This article contains affiliate links. The dolphins dont know that the lookout is gone though and you can still see them from the shores of North Kessock. I founded Planet Hopper Girl aiming to promote traveling as a lifestyle, the ultimate way to discover yourself and find freedom. Dolphin & Whale Watching in Scottish Highlands, Scotland road Trip Itinerary for 2 weeks in Scottish Highlands. Hope you go see them one day. Her favourite travel style is On the Road and she has perfected the art of road trip planning, covering multiple famous and undiscovered routes around Europe, UK and USA. On the opposite shore to Chanonry Point, Fort George is a good place to go if you want to combine some history with a bit of dolphin spotting too! Create your own Harry Potter-themed adventure, exploring several of the locations that inspired the books and movies. ), the heat is mild and the cold is usually bearable. Ever since the magic of that first day seeing them so close, every time were near Inverness we always try and go to that spot to see if we are lucky again. Just make sure youre wrapped up warm and have the appropriate gear for walking in wintery weather low down and higher up. This is where the River Spey terminates into the North Sea and is a popular feeding ground with dolphins and seals for salmon hunting. Witness some of Scotlands most exciting wildlife spectacles and taste flavours unique to our autumn months. Its no surprise that the Scottish Dolphin Centre near Fochabers is a great place to see some dolphins. The spit of land by Chanonry Point lighthouse is ever changing with the tides so, especially if you arrive when the tide is coming in, watch your belongings and your feet. Reaching up to 4 metres in length when full grown, they are a large-bodied dolphin, generally a uniform shade of darker grey on the back, fading to paler grey underneath with a curved dorsal fin and a short beak. 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. 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. For a detailed look on how best to spot Killer Whales check out this article. My kids are grown now but do come along sometimes! Keep an eye out for eagles, seals, and puffins. As May is at the tail end of spring, expect to see a glimpse of summer with warmer temperatures averaging 12C/55F. They can be found chilling out around sheltered shores relaxing in a curved position or in water they can be located near the mouth of a large river where the tide meets the stream (estuaries). On the willyweather website, you can enter the region and find the tide times as in the screenshot below. Spring is somewhat similar to fall in terms of weather and crowds, making it what some consider the best time to visit Scotland. Jump down to see our personal advice for the best time to visit Scotland. While whales are most commonly spotted in the west of Scotland, cheeky and charming wild dolphins have primarily claimed the east coast of the country as their home. com. Your best bet is to go with a guide and look out for dolphins from the headland or take one of the regular ferries out to the surrounding islands. Puffins make great swimmers so expect a multitude of them and other seabirds gracefully riding the waves beside your boat. in order to have the best experience. We visited here a few years ago after seeing absolutely stunning photos of jumping dolphins unfortunately we must have visited at a bad time and saw nothing, we will plan better next time we go. We used Tesco SIM cards which are cheaper than Airalo. Plan your trip around touring medieval castles, explore the famous Scottish Highlands, or stick to the cities and sample the local whiskey culture. The sea around the Black Isle is nowadays world famous for its dolphin spotting possibilities yes, you heard right dolphins! This means it will change daily. Whether you witness the sight of just a fin or a full breach, there are many locations throughout Scotland to see any one of the estimated 300 or so dolphins that call the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean home. Located at the east side of the mouth of the Spey, the WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre is dedicated to whale and dolphin conservation. Just across the water, you can get an entirely different perspective on the Moray Firth from the shores of 18th century fortress, Fort George. Puffins are sometimes described as The clowns of the sea, because they look like they have a whale of a time clowning around in the water it really has to be seen to be believed!. In our opinion, the best time to visit Scotland is during the spring or fall, with a few exceptions. Here is a simple video we compiled with all our footage. They can be seen throughout the year, although they may be more visible in the spring and summer when the sea is calm. She loves to help people explore her favourite places in Scotland, England and beyond. Just in the same way that you cant clamber aboard a boat and click your fingers or whistle or whatever. In late October, the days start to become noticeably shorter, with 10-13 hours of daily sunlight. Plus, well share what times of year wed avoid visiting! 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. The cool waters surrounding Scotland are the perfect habitat for the sleek marine mammal, with bottlenose, white-beaked and common dolphins all playing near our coastlines. I recommend the land experience if you dont want to spend money on a boat tour. Explore the many stunning lochs. There are some nice facilities here including a cafe, gift shop and toilet and a superb exhibition. 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. Chris Thornton is an expert on Scotland and has lived there for over 35 years. In the springtime they tend to have 3 5 litters of young and come summer they are completely independent. Dolphins are incredibly intelligent, delightfully playful and able to inspire happiness in anyone who sees or swims with them. Short-beaked common dolphins can be identified by a figure of eight on their flanks formed through distinctive yellow and white flashes around their dorsal fins. It also makes timing your visit a little easier too. 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. Experience the magic of traditional European Christmas markets and winter festivals. 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. If you are interested in Scottish wildlife, why not check out my articles on bears, wolves,adders, newts, pine martensand highland cows. Chanonry Point may be one of the best places in Scotland to see dolphins, the land juts out into the Moray Firth forming a natural peninsula and creates the perfect spot to see them feed (and play if you're lucky). So, if you decided to book a trip with us remember to keep some coins in your pocket as you could be much richer after your holiday! Pine Martins, historically were spread throughout the UK, but unfortunately due to deforestation in the 19th and 20th centuries, they faced near extinction. These are my top 4 spots for trying to spot dolphins in the Moray Firth: This is the best place to see dolphins near Inverness. This trip is operated by our England team. The best dolphin view point in Scotland! - North Coast 500 Some of my top recommendations include: Inverness is also a major location for those who are aiming for their ultimate Scottish highland experience, seeing as many lochs, driving the scenic NC500 route, or even chasing some of the top Harry Potter destinations. Keep yourself warm by sampling some of the finest Scotch (Scottish whiskey) at a distillery, Hit the slopes at Cairngorm National Park for some skiing or snowboarding, Make a stop to visit and interact with the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, a free-roaming herd of about 150 animals, When you need rainy-day activities, enjoy the museums (many of which are totally free!) Hi Julia, thanks for the comment. The dolphins heading for Chanonry Point have to travel past Fort George, so its a great viewing point if you want to see these magnificent creatures in action. Toggle navigation. Ive only passed by Inverness once and that was on the way to Skye, so I had no idea you could see dolphins here! While it does rain often (theres a reason its so green! If the conditions are right, Scottish winters are the epitome of winter wonderland. These dolphins are hence the fattest in the world as they have extra fat to help them survive the cold. Chris is also a keen photographer and has had work published on the BBC news website and local news outlets. 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. Free to visit, the centre is based in an 18th century salmon fishing station, and is a haven for wildlife. Moving further along the cost to the Bay of Nigg also offers spectacular views of the dolphins as well as a sea unspoilt by the bustle of the harbour. Learn about what a Scottish summer is like. If you'd like to chat about Dolphin watching or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help. Visiting Scotland in April you will be welcomed with lovely colours of green leaves as the trees are now in bud. Autumn is a time of colourful landscapes and glowing skies. If youre hoping to spot dolphins in their natural environment, here are the best places to visit. When is the Best Time to Hike in Scotland? You can manage your cookies via browser settings. Around 75% of the UKs Red Squirrels can be found in Scotland. Spring weather is mild, but the days are lengthening and consistently drier. The best places to spot these impressive mammals in Scotland is around the Inner Hebrides and Skye. Chanonry Point Located between Fortrose and Rosemarkie, south Dolphins Scotland is one of the best places in the world to see dolphins, especially from the land. Some stock photography is used. Different species of dolphin frequent the west coast of Scotland, as well as the Scottish Isles. Scotland is the birthplace of golf, so experience the sport in its true element by playing a round of golf at one of the countrys 550+ courses! 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. We put together this overview to help you determine the best time to visit Scotland and what you can expect during each season. Despite the name, Red deer are actually coloured dark brown with a tint of reddish-orange painted onto their fur so nearly red, but not quite 100%. I was so fortunate to experience dolphin watching at Chanonry point Inverness during a road trip in Scotland. Sturdy, preferably waterproof hiking shoes or boots, The Highlands for unforgettable leaf-peeping in the most dramatic setting, Edinburghs many museums and historical sites have notably fewer crowds in the fall, Eat your way through Glasgow, one of the best cities for traditional Scottish comfort meals, Glencoe National Nature Reserve shows off some of the most stunning Scottish nature, Explore Aberdeenshire for the countless castles and history sans crowds. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "acf2f96a382fe896d761bf31a857c670" );document.getElementById("cd1d15c3cb").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi there! Although rare, surprise spring snow storms do sneak in occasionally, so pack and dress accordingly, prepared for a bit of fresh powder. If you manage to catch them at these feeding grounds you are in for a treat and many photo opportunities. In the Cairngorm mountains, you can expect to see some remnants of snow still remaining from the winter months even duringMay. In these regions, you can take boat tours to see dolphins swim in the sea. This site contains affiliate links and as such any purchases or bookings made after clicking may earn me a commission. Its where I always aim to visit and where I think Ive only ever not seen them once (out of the prime season). Autumn is also a great opportunity to witness a variety of wildlife that you can see in the summer, but also there is a higher chance of encountering majestic Red Deer in the hills and if you are really lucky maybe you will spot the rare wildcat running around the Cairngorms National Park in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. The highland hills and moors are especially atmospheric in winter, and the low sun makes for spectacular light across the day. Dolphins, whales & basking sharks in Scotland Yes you should be able to theres the beach to walk along and its dog friendly as well as a footpath. THE 10 BEST Scotland Dolphin & Whale Watching Tours (with Chanonry Point is located between Fortrose and Rosemarkie on the Black Isle and has its own car park. They have unusually large brains, 4 to 5 times larger than an animal of their size and yes their brains are bigger than ours! Best time to visit Scottish Highlands All photography by Chris Thornton, John Luckwell and Alan Butterfield. 33 Famous landmarks in London which one is new to you. The rugged southern Uplands form Scotlands 110-mile-long border with England. 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. If anything, it could be a reason to visit. 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. Watching dolphins in Scotland is a privilege, not a right. Comment below and let us know! While this can make it feel like youre racing against time to cram everything in, the shorter days offer more time to enjoy the night sky, plus potentially even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Check out our hiking wildlife holiday to the Outer Hebrides and St Kilda. Harbour porpoise and white-beaked dolphins are found in higher densities here, especially around the Inner Hebrides. The average lifespan can be as low as 17 years old, but some have been known to live for 40 years, and those in captivity have lived as long as 51 years. Everything from eagles to otters, seals to seabirds, can be seen in Scotland and sometimes its the people that youre with who leave the most lasting impression. Go island-hopping near Skye, the Outer Hebrides, or Shetland, Rain gear to keep you dry (although spring is the driest month here, the weather is also in a transition period with ever-changing conditions! 6 Reasons to go Winter Walking in Scotland, VIDEO: Winter days in the Scottish Highlands, Winter Wildlife: How to Recognise Those Tracks, Search for Minke whales on an unforgettable hiking and wildlife adventure to the incredible. I'm afraid your mobile phone won't cut it in this instance, dolphins are quite a difficult subject to capture. Their boats will take you out in search of dolphins, otters, seabirds and they even occasionally catch a glimpse of a whale too! Both summer and winter have plenty to offer as well. kitesurfing on the eastern coast. Theres also a cafe to get some food while youre watching. Chanonry Point has a lighthouse and is popular for lots of sea activities for example kayaking, sailing, etc. They were swimming close by for over 1 hour while we were there and we had to leave to see other attractions but trust me, I wished I could just watch them all day. Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to hear about trip news, blogs and offers. It is best to check the tide time of the day you are visiting to increase your chances of seeing the dolphins. Bring your binoculars and tripods during your trip. The truth is that there are many different reasons to visit Scotland all year round! Dont miss the iconic North Coast 500, a 516-mile drive that takes you through stunning landscapes and charming, quaint European villages. Gestation is quite long at 12 months and females give birth to a single fully formed calf every 3 to 6 years. our woodlands are a sanctuary for these cute little critters and a place when they can thrive in the wild as nature intended. We did a circle tour in a rented car (Arnold Clark) and used Airbnb. Rare NC500 Bumblebees need your help, 5 spectacular waterfalls to visit along the NC500. Dolphins and porpoise are here all year round. Scotland gets a bit of a bad rap when it comes to weather. It is something that has been on my bucket list forever! We did last 2 weeks in Aug because the kids are back in school then. The central Lowlands are home to both fertile farmland and almost all of Scotlands larger cities. This below ship when emerged which reminded me of many stories including the Norwegian Vikings, Copenhagen, Portugal, and even India. Some trails are manageable in the wintertime, some are best in the summer. As the temperatures drop, the fall foliage begins to put on an impressive show, creating a photographers paradise especially in the Highlands. Here's some more info on Scotland's dolphins and particularly those in the Moray Firth colony on the north east coast. best time to visit Scotland Head out and immerse yourself in Scotlands landscape when it is blanketed in snow and sparkly. This file is auto-generated */ !function(c,d){"use strict";var e=!1,n=!1;if(d.querySelector)if(c.addEventListener)e=!0;if(c.wp=c.wp||{},!c.wp.receiveEmbedMessage)if(c.wp.receiveEmbedMessage=function(e){var t=e.data;if(t)if(t.secret||t.message||t.value)if(!/[^a-zA-Z0-9]/.test(t.secret)){for(var r,a,i,s=d.querySelectorAll('iframe[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),n=d.querySelectorAll('blockquote[data-secret="'+t.secret+'"]'),o=0;obest Ive watched a photographer ruin his kit as hed not moved it in time! We caught up with Charlie Phillips A professional wildlife photographer, and a Whale and Dolphin Conservation Field Officer (he studies dolphins for a living!). Temperatures are definitely a little colder, but not unbearable by any meansusually between 35-45F (1-7C) in the cities and lower elevation areas. Read more about my return journey tackling the infamous Bad Step here! We first roamed around the lighthouse, where you will also see lots of folks reading a book and having brunch. While summer is a great time to witness hinds (female deer) and calves run through the hills autumn provides an incredible opportunity to see Red Deer in their natural habitat and this is especially true for the male Stag Red Deer. They are wild animals and probably wouldn't take kindly to human interference. I didnt imagine Id be able to see them so close that I could look them in the eye! A Pine Marten scurries along a tree in the Cairngorms they are incredible climbers! Check out this video below: Read more about what to wear for summer hiking in Scotland. Best time for dolphin watching Find out more about Chris on the about page. 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. 1-866-821-6866 . The North sea area of Scotland is filled with Salmon. Dolphins, seals and porpoise are usually spotted in the area as they feed in the channel. However no boat tour can guarantee that you will see the dolphins, and at around 150 for a family of four, it's quite expensive if you don't get to see what you want. Best Travellers enjoying a lovely summers day hiking in the mountainous Assynt. WebORCA are helping to raise awareness of the forgotton whales and dolphins within the North East Atlantic. Scotland makes a great place to travel for jaw-dropping scenery, interesting history and a lively, welcoming culture. 1 hour after low tide is a good reference point to aim for. Many of these locations are within 1-hour walking distance within the Inverness city center. The best time to visit here for seeing dolphins is around an hour after low tide. Yeh me neither Hannah, but that was my best discovery as I really enjoyed seeing dolphins from the land in Inverness. Most of the land watching spots for dolphins are located in this area. Im going to pack my bags and wait at the border until Im allowed to cross over from England! 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. It is a question many travellers are eager to know when deciding to travel to Scotland for a perfect holiday. 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. What permits do I need? Privacy Policy | Mailing List | Sitemap | Contact Us, Written by Chris Thornton | Latest species sightings This is a map of all cetacean (whale, dolphin and porpoise) sightings recorded in the North East Atlantic by our ORCA Marine Mammal surveyors over the last decade. Best place in the world to see dolphins from the land, so you gotta go again I bet. For nature lovers and those wanting to spot dolphins (which I assume is you since youre reading this post!) A Minke Whale decides to swim alongside a group as if it thought the boat was part of its pod. As mentioned before, I have had the pleasure of seeing dolphins from a boat, and it truly is a special experience if they come up close to the boat and say "hello".