I was so fortunate to experience dolphin watching at Chanonry point Inverness during a road trip in Scotland. Experience the magic of traditional European Christmas markets and winter festivals. We checked the WillyWeather site before the night for the low tide time and reached the point at about 10 am when the low tide time was marked 9 am. WebHonest, easy to read advice on the best time to watch dolphins and what species to see at different times of year. 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. Not too far away, Merkinch Local Nature Reserve is a beautiful and quiet green spot to see all kinds of wildlife, including dolphins. No, legislation was passed in 1990 which basically outlawed controlled swimming with dolphins in the UK. Click on one of the links below to find out more: Hiking the remote location of Knoydart during the month of Spring. Experts agree that the more responsible dolphin watching is, the more enjoyable it Is. We have lots of resources on travel in Scotland and destinations throughout the country. Tessa from our Travel Team spent five hours watching a pod of orcas swimming around the coastline of Shetland in July. And dont forget to pick up a guide book! THE 10 BEST Scotland Dolphin & Whale Watching Tours (with 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. 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!). 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. 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. April and May also bring several whiskey festivals to regions across the country. for postcard-worthy scenery, several easy hikes, and charming Victorian towns. Do not take this to be fact! 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. Youll find small shops with local food, restaurants and cafes. The best dolphin view point in Scotland! - North Coast 500 The mammals can be seen dodging boats from Torry Battery, an old military fort that still overlooks the harbour entrance. The best time to visit here for seeing dolphins is around an hour after low tide. 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. Oh my I had no idea we could see dolphins in Scotland! If you fancy driving to Chanonry Point from Fort George, it will take you 45 minutes via the Kessock Bridge, Inverness. Whale. During spring its still cool, but the shivering coldness of winter fades into distant memory and we can explore the outside world without the need for coordinating a woolly hat, balaclava and glove set although, its best to carry some warm clothing as you never know when the odd cold spell could strike! Theres also a cafe to get some food while youre watching. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, This website and its associated newspaper are members of Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). If you would like to get hold of a map of Inverness, you can download it from the 4umaps. October really is the greatest month to visit Scotland if you want to hike the landscapes during Scotlands full autumn glory. Best time for dolphin watching If you'd like any help, Wildlife holiday in the Isle of Mull, Scotland, Call us for the best time to go on a Dolphin watching Holiday. It is a great idea to grab a bite here by the sea. Boats arent restricted to certain times to see the dolphins as they can find them wherever they are. A pod of Killer Whales (Orcas) submerge from the sea during one of our wilderness holidays. Travellers enjoying a lovely summers day hiking in the mountainous Assynt. best You can check times on theWillyWeather website, click the tide tab. If you are looking for a hiking adventure with a difference then visiting Scotland in autumn is truly otherworldly. We use cookies on our website, by using the site your are consenting to essential cookies. 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!) Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Best Time to Visit Japan: When to Go & When to Avoid! 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. Enter your email address below and we will send you all of our latest news, events and offers straight to your inbox. Indeed, Scotland is more seasonal than many other European destinations, so it pays to consider the best time to visit before your trip. During some years when we are really lucky, we experience summer super early and can experience an incredible 21C/70F. 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. In pictures: The best places to see dolphins in Scotland 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. It is true when people say that there can be many seasons in one Scottish day but that should not be taken as a negative as there are moments where you could confuse a Scottish spring day as the middle of summer with the sun shining all across the land. Best Time to Visit Scotland: When to Go & When to Avoid! Moray Firth in Inverness also offers boat tours for dolphin watching. 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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. One of the industry leaders in small guided tours that offer a great tour of the NC500, Buzzing? This page may contain affiliate links. Thats not all! Still, there are certain times of year youll want to plan your trip around (and some youll want to avoid!) Hope you go see them one day. Scotland does experience a rainy winter, but again, the temperatures are mild enough that its manageable. Both the capital city of Edinburgh and the largest city, Glasgow, are located here, along with several others. Generally, the Scottish Highlands are excellent from May through August, when the days are long and warm. The warmer temperatures and smaller crowds make spring a great time to explore while also saving on accommodations. Finally, and closer to the city of Inverness and walkable is Merkinch Local Nature Reserve. This site contains affiliate links and as such any purchases or bookings made after clicking may earn me a commission. Bottlenose dolphins are larger than common dolphins and mainly grey, with lighter, whiter underbellies. 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. Learn about what a Scottish summer is like. Its not as easy to figure out the best times here but its a pleasant day out in any case. Required fields are marked *. Dolphin watching holidays in the Azores, as scores of these beautiful and intelligent creatures swim around you, is not an experience to be quickly forgotten. Dolphins Chris Thornton is an expert on Scotland and has lived there for over 35 years. Worst Taskmaster Contestants: Here are the 10 most unsuccessful Taskmaster contestants of all time - from Victoria Coren Mitchell to David Baddiel. 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 downside of Chanonry Point is that as its so popular the car park can become very busy, especially in the summer months. We did last 2 weeks in Aug because the kids are back in school then. How to see dolphins near Inverness in Scotland: plus when the If you happen to be on the other side of the Moray Firth and exploring Fort George then you can also see them from there, although you might need some binoculars to get a good view. 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. 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. 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. in order to have the best experience. 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. The weather changes rapidly over the course of spring in Scotland. Dolphin. Add listings to your favourites by clicking the heart icon as you navigate the website. How did I have no idea you can see dolphins in Scotland??? Dolphin Located in Caithness on the NC500, experience Scottish Gin & Vodka, handcrafted with Highland Botanicals. The Moray Firth is another popular cetacean-spotting location thanks to the residency of nearly 130 of the same bottlenose species. 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. Watching dolphins in Scotland is a privilege, not a right. Honestly, Id say it was the best place for seeing dolphins you can see them without disturbing them and quite often too. I didnt imagine Id be able to see them so close that I could look them in the eye! Chanonry Point has a lighthouse and is popular for lots of sea activities for example kayaking, sailing, etc. Bottlenose dolphins are perhaps the best-known of the cetaceans found around Scotland. Dolphin watching in Scotland - Responsible Travel Tripods will likely be too slow to "get the shot", you could try a monopod but the best way is handheld, give those upper arms a workout! You can see dolphins in Namibias Walvis Bay pretty much all year round, Dolphin watching in Scotland takes time, patience, and an awful lot of luck and local knowhow. Check out this video below: Read more about what to wear for summer hiking in Scotland. 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". The Isles truly are an incredible sight to behold and there is nothing quite like witnessing the bird colony in person. Good luck! As the temperatures drop, the fall foliage begins to put on an impressive show, creating a photographers paradise especially in the Highlands. Rab,Driver of P300NJB @Grampian Continental.. In September the air is still warm enough to feel like summer, but cool enough not to be too chillingly cold. Privacy Policy | Mailing List | Sitemap | Contact Us, Written by Chris Thornton | Just when is the best time to hike in Scotland? 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. The central Lowlands are home to both fertile farmland and almost all of Scotlands larger cities. Hi Kirsty is it possible to walk our dog all the way from Rosemarkie to Chanonry point? Our dolphin watching holiday companies have shared their top dolphin watching advice to help you plan your trip. Sapphire blue lochs (lakes) and narrow inlets dot the landscape, adding stunning character to the rugged peaks, glacier-carved valleys, and tiny islands. Fewer travellers mean fewer people on the trails and in the hills, providing an even more remote experience of the glorious scenic landscapes. Here are a few to check out. 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. 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. 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. Islands where you can see dolphins include Isle of Mull and Isle of Skye. Please click the map to see article indexes from other areas. 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. What are Cloud Inversions and Why Are They So Beautiful? 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. The village of North Kessock lies just north of Inverness, over the Kessock bridge. After waiting for almost two hours, we started to see dolphins appear. Summer brings festivals Edinburghs world-famous one comes to mind and long, light, late nights. Rare NC500 Bumblebees need your help, 5 spectacular waterfalls to visit along the NC500. For those who cannot drive, here are some of the top guided tours in this area: Jumana is a travel writer and technologist living in the United Kingdom, born and brought up in India. Galloway Forest Park for top-notch stargazing and hopefully, the Northern Lights! National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. May to September. Wildcats are the most difficult type of animal to encounter in Scotland, but if you ever happen to be hiking the bonny hills of Highland Scotland during the lovely golden season of Autumn be sure to keep a keen eye in the distance and you just may glimpse this rare animal out hunting in the wild. Further south, between Moray Firth and Beauly Firth, and just north of Inverness, the shoreline at Kessock Bridge offers excellent dolphin-spotting opportunities. Gestation is quite long at 12 months and females give birth to a single fully formed calf every 3 to 6 years. Fish are easy to find here and so its a natural hunting ground for the dolphins. 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. This trip is operated by our England team. 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. Fort George is directly across the water from Chanonry Point and itself built on another peninsula, so gives another ideal place for viewing dolphins. They are wild animals and probably wouldn't take kindly to human interference. WebDolphin spotting in the Western Isles is a popular choice of pastime for wildlife enthusiasts, while Outer Hebrides whale watching cruises are a truly amazing way to spend a day in our islands. As May is at the tail end of spring, expect to see a glimpse of summer with warmer temperatures averaging 12C/55F. In the Cairngorm mountains, you can expect to see some remnants of snow still remaining from the winter months even duringMay. The Atlantic white-sided, white-beaked, common, bottlenose and Rissos dolphins, along with the most distinctive and largest variety of dolphin, orcas, can all be seen swimming in Scottish waters. Chanonry Point is located between Fortrose and Rosemarkie on the Black Isle and has its own car park. Comment. Where do you think the best locations for dolphin-spotting are? Camping enthusiasts are in for a treat this summer, as some of the best campsites in Scotland have been revealed. Neil has enjoyed a stint in city life but that flirtation soon ended and he's returned to the Highlands of Scotland for the peace, tranquility and closeness to nature that he loves., Ross Keddie | More By This Author Published: Apr 12, 2023, Ross Keddie | More By This Author Published: Apr 05, 2023, Meike Burgess | More By This Author Published: Mar 31, 2023. Best If you dont want to be bothered about parking or are not visiting by car, or dont want to walk far, you can take a Dolphin shuttle bus to Chanonry point. An adorable Red squirrel enjoying a nice rest in the Cairngorms National Park. She cannot stay away from historical sites. Scotland can be divided into three distinct regions: the northern Highlands, the southern Uplands, and the central Lowlands. Imagine seeing all of them in one day! The Cuckoo migrates to Scotland in April and this signals the beginning of the Spring season. Summer and winter in Scotland bring the most rainfall, while the spring and fall are surprisingly the driest seasons. Look for the low tide time in this area and then aim to get to Chanonry point around 1 hour after. The truth is we can have a feast of sunshine during our Summer months of June, July and August. All photography by Chris Thornton, John Luckwell and Alan Butterfield. 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. It is thought that the warming of the water around the Hebrides is what is now attracting dolphins to the area. We were there last 2 weeks of Aug, first two weeks of Sept this year. Another tale involves the ancient standing stone monument at Callanish located on the Isle of Lewis know as the Standing Stones of Callanish. The most exciting sight is to see the dolphins throw the fish in the water. WebBest time to watch dolphins in Scotland Scotlands summer sunshine presents the best time to watch dolphins in the wild, with weather conditions during May to September 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. You might see all sorts of wildlife as well as being well placed to see dolphins as they swim upriver. 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! As well as bottlenose dolphins, you may well catch sight of ospreys, grey and common seals, the occasional otter and many coastal birds here. Here's some more info on Scotland's dolphins and particularly those in the Moray Firth colony on the north east coast. 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.

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