoise and white-beaked dolphins are found in higher densities here, especially around the Inner Hebrides. Dolphin Further south, between Moray Firth and Beauly Firth, and just north of Inverness, the shoreline at Kessock Bridge offers excellent dolphin-spotting opportunities. The mammals can be seen dodging boats from Torry Battery, an old military fort that still overlooks the harbour entrance. You might see all sorts of wildlife as well as being well placed to see dolphins as they swim upriver. Its no surprise that the Scottish Dolphin Centre near Fochabers is a great place to see some dolphins. Kirsty has been getting lost around the world for over 30 years and writing about it for 10 of those. See our cookie policy for more information. Croatia: A Completely Honest Travel Guide, Plitvice Lakes National Park Croatia: Ultimate Visitors Guide, 20 Cant-Miss Things to Do in Split, Croatia + Travel Guide, Krka National Park Croatia: Ultimate Guide, Edinburgh for festivals, buzzy nightlife, and tons of Medieval history, Glasgow makes a great summertime basecamp for experiencing a little of everything Scotland has to offer, with a location close to both the coast and the Highlands, Chase epic outdoor adventures in Isle of Skye and the Highlands, St. Andrews to play a round of golf at one of the most iconic courses in the world, Stirling offers a great mix of the Lowlands and Highlands culture, Check out The Fringe Festival, held over multiple weeks in August, Get a unique perspective of Scotlands rugged coast with a guided sea kayaking tour (fun fact: Scotland is home to 10% of Europes entire coastline!). Theres also a cafe to get some food while youre watching. Temperatures average in the upper 60s and low 70s (19-23C) during the summer months throughout most of the country, with the exception of the Highlands and other high-elevation areas. Sea Life Surveys 385 Boat During what season did you visit and what was your experience like? You can expect a mix of clear blue skies and cloudy grey days during winter in Scotland, with occasional rain, snow and ice. Adult Cuckoo birds tend to leave Scotland between June or July and travel an incredible distance of more than 7,000 miles to live in Africa until the springtime. The country spans across the northern one-third of Great Britain and includes nearly 800 islands, only 130 of which are inhabited! With a square head spotted with patches of white, the Risso is one of the most distinctive dolphins still in existence and also features an usually large dorsal fin. A Pine Marten scurries along a tree in the Cairngorms they are incredible climbers! Dolphin watching in Scotland - Responsible Travel The activity map is also available. If anything, it could be a reason to visit. The faster the lens the better to freeze the action. Dolphins can be seen from the Scotland mainland as well as by taking boat tours both in Moray Firth and in the islands of Scotland. Catch some very traditional (and very unique!) It is thought that the warming of the water around the Hebrides is what is now attracting dolphins to the area. In September the air is still warm enough to feel like summer, but cool enough not to be too chillingly cold. Autumn is the deer breeding season (or rut) and it is during this time that there is a higher chance to see a male Stag wandering around the mountainsides roaring at the top of his lungs. Take a hike! Honestly, Id say it was the best place for seeing dolphins you can see them without disturbing them and quite often too. Whale Watching UK | Where to see Whales & Dolphins in the Moray Firth in Inverness also offers boat tours for dolphin watching. Fort George is an 18th-century fortress near Ardersier and Inverness. A Puffin watching the horizon on a high clifftop in the beautiful Shetland Isles. Dolphin watching holidays in Greece tend to focus closely on conservation research when you travel with responsible providers there are several species in these waters and they face a wide range of threats. To the east of Fort George is Spey Bay, another dolphin-watching hot spot. Some destinations are far more suited than others for family dolphin watching holidays. There is a legend of the shining one, an entity that walks among the stones during an early mid-summer morning, whose arrival is signalled by the call of a Cuckoo. Unique winter experiences make it one of the best times to visit Scotland for those who enjoy getting off the beaten path. Questions about Scotland? Create your own Harry Potter-themed adventure, exploring several of the locations that inspired the books and movies. Chris is also a keen photographer and has had work published on the BBC news website and local news outlets. Its easy to walk to from Inverness but you can also take public transport which will drop you off at the reserve youll want bus number 3. Read more about my return journey tackling the infamous Bad Step here! Dolphins in Scotland, where to see Moray Firth Dolphins! My kids are grown now but do come along sometimes! Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "acf2f96a382fe896d761bf31a857c670" );document.getElementById("cd1d15c3cb").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi there! Since its so close to Inverness its good if you dont have your own transport. They came right up to the side of the boat, I looked one right in the eye, it was looking me up and down, definitely a clever and inquisitive animal, a cut above anything else swimming in the sea. In the event of a zombie apocalypse, Fort George would be ideal, keep that in mind just in case. Interestingly, and unlike many other destinations, spring is one of Scotlands driest seasons. Interesting fact: until the 1950s people believed that they were actually man-eaters they somewhat gained mythical legendary status similar to Bigfoot or the Sasquatch of North America.. The Scottish Highlands are truly wild; its one of the least densely populated areas in all of Europe! Another spot is Merkinch Nature reserve which has views over the Moray Firth. Chanonry Point is one of the most popular spots in Inverness to see the dolphins swim from the land. Charlie and his wife Susan also own an art studio and gift shop in the village of North Kessock. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. When summer comes around its time to celebrate the longer days and the sunnier months by replacing your spring clothing with thinner layers to deal with the hotter weather although if you plan to hike the hills of Scotland always pack for different seasons and keep warmer clothes in your backpack as there is always the possibility of a change in weather especially if you find yourself climbing high peaks. Where is the best place to see dolphins in the Moray Firth? The truth is we can have a feast of sunshine during our Summer months of June, July and August. The Cuckoo migrates to Scotland in April and this signals the beginning of the Spring season. Scotland makes a great place to travel for jaw-dropping scenery, interesting history and a lively, welcoming culture. Best Duchess of Buccleuch dies after short illness following operation, family says, Italy's 'land without animals' reveals something sinister behind its famously passionate relationship with food Philip Lymbery. In late October, the days start to become noticeably shorter, with 10-13 hours of daily sunlight. Readers ask: Where To See Orcas In Scotland Best Time to Visit Japan: When to Go & When to Avoid! They are similar in size to a dove, but they are coloured blue-grey in appearance and have dark stripes drawn across their tummy. Luxury must be comfortable otherwise it is not luxury at all, Savour some of Scotland's best seafood, local produce & distilleries, Take a trip on the wild side and rest your weary head where you like, Award Winning Hospitality - The Kingsmills Hotel and Ness Walk. By Neil Irvine, Content Editor Published: Jul 20, 2021More by Neil. Rare NC500 Bumblebees need your help, 5 spectacular waterfalls to visit along the NC500. While sightings can readily be made from the shore, local firms are available to take customers out on the water, thus presenting an even better opportunity to see the animals up close without the potential need for binoculars. Pods often travel up this way after visiting Chanonry Point, and Kessock Bridge has the added benefit of being much more peaceful than that more famous viewing spot. Inverness is a perfect base to plan your dolphin-watching adventure in Scotland. This below ship when emerged which reminded me of many stories including the Norwegian Vikings, Copenhagen, Portugal, and even India. This means that you have to get further away from the mainland to see them as theyre more likely to be closer to the open ocean. Sightings further out in the Firth of Forth are common. WebThe best time to see minke whales in Scotland is from the end of May to September. our woodlands are a sanctuary for these cute little critters and a place when they can thrive in the wild as nature intended. Coronation Street actress Barbara Young dies aged 92, Nurses strike continues: Major disruption for NHS services in England, Additional flight to evacuate Britons from Sudan today, Ryanair cancels 220 flights over May 1 bank holiday due to strikes, Hardcore coronation fans already camped outside Buckingham Palace, One dead and seven injured in Cornwall nightclub knife attack. After waiting for almost two hours, we started to see dolphins appear. This extra fat layer means they can weigh between 300-600 kg / 660-1400 lb. Bottlenose dolphins are larger than common dolphins and mainly grey, with lighter, whiter underbellies. October really is the greatest month to visit Scotland if you want to hike the landscapes during Scotlands full autumn glory. Sea life fans staying on Lewis, Harris, North or South Uist, Eriskay, Berneray, Barra and Vatersay can take boat trips to spot marine mammals. Really, spring and summer are a good to time to go dolphin spotting in the Moray Firth. However, summer is a fantastic time to go Dolphin watching along the Moray Firth as youll benefit from the lovely sunny days with hours of daylight stretching throughout the hours. ), the heat is mild and the cold is usually bearable. Rosemarkie is also a good place to stay if you want to be close by to dolphin spotting, perhaps if youre a photographer wanting to visit often. 2 miles north of Chanonry Point is the Fairy Glen Falls walk, with two beautiful waterfalls, well worth a visit before or after seeing the dolphins. On the willyweather website, you can enter the region and find the tide times as in the screenshot below. I'm afraid your mobile phone won't cut it in this instance, dolphins are quite a difficult subject to capture. Winter in Scotland is the low season for tourism, but dont let that dissuade you from visiting. The summer months are the peak times to see them and if you want to see them close up like I did at Chanonry Point then its also worth checking the tide times for a specific time of day to see them. Dolphin & Whale Watching in Scottish Highlands, Scotland road Trip Itinerary for 2 weeks in Scottish Highlands. They are wild animals and probably wouldn't take kindly to human interference. Youll find less-crowded attractions, cheaper accommodations, unique winter wonderland experiences, and surprisingly mild weather. Similar to the North of Scotland mainland, Dolphins in the Outer Hebrides are best seen during Spring and Summer months but chances are that Summer is the greatest time to see Dolphins because the water should be at its warmest. Young Cuckoo birds stay in Scotland until Autumn before following their elders to the African continent and settle for Winter before returning to Scotland in springtime. I didnt imagine Id be able to see them so close that I could look them in the eye! You can watch these amazing dolphins hunting and playing from shore or from well behaved, award winning tour boats the choice is yours. Absolutely fantastic resource that you have created. Coronation Street actress Barbara Young dies aged 92, Nurses strike continues: Major disruption for NHS services in England, Additional flight to evacuate Britons from Sudan today, Ryanair cancels 220 flights over May 1 bank holiday due to strikes, Hardcore coronation fans already camped outside Buckingham Palace, One dead and seven injured in Cornwall nightclub knife attack. If youre hoping to spot dolphins in their natural environment, here are the best places to visit. There is no absolute perfect time to travel to our beautiful country as it really depends on what you, as an individual, want out of your holiday. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, This website and its associated newspaper are members of Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). In Chanonry Point in Fortrose and in the North Kessock village, you will find lots of photographers and locals waiting for few hours at the beach around the tide time to capture the dolphins. Fort George is directly across the water from Chanonry Point and itself built on another peninsula, so gives another ideal place for viewing dolphins. UK: +44 (0)1479 420 020 US: 1-866-740-3890 [emailprotected], Wilderness Scotland Dalfaber Drive Aviemore Highland Scotland PH22 1ST, 2022 Wilderness Group Ltd | Registered in Scotland SC211011, Cookies & Privacy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap | Site Credits. Since the 1980s they have been protected by UK law and ever since they have been gradually rising in numbers. To increase your chances of a sighting, the best time to visit is between May and September, although Undoubtedly, the best way to see these wee creatures is to travel to the famous island of St Kilda in the Outer Hebrides which is home to Scotlands largest single colony of seabirds and an incredible estimated 270,000 birds are scattered across the island! The weather changes rapidly over the course of spring in Scotland. These animals, famous for travelling in large groups known as pods, tend to be the most well-sighted due to their sociable nature and likelihood of being near the shore to hunt for food. The end of September is when autumn starts in Scotland, but really thanks to the glorious weather it stills feel like summer, although this month is when it starts to cool in temperature with an average temperature of 14C/58F. I find it hard to put in words sometimes how amazing it was to see dolphins quite so close up as I did in Scotland once. National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. Pine Martens are experts at scaling trees and they tend to shelter in tree holes, so stay on the lookout for any visual clues. Spring is also fantastic for road-tripping through Scotland. While it does rain often (theres a reason its so green! I didnt realize dolphins were so prominent in Scotland. Some stock photography is used. Sorry, you really cant put a percentage on it. What are Cloud Inversions and Why Are They So Beautiful? Dolphins are incredibly intelligent, delightfully playful and able to inspire happiness in anyone who sees or swims with them. Further onto the Black Isle, coming off the A9 trunk road at the B9161 Munlochy road then onto the A832 you come through the towns of Avoch and then Fortrose, Fortrose has a mile long peninsula jutting out into the sea from the town itself called Chanonry Point, and from the beach in front of the Lighthouse you can often see the local dolphins hunting salmon a few metres away in the fast, deep and turbulent water around the very tip of the Point on a rising or flooding tide its amazing. One summery outfit for surprise warm days, especially in September, A quality camera to capture the fall foliage, Edinburgh, for winter festivals and many (free!) WebMay, June and July are the best months to watch dolphins off the coastlines of the Azores, Ireland, Egypt, Madeira, Fiji, Newfoundland and Jersey with several of these locations still providing ideal conditions into August and September. Tell us in the comments section. The best time to visit Scotland overall is during the spring and fall, just outside of peak tourism season (summer) and when the weather is most pleasant. Carry on up the A832 to the historic town of Cromarty and near the harbour there is EcoVentures, a superb 5 star Dolphin and wildlife watching boat trip that can whisk you out into the Cromarty Firth and beyond on their two Rigid Inflatable Craft where dolphins, seabird colonies and possibly a whale or two could be enjoyed! If the conditions are right, Scottish winters are the epitome of winter wonderland. See here or take a look around the site. An ideal destination for nature lovers, history buffs, fans of amazing architecture, whiskey enthusiasts and foodies alike, there are many, many reasons to visit Scotland. Pin this post to plan your dolphin watching adventures! Exploring the Shiant Isles is another great way to see a colony of Puffins in their natural habitat within Scotland. COPYRIGHT @2021 - Planet Hopper Girl by Jumana MP, Dolphin watching Boat Tours in Moray Firth and Islands, Map of Inverness, City in Scottish Highlands, Dolphin Watching at Chanonry Point Inverness, Best Time to See Dolphins in Chanonry Point, Checking the Tide Times for Dolphin Watching, Public Transport to Chanonry Point: Dolphin Shuttle Bus, Chanonry Point Coast: Lighthouse and Beach, Chanonry Point Dolphin Watching Experience, Top Tips for Dolphin Watching in Scotland. Here's some more info on Scotland's dolphins and particularly those in the Moray Firth colony on the north east coast. Best gifts for first time travelers perfect for gap year or first vacations. The Western Isles, Scotland The Western Isles of Scotland is another great place for Whale Watching. The weather in Scotland never really hits the extremes youll find in many other destinations (particularly in Europe). One superstition is to make sure that you have money in your pocket in case you hear a Cuckoo because you will be financially secure for the rest of the year. WebThen there are a number of locations where dolphins are fairly regularly spotted, these are at the Inverness Kessock Bridge area and Fort George near Inverness, and in Moray at Burghead, Hopeman and Spey Bay. Simply enter your email and we'll send it your way! In the springtime they tend to have 3 5 litters of young and come summer they are completely independent. Inverness city has a lot of Scottish attractions and landmarks that are worth a visit. menu. Dont miss the iconic North Coast 500, a 516-mile drive that takes you through stunning landscapes and charming, quaint European villages. The joy of watching dolphins swim in their natural habitat so close to you is an unbeatable experience not to miss in Scotland. Most dolphin watching holidays will also include plenty of time in between boat trips, so here are some of our top activities you can enjoy when not looking out for these marine mammals. Bring your binoculars and tripods during your trip. If you would like to get hold of a map of Inverness, you can download it from the 4umaps. Chris founded this website to show off the best of Scotland to the rest of the world. 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 If youd prefer to scan the crest of an Atlantic wave patiently from a headland in Shetland or join a responsible small ship safari around the Hebrides then welcome. Here are a few of the very best dolphin spotting locations: Given the popularity of the North Coast 500, it's good there is a great area for spotting dolphins a short distance from the main route. This is a lovely spot with a wide variety of habitats for different animals.
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