Summer is also a period where our multitude of brightly coloured flowers flourish in the warmth. best time to visit Scotland 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. Great info, thanks! National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. If you spot a few deerwhen exploring on an outdoor hiking adventure then take note of how they compare in size to one another. 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. When March approaches the temperature in Scotland begins to rise and the cold winter chill fades away. The best time of day to see dolphins at Chanonry Point near Inverness is when the tide is rising. Wildcats resemble the domesticated household cat in appearance but tend to be fearful of humans and they will keep their distance. Im going to pack my bags and wait at the border until Im allowed to cross over from England! The predominance of bottlenose dolphins is also a feature of the waters on the west coast, with over 60 members of the species living in the Sound of Barra and the Hebrides. Head out and immerse yourself in Scotlands landscape when it is blanketed in snow and sparkly. Crunchy snow underneath your boots, sparkly fields, and the most beautiful night skies. Hi Julia, thanks for the comment. 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. Pine Martens are experts at scaling trees and they tend to shelter in tree holes, so stay on the lookout for any visual clues. She is on a mission to road trip the planet and learn more about the cultures around the world. Chris Thornton is an expert on Scotland and has lived there for over 35 years. There are plenty of sea activities here with multiple ships and yachts sailing by and there were also folks enjoying a kayak here. Two Wandering Soles Copyright 2023. https://planethoppergirl.com/dolphin-watching-in-inverness-scotland 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. Charlie and his wife Susan also own an art studio and gift shop in the village of North Kessock. Scotland sees quite a bit of rain (and wind!) Bottlenose dolphin 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. By Neil Irvine, Content Editor Published: Jul 20, 2021More by Neil. 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. 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. Who knows, maybe youll be lucky enough to spot the real-life Nessie! What time of year is best to see whales in Scotland? My kids are grown now but do come along sometimes! I'm Kirsty and I like to share my tips for travelling around some of my favourite places in the world - Scotland, England and a few more besides! Best known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history, Scotland is a world-renowned travel destination, and yet still somehow a bit mysterious. Dolphins are incredibly intelligent, delightfully playful and able to inspire happiness in anyone who sees or swims with them. If youre wondering how to see dolphins near Inverness then read on for my tips on where to go and different ways to see them! Similar to common seals they dwell in the Hebridean Islands, the West Coast, Shetland and the Orkney Isles. sports at the famous Highland Games. Beautiful blue skies on Scotlands west coast. Brave the cold late at night to stargaze and try to spot the Northern Lights when the sky is clear. Visitors please sign in here to access your membership benefits. We caught up with Charlie Phillips A professional wildlife photographer, and a Whale and Dolphin Conservation Field Officer (he studies dolphins for a living!). 13th of February 2022, Find out more about Chris on the about page. 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. 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! Summit Ben Nevis in the Highlands, the highest mountain in all of the UK, or explore some shorter waterfall trails. Many seasonal businesses that close for winter reopen in late March or early April, which coincides perfectly with the days starting to get longer. Sapphire blue lochs (lakes) and narrow inlets dot the landscape, adding stunning character to the rugged peaks, glacier-carved valleys, and tiny islands. 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. Red Squirrel Absolutely fantastic resource that you have created. All our trips support communities and preserve nature - which helps you get closer to both. 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. 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. 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. I once was invited to go out on the Moray Firth in a small catamaran, we encountered seals, a basking shark and dolphins! If seeing dolphins is on your bucket list, why not stay a few days in Fortrose or Rosemarkie and head down to Chanonry Point at the correct tide time, what a lovely walk that would be. Keep an eye out for eagles, seals, and puffins. 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 youre in Inverness on your way to or from the Black Isle, get in touch with Dolphin Spirit. Yes, they can sometimes be seen in the water off Portobello Beach, north Edinburgh. This annual holiday honors the Patron Saint of Scotland with mega celebrations of all things Scottish. Winter is also a great time for nighttime walking. Best bit you dont have to go on a boat (although you can do that too). Though the water is cold here and dolphins usually prefer warm water, they are here for the Scottish Atlantic salmon. Theres also a cafe to get some food while youre watching. This is where the River Spey terminates into the North Sea and is a popular feeding ground with dolphins and seals for salmon hunting. Commons Seals are a rather diverse bunch and vary in colour from blond to black, but in general, they are normally grey coloured with dark spots. 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. You can expect a mix of clear blue skies and cloudy grey days during winter in Scotland, with occasional rain, snow and ice. The weather changes rapidly over the course of spring in Scotland. A Minke Whale decides to swim alongside a group as if it thought the boat was part of its pod. Best time for dolphin watching Check out one of several literary festivals that take place around the country. The mammals can be seen dodging boats from Torry Battery, an old military fort that still overlooks the harbour entrance. 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. While you very well may experience all four seasons in the span of just a few hours (packing layers is key! Orcas are unmissable, although dont expect to see much more of these giant black and white beasts other than a fin or tail. 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. Exploring the Shiant Isles is another great way to see a colony of Puffins in their natural habitat within Scotland. Still, there are certain times of year youll want to plan your trip around (and some youll want to avoid!) The The images on this page, while not professional by any means (!!! Although they love the salmon in the waters off Moray, they also love eels, shrimp, squid and other fish which they devour whole without chewing. The rugged southern Uplands form Scotlands 110-mile-long border with England. Where is the best place to see dolphins in the Moray Firth? 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. Scotland Camping: Essential Tips + Best Campsites. Both the capital city of Edinburgh and the largest city, Glasgow, are located here, along with several others. 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 highland hills and moors are especially atmospheric in winter, and the low sun makes for spectacular light across the day. Dolphin We compiled some handy resources of information about hiking in Scotland covering the different seasons of the year, so you can find out what travelling in Scotland is like during different months. If you fancy driving to Chanonry Point from Fort George, it will take you 45 minutes via the Kessock Bridge, Inverness. While she is busy with her full time job as a computer technologist, she is an active explorer during her spare time. Pin this post to plan your dolphin watching adventures! 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. In fact, nearly 90% of the countrys population resides in the Lowlands. The landscape is buzzing with life and colour, with flowers blooming and bustling wildlife. The North sea area of Scotland is filled with Salmon. For nature lovers and those wanting to spot dolphins (which I assume is you since youre reading this post!) Dolphins in Scotland apparently a hidden gem in Scotland indeed. It is a great idea to grab a bite here by the sea. Mostly we are the bottlenose dolphin pods are seen most of the year round! In fact, May is National Whisky Month in Scotland (whisky is a BIG deal here Scots refer to it as the water of life). Winter is still a good time for some low level walking in the Highlands. We first roamed around the lighthouse, where you will also see lots of folks reading a book and having brunch. 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. The best time of year to watch dolphins in Scotland is in July. You can drive up through the Highlands of Scotland and take the car ferry over to Orkney. Tell us in the comments section. December is usually the mildest month, with average temperatures of around 4C/39F. Explore the countrys many castles and ruins, Visit the botanical gardens in either Glasgow or Edinburgh to experience the gorgeous spring bloom, Try out (or watch!) WebChanonry Point is a popular tourist spot outside of Inverness. Sea Life Surveys 385 Boat 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. No problem. 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. This wildlife travel guide is meant to be like a trailer for the new Attenborough series. 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. 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. Watching dolphins in Scotland is a privilege, not a right. A. Spring weather is mild, but the days are lengthening and consistently drier. Scotland has native dolphins in the North sea and now you know it is easy to watch them for free too. Scotland is one of the best places in the world to see dolphins, especially from the land. Some stock photography is used. Moray Firth in Inverness also offers boat tours for dolphin watching. 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. There is nothing more satisfying than the crunching of snow under your boots when out for a wintery walk. Best Time 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. 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!) This area is primarily rural and agricultural, defined by picture-perfect gently rolling green hills. This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Summer is also a great time to spot wildlife as different animals appear more frequent in number during the months of summer. Not too far away, Merkinch Local Nature Reserve is a beautiful and quiet green spot to see all kinds of wildlife, including dolphins. WebORCA are helping to raise awareness of the forgotton whales and dolphins within the North East Atlantic. The best time to see minke whales off the coast of the Isle of Skye is between May and October. The most exciting sight is to see the dolphins throw the fish in the water. There are healthy populations of both They also dont necessarily need good weather. However, dolphins can also be spotted during autumn and spring. You will need to pay an entrance fee for the Fort George site its a Historic Scotland site so free for members. 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. How to see dolphins near Inverness in Scotland: plus when the And dont forget to pick up a guide book! spot some dolphins for myself! Spot whales, otters and eagles on Isle of Mull, Scotland, Ultimate week of wildlife spotting on the Isle of Mull. October really is the greatest month to visit Scotland if you want to hike the landscapes during Scotlands full autumn glory. Many of these locations are within 1-hour walking distance within the Inverness city center. Unique winter experiences make it one of the best times to visit Scotland for those who enjoy getting off the beaten path. Summer may be the best time to visit Scotland if youre after the warmest months or want to experience one of the many outdoor festivals like The Fringe Festival in Edinburgh. Celebrate St. Andrews Day with the locals. While it often gets overshadowed by neighboring countries from a tourism standpoint, Scotland is one place you should have on your bucket list! For a detailed look on how best to spot Killer Whales check out this article. You cant just rock up along the coast and expect to see troupes of dancing dolphins skipping about offshore. Fantastic morning out with North 58 along the Moray Coast, lucky enough to see Dolphins and Seals along with some gan 2022 7. Things get chillier as winter progresses and the best months for snow are January and February which is great with the lengthening days to maximise your opportunity to enjoy the wintery countryside. Aberdeens harbour entrance not only welcomes the vast ships that endlessly travel between the Granite City and the North Seas oil rigs, but plays hosts to bottlenose dolphins particularly in the winter months. If anything, it could be a reason to visit. Your email address will not be published. In the event of a zombie apocalypse, Fort George would be ideal, keep that in mind just in case. It is best to check the tide time of the day you are visiting to increase your chances of seeing the dolphins. 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! No, legislation was passed in 1990 which basically outlawed controlled swimming with dolphins in the UK. They can be seen throughout the year, although they may be more visible in the spring and summer when the sea is calm. The best time to see them is when the tide begins to rise again after low tide. The sun also rises as early as 3:00 or 4:00 a.m. (remember, Scotland is waaaaay up there!) Read more about my return journey tackling the infamous Bad Step here! See our cookie policy for more information. 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. The best places to see dolphins in Scotland | The Scotsman 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 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. Some Grey Seals having a splash in the cool water of North Ronaldsay in Orkney. When is the Best Time to Hike in Scotland? Rab,Driver of P300NJB @Grampian Continental.. However, wed avoid visiting Scotland during the month of August if you are not planning to attend the Fringe Festival as accommodation will be booked well in advance and prices sky-rocket! 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. It is thought that the warming of the water around the Hebrides is what is now attracting dolphins to the area. Daylight hours are short in Scotland during winter, with just 7-8 hours of daily sunlight. Another tale involves the ancient standing stone monument at Callanish located on the Isle of Lewis know as the Standing Stones of Callanish. Breeding occurs mostly in spring and relationships are polygamous. There are wooden benches around the stoney beach to view from. However, summer is a fantastic time to go Dolphin watching along the This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, This website and its associated newspaper are members of Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). Given the popularity of the North Coast 500, it's good there is a great area for spotting dolphins a Dolphins, whales & basking sharks in Scotland One of the Free Scottish Wildlife Experience. Please click the map to see article indexes from other areas. According to the Met Office, the average highest temperature for the month of March in Scotland can be around 7C/45F. 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. Learn more about the great Cuckoo from Wilderness Expert Jonathan Willet. Witness some of Scotlands most exciting wildlife spectacles and taste flavours unique to our autumn months. WebVisit the Black Isle, just across the Moray Firth from Inverness, to experience one of the best places in Europe to shore watch dolphins. There are some nice facilities here including a cafe, gift shop and toilet and a superb exhibition. Chanonry Point is one of the most popular spots in Inverness to see the dolphins swim from the land. These dolphins are hence the fattest in the world as they have extra fat to help them survive the cold. Business members please sign in here to access your membership benefits. Scotland does experience a rainy winter, but again, the temperatures are mild enough that its manageable. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Two Wandering Soles are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This trip is operated by our England team. 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. Some destinations are far more suited than others for family dolphin watching holidays. The best dolphin view point in Scotland! - North Coast 500 Some of the popular Dolphin species to see in Scotland include: Bottlenose dolphins are the most popular native wild animals to see in Scotland, these are almost 5 meters in length and are grey in color. On average there are 38 days of snow in Scotland, with 26 days of settled snow on the ground. Hi, I am Jumana, a technologist and a road trip expert traveling the world in my spare time. The village of North Kessock lies just north of Inverness, over the Kessock bridge. 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!) Another spot is Merkinch Nature reserve which has views over the Moray Firth. We have lots of resources on travel in Scotland and destinations throughout the country.