best time to see dolphins in scotlandbest time to see dolphins in scotland

Something unique to consider when youre deciding on the best time to visit Scotland is daylight hours. Thanks, Your email address will not be published. The best time of year to watch dolphins in Scotland is in July. Chanonry Point is one of the most popular spots in Inverness to see the dolphins swim from the land. You can also take your water sports equipment and head out into the sea to see the dolphins up close to here. Generally, the Scottish Highlands are excellent from May through August, when the days are long and warm. Interestingly, and unlike many other destinations, spring is one of Scotlands driest seasons. Check out our hiking wildlife holiday to the Outer Hebrides and St Kilda. 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. A pair of Dolphins stopping by the boat to say hello to Wilderness Scotland travellers. Whale Watching UK | Where to see Whales & Dolphins in the The Highlands in the north are made up of rugged yet still lush mountainous topography that form some of the most picturesque landscapes in the world. Check the map out for some of my favourite spots to see dolphins around the Inverness area: The dolphins are seen year round on the coast of Scotland near Inverness but there are certain times of the year where they are easier to spot and more frequently seen. Free to visit, the centre is based in an 18th century salmon fishing station, and is a haven for wildlife. 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. She is on a mission to road trip the planet and learn more about the cultures around the world. In the event of a zombie apocalypse, Fort George would be ideal, keep that in mind just in case. 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Unique winter experiences make it one of the best times to visit Scotland for those who enjoy getting off the beaten path. Chris founded this website to show off the best of Scotland to the rest of the world. Its possible to spot dolphins all along the east coast, particularly in the Cromarty and Moray Firths. Absolutely fantastic resource that you have created. If you see any that appear larger than the norm they are likely to be older as they increase in size as the years pass. This area is also a spectacular place to spot dolphins if you are lucky enough the speedboat will stop and let you see these lovely creatures up close. Check out this video below: Read more about what to wear for summer hiking in Scotland. Experts agree that the more responsible dolphin watching is, the more enjoyable it Is. It is a common stop off point for many on the North Coast 500 itinerary where you can catch a glimpse of some marine life. Spring weather is mild, but the days are lengthening and consistently drier. 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. 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. Best Their boats will take you out in search of dolphins, otters, seabirds and they even occasionally catch a glimpse of a whale too! If anything, it could be a reason to visit. The activity map is also available. Plan a couple of days nearChanonry Pointin June to maximise your chances of seeing these awesome creatures in their natural environment. In addition to warm weather, many consider summer the best time to visit Scotland because of all the festivals and events. Required fields are marked *. You can also spot them in the Minch (a narrow passage of water separating the North West Highlands and the North Inner Hebrides from Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides) when travelling by Ferry from Inverness to Stornoway during a Wilderness Scotland adventure journeying to the Outer Hebrides. Rare NC500 Bumblebees need your help, 5 spectacular waterfalls to visit along the NC500. Salmon start to migrate to the Moray coast in spring and this continues into the summer, which attracts the Dolphins looking to feed. This annual holiday honors the Patron Saint of Scotland with mega celebrations of all things Scottish. During August and the last (official) month of summer the hours in the day lessen, but we still bask in 15 16 hours of daylight, so there is still plenty of light to savour whilst hiking the stunning landscapes of Scotland. Galloway Forest Park for top-notch stargazing and hopefully, the Northern Lights! Dolphins in Scotland apparently a hidden gem in Scotland indeed. Although rare, surprise spring snow storms do sneak in occasionally, so pack and dress accordingly, prepared for a bit of fresh powder. Youll see temperatures around the low 60s (16-18C) throughout most of fall, so its a perfect time to get outside and enjoy this countrys spectacular nature. Where is the best place to see orca whales? One can check the tide time for a given day on WillyWeather and time your visit to 1 hour afterward. You can see dolphins out during the tidal times as the salmon fish gets caught in tide and dolphins pods come to catch them. 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. Jump down to see our personal advice for the best time to visit Scotland. Ive only passed by Inverness once and that was on the way to Skye, so I had no idea you could see dolphins here! Keep an eye out for them scrambling up trees or catch a glimpse of red fur high in the branches above you as they elegantly dance through the air. A young wildcat in the Highland Wildlife Park. This extra fat layer means they can weigh between 300-600 kg / 660-1400 lb. The end of Septemberand the beginning of October is when the stunning golden and brown landscapes of autumn really start to make their presence known. As May is at the tail end of spring, expect to see a glimpse of summer with warmer temperatures averaging 12C/55F. Scotland sees quite a bit of rain (and wind!) Im going to pack my bags and wait at the border until Im allowed to cross over from England! Broughty Ferry Castle, at the entrance to the Firth of Tay, also gives an elevated perspective for potential observations. 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. Add listings to your favourites by clicking the heart icon as you navigate the website. Both Best bit you dont have to go on a boat (although you can do that too). The best time to visit here for seeing dolphins is around an hour after low tide. Humpback whales are not a species commonly seen in Scotland, but it is possible you may spot some swimming the seas around the north of Scotland and Shetland in the heart of the summer season. Eilean Dhubh or the Black Isle as its known is technically not an island as such, but certainly feels like one with an almost Scotland in Miniature thing going on from sandy beaches to high craggy cliffs, thick forest, wide open farmland and wildlifelots of wildlife if you know where to look. When is the Best Time to Hike in Scotland? Below youll find a break down of the average temps and rainfall in Scotland by month: Psst! Inverness city has a lot of Scottish attractions and landmarks that are worth a visit. Learn about the actual weather of Scotland, discover stunning wildlife that lives in the hills and blue seas, appreciate the changing colours of the seasons, feel the beauty of our beaches and enjoy incredible landscapes all in this handy hiking guide where you can learn just when is the best time to hike in Scotland, for yourself. There are also a number of local businesses offering boat trips to spot not only dolphins but seals and a host of other sea life. The best places to see dolphins in Scotland | The Scotsman They can be seen throughout the year, although they may be more visible in the spring and summer when the sea is calm. Want a quick recommendation? WebChanonry Point is a popular tourist spot outside of Inverness. Sign up for the mailing list and receive this free travel itinerary. Just when is the best time to hike in Scotland? Similar to common seals they dwell in the Hebridean Islands, the West Coast, Shetland and the Orkney Isles. Even though August is the last month of summer the average temperature stays the same as June and July so in August you can still look forward to many hours of daylight and a fantastically warm sun shining over the hills and the Glens. They are wild animals and probably wouldn't take kindly to human interference. My kids are grown now but do come along sometimes! He has travelled all over Scotland and experienced all it has to offer. Who knows, maybe youll be lucky enough to spot the real-life Nessie! Weve stayed at the campsite there which has sea great views, but there are also hotels and guest houses in the village. WebAberdeenshire is a vast and scenic region, featuring many pretty towns, friendly communities, places to explore and fascinating attractions to visit. https://planethoppergirl.com/dolphin-watching-in-inverness-scotland The Black Isle sea around Moray Firth, the east coast of Scotland, has lots of bottlenose dolphins, where you can watch the dolphins swimming and playing just from the shore, 10 meters in front of you. Bottlenose dolphins are larger than common dolphins and mainly grey, with lighter, whiter underbellies. I founded Planet Hopper Girl aiming to promote traveling as a lifestyle, the ultimate way to discover yourself and find freedom. 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 A large number of them can be seen around the coast of Scotland, but the best areas to find them are places such as the Hebridean Islands, West Coast Scotland, Shetland and the Orkney Isles. Where do you think the best locations for dolphin-spotting are? Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Click on one of the links below to find out more: Hiking the remote location of Knoydart during the month of Spring. 1-866-821-6866 . Dolphins prefer calmer and sunnier days and seem the most active then, however, you can see dolphins in Scotland at all times of the year. Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. December is usually the mildest month, with average temperatures of around 4C/39F. There are a number of superstitions and symbolism linked to the Cuckoo through British history. Scotland has native dolphins in the North sea and now you know it is easy to watch them for free too. in the summer and often doesnt set until 11:00 p.m. Keep in mind these long, warmer days also coincide with one of the countrys wettest seasons it may be warm and sunny, but also pouring rain! Best Castles near LondonVisiting the D-Day beaches of NormandyDay trips from York1 day in York, EnglandVisiting Stonehenge. It is a bit long, but we have managed to catch the dolphins throwing the fish in this video. 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. 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. Whales, Dolphins and Seals Winter is also a great time for nighttime walking. On the willyweather website, you can enter the region and find the tide times as in the screenshot below. Photo: Charlie Phillips/WDCs, Bottlenose Dolphins. 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 expect 93 hours of sunshine for the whole month, allowing a good amount of daylight to explore the beauty of the Scottish outdoors each and every day. Camping enthusiasts are in for a treat this summer, as some of the best campsites in Scotland have been revealed. Chanonry Point is located between Fortrose and Rosemarkie on the Black Isle and has its own car park. 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. Its not freezing rain like youre probably imagining (usually, anyway!). Hi, I am Jumana, a technologist and a road trip expert traveling the world in my spare time. Mostly we are the bottlenose dolphin pods are seen most of the year round! Spring and fall offer the opportunity for a more affordable trip with fewer crowds, but with access to many of the same experiences. 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. 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. ), Layers to stay comfortable in temperatures between 40-60F (4-15C), Waterproof shoes or boots to protect your feet from melting snow, Trekking poles to help with stability and traction on muddy hiking trails. 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. 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%. Things to Do in Aberdeenshire Itinerary | VisitScotland Now I need to go back *w*, Great discovery isnt it? Another tale involves the ancient standing stone monument at Callanish located on the Isle of Lewis know as the Standing Stones of Callanish. 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.. Red Deer are Scotlands largest land mammal and are also the biggest of the deer family they are a huge icon of Scotland and the Stag has become a symbol of the Highlands famous Speyside Glenfiddich Whisky. especially if you have time to hang around. 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. Here are some dolphin spotting boat trips near Inverness to check out: Check flights: SkyscannerBook Car Rental: DiscoverCarsBook hotels: Booking.comBook Vacation Rentals: VRBO.com. Built to stop any further Jacobite rebellions, it was never used after the decisive victory at Culloden. On duller days try F4 or faster if your lens will allow, 1/250 and ISO400. Privacy Policy | Mailing List | Sitemap | Contact Us, Written by Chris Thornton | 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! 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. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "acf2f96a382fe896d761bf31a857c670" );document.getElementById("cd1d15c3cb").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hi there! Best Time to Visit Japan: When to Go & When to Avoid! This below ship when emerged which reminded me of many stories including the Norwegian Vikings, Copenhagen, Portugal, and even India. Killer whales are part of the Dolphin family and are usually seen in the Summer months mainly during June and July although there is a strong possibility to sight these massive mammals during the month of August. Wildcats resemble the domesticated household cat in appearance but tend to be fearful of humans and they will keep their distance. Humpback whales tend to be grey or black in appearance with white markings on their underbelly and can be distinguished from other species of whales by their rather large flippers. The warmer temperatures and smaller crowds make spring a great time to explore while also saving on accommodations. More info in our. Autumn is a time of colourful landscapes and glowing skies. Best Time of Year to Visit Scotland | Top Guide for Visitors September is an ideal month to venture on a hiking journey in Scotland if you want to absorb the lovely sunlight of the summer, but would rather avoid the heat that comes with the season. Still not guaranteed but can definitely provide a different perspective and experience! Dolphin. 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. 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!) The best time of year to watch dolphins in Scotland is in July. There are healthy populations of both bottlenose and common dolphins in Scotland, and they are quite easy to spot, particularly from small islands on the west coast. The Moray Firth Try the beach below the lighthouse at Chanonry Point on the north shore, or the WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre on the south shore As winter fades and the warmer weather of spring emerges, the snow begins to melt, animals poke their heads out, and the countryside greens up and comes alive again. You can drive up through the Highlands of Scotland and take the car ferry over to Orkney. Ultimate Guide to Dolphin Watching in Inverness The joy of watching dolphins swim in their natural habitat so close to you is an unbeatable experience not to miss in Scotland. Just in the same way that you cant clamber aboard a boat and click your fingers or whistle or whatever. Dolphin watching in Scotland - Responsible Travel Sea life fans staying on Lewis, Harris, North or South Uist, Eriskay, Berneray, Barra and Vatersay can take boat trips to spot marine mammals. WebThe best time to see minke whales in Scotland is from the end of May to September. The dolphins love to come so close to the land its the best place to see them from the shore. You might like to arrive early or do what we do which is park in Rosemarkie, visit the village shops and walk along the beach to the point. 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! Yeh me neither Hannah, but that was my best discovery as I really enjoyed seeing dolphins from the land in Inverness. 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. Winter is still a good time for some low level walking in the Highlands. The downside of Chanonry Point is that as its so popular the car park can become very busy, especially in the summer months. However, remember you can spot dolphins all along the Moray Firth Coast and also take a dolphin boat trip. Whether you intend to travel to Scotland during either spring or summer do not underestimate the potential of the sun in Scotland and remember to bring adequate sun cream to prevent the not so elusive Scottish suntan! museums, Scotlands largest city, Glasgow, for family-friendly attractions, the impressive botanical garden, and the countrys best shopping, Cairngorms National Park, home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Scotland, Road-trip to Highland Perthshire (one of the most underrated areas of Scotland!) In the springtime they tend to have 3 5 litters of young and come summer they are completely independent. Where is the best place to see dolphins in the Moray Firth? Bottlenose dolphin As the temperatures drop, the fall foliage begins to put on an impressive show, creating a photographers paradise especially in the Highlands. Its also a time when an array of beautiful spring flowers begin to bloom. 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. Summer is also a great time to spot wildlife as different animals appear more frequent in number during the months of summer. If you spot a few deerwhen exploring on an outdoor hiking adventure then take note of how they compare in size to one another. Ive watched a photographer ruin his kit as hed not moved it in time! 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. And you can see all that just from the land in some of these spots. Moray Firth in Inverness also offers boat tours for dolphin watching. You cant just rock up along the coast and expect to see troupes of dancing dolphins skipping about offshore. I didnt imagine Id be able to see them so close that I could look them in the eye! We used Tesco SIM cards which are cheaper than Airalo. Comment below and let us know! You can watch these amazing dolphins hunting and playing from shore or from well behaved, award winning tour boats the choice is yours. One of the biggest, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, takes place in October, but there are many other niche festivals as well. The best dolphin view point in Scotland! - North Coast 500 Fort George is an 18th-century fortress near Ardersier and Inverness. I travel with my husband James and sometimes with our dog Annie. Inverness is a perfect base to plan your dolphin-watching adventure in Scotland. Another spot is Merkinch Nature reserve which has views over the Moray Firth. during the fall, particularly in October and November, but that also means the many amazing waterfalls are at their peak flow. This area is primarily rural and agricultural, defined by picture-perfect gently rolling green hills. If youre in Inverness on your way to or from the Black Isle, get in touch with Dolphin Spirit. Fish are easy to find here and so its a natural hunting ground for the dolphins. Business members please sign in here to access your membership benefits.