Though the most common are Minke whales, one might also come across other species including Orcas, Humpbacks, Fins, and Sperms. Take a NorthLink Ferry from Scotland’s mainland to reach Shetland and Orkney’s marine mammal hotspots. Look out across the Moray Firth just as the tide starts to rise, and you are highly likely to spot dolphins as they swim in-land to feed. Though the most common are Minke whales, one might also come across other species including Orcas, Humpbacks, Fins, and Sperms. The Moray Firth is home to about 200 bottlenose dolphins. 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 … Then 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. Dolphin Watching at Chanonry Point. They have a short beak short and a large triangular dorsal fin that curves backwards. Credit: Will Brown. Scottish Dolphin Centre. The most familiar of the dolphins and the most likely to be seen from British shores, the bottlenose dolphin is found all round the world. Seeing dolphins rise gracefully above the waves is one of life's great pleasures and thankfully Scotland is more than blessed when it comes to … Sealife Adventures. As well as bottlenose dolphins, you may well catch sight of ospreys, grey and common seals, the occasional otter and many coastal birds here. The sea around the Black Isle is nowadays world famous for it’s dolphin spotting possibilities – yes, you heard right… dolphins! The point is without doubt the best place to watch the Bottlenose Dolphins. EH6 6NF. dolphincentre@whales.org 01343 820339 We also have an option to join the tour from Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, which cuts out an hour each way of the journey between there and Oban. Although the dolphins are wild, there are still some areas they're expected to be, and the locals will know where to find them. The east coast of Scotland is a hotspot for dolphin sightings. If you’re hoping to spot dolphins in their natural environment, here are the best places to visit. Take a closer look at Scotland’s wildlife, Visit our wildlife reserves and visitor centres. Bottlenose dolphins are vulnerable to disturbance. Closer to home, the best places to see these dolphins are the Moray Firth in Scotland, Cardigan Bay in Wales and the coasts of Cornwall, Devon and Dorset. Located between Fortrose and Rosemarkie, south of Cromarty, the narrow peninsula of Chanonry Point is well known as the best place to see pods of dolphins in Scotland. Also protected under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) The most northerly population in the world, these are a robust and hardy bunch of dolphins. The dolphins heading for Chanonry Point have to travel past Fort George, so it’s a great viewing point if you want to see these magnificent creatures in action. There’s something here for all ages to enjoy. Although the dolphins are wild, there are still some areas they're expected to be, and the locals will know where to find them. The best site to encounter these mammals is the Inner and the Outer Hebrides inhabited by both whales and dolphins. Shocking video footage shows dozens of dolphins and whales being slaughtered by hand in the Faroe Islands earlier today. Our vision is a world where every whale and dolphin is safe and free. The most familiar of the dolphins and the most likely to be seen from British shores, the bottlenose dolphin is found all round the world. Moray Firth, Scotland. This is a narrow inlet of the Moray Firth, and dolphins are regularly spotted in the waters, sometimes passing beneath the Cromarty Bridge, or chasing the fish just offshore. CLOSE Know what you are looking for? ... Basking Shark Scotland. The sea around the Black Isle is nowadays world famous for it’s dolphin spotting possibilities – yes, you heard right… dolphins! Around the Isle of Mull, for example, common dolphins can be found in huge super pods – numbering more than 100 – and make for an unforgettable sighting both from land and out at sea. Between Aberdeen in the east, the Shetlands in the north and the Hebrides in the west there are 27 Shorewatch Sites , where you have the best chances for a sighting. The aurora is called the Mirrie Dancers in Scotland. The Moray Firth dolphins are one of two resident populations in the United Kingdom and the most northerly colony of dolphins in the world. The best site to encounter these mammals is the Inner and the Outer Hebrides inhabited by both whales and dolphins. Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995. Bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus around the UK are considerably larger than individuals of the same species in most parts of the world, reaching up to around 4 m in length, although 2.5-2.7 m is a more usual adult length.It is primarily an inshore species, with most sightings within 10 km of land, but they can also occur offshore, often in association with other cetaceans. One of the most reliable places to see bottlenose dolphins in the UK is the Moray Firth. Scottish Wildlife Trust reserves such as Spey Bay or the Isle of Eigg. Photo: Andy Hay (rspb-images.com) North Scotland. This is probably one of the best areas to go whale and dolphin watching in the UK as it has a high success rate.