Dolphins in Scotland, where to see Moray Firth Dolphins! Photo: Charlie Phillips/WDCs, Bottlenose Dolphins. 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. If you spot a few deerwhen exploring on an outdoor hiking adventure then take note of how they compare in size to one another. 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!) According to the Met Office, the average highest temperature for the month of March in Scotland can be around 7C/45F. However, dolphins can also be spotted during autumn and spring. Try F6-8, 1/500, ISO100 on a well lit day and alter your settings from there. 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. The car park at Chanonry Point is often very busy if you can't get a space try parking in one of the nearby villages and walking over. They have unusually large brains, 4 to 5 times larger than an animal of their size and yes their brains are bigger than ours! Theres also a cafe to get some food while youre watching. 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. Check out one of several literary festivals that take place around the country. You can watch these amazing dolphins hunting and playing from shore or from well behaved, award winning tour boats the choice is yours. Explore the many stunning lochs. Look for the low tide time in this area and then aim to get to Chanonry point around 1 hour after. The images on this page, while not professional by any means (!!! During the warmer months, a variety of different sea life can appear be on the lookout for Dolphins, Killer whales, Minke whales and maybe even catch a rare glimpse of Humpback whales! Visiting Scotland in April you will be welcomed with lovely colours of green leaves as the trees are now in bud. Kirsty has been getting lost around the world for over 30 years and writing about it for 10 of those. It also makes timing your visit a little easier too. The dolphins love to come so close to the land its the best place to see them from the shore. There are still plenty of activities to do and places to explore before the last of the warm weather says goodbye for winter, so fall is one of the best times to visit Scotland. Locally everyone loves dolphin watching, sometimes photos will be posted up to local Facebook groups or Flickr and there is always a great deal of interest in these beautifulcetaceans. Chanonry Point Located between Fortrose and Rosemarkie, south 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. Crunchy snow underneath your boots, sparkly fields, and the most beautiful night skies. I didnt imagine Id be able to see them so close that I could look them in the eye! Since its the other side of Chanonry Point keep an eye on tide times around low tide and an hour after could be good. 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! Hear the lovely crunch of leaves under your feet by exploring our Autumn Highlands hiking adventure. The countryside transitions from vibrant green to breath-taking purple as the heather blooms. The village of North Kessock lies just north of Inverness, over the Kessock bridge. Similar to common seals they dwell in the Hebridean Islands, the West Coast, Shetland and the Orkney Isles. Some stock photography is used. I cant wait to visit and (hopefully!) Best All of these businesses are accredited with the "Dolphin Space Programme" which sounds very fancy and futuristic, but all it means is giving the dolphins more space and minimising disturbances to their lives. The Atlantic Puffin is similar to its north Pacific relative, The Horned Puffin, but can be easily distinguished by a steel-blue triangle located on the base of its beak. Get yourself some food from one of the local establishments theres a cafe, fish and chips and a small shop too and park yourself on a bench to see if you can find any dolphins! Chase the Jacobite train and live your Harry Potter Dream. October really is the greatest month to visit Scotland if you want to hike the landscapes during Scotlands full autumn glory. Autumn is the deer breeding season (or rut) and it is during this time that there is a higher chance to see a male Stag wandering around the mountainsides roaring at the top of his lungs. 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. Finally, and closer to the city of Inverness and walkable is Merkinch Local Nature Reserve. This could possibly be because they migrate from Iceland and Norway in the summer and set sail to the coasts of North-West Africa in the winter and would have to pass Scotland to reach their destination. The shortest day of the year in Scotland is usually the 21st of December, with as little as 6-7 daylight hours depending on where you are. Killer whales (or Orcas) have a very distinctive black and white appearance and are very large creatures in fact, they are the largest member of the Dolphin family. 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. Click on one of the links below to find out more: Hiking the remote location of Knoydart during the month of Spring. Thinking about your answers to these questions is going to help you start to determine when to visit Scotland. And cooler temperatures also mercifully drive away the infamous midges and other biting insects that tend to swarm during the warmer months. Where and when to see marine wildlife in Scotland 1 hour after low tide is a good reference point to aim for. 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. Car parking is ample here, and a great spot for motor homes. Best known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history, Scotland is a world-renowned travel destination, and yet still somehow a bit mysterious. When is the Best Time to Hike in Scotland? ), 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. Grey seals can be identified by their larger size than common seals and are normally grey coloured with darker spots. 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. Best Time of Year to Visit Scotland | Top Guide for Visitors Visitors please sign in here to access your membership benefits. This area is primarily rural and agricultural, defined by picture-perfect gently rolling green hills. During some years when we are really lucky, we experience summer super early and can experience an incredible 21C/70F. Ive watched a photographer ruin his kit as hed not moved it in time! Keep an eye out for eagles, seals, and puffins. However, summer is a fantastic time to go Dolphin watching along the The most exciting sight is to see the dolphins throw the fish in the water. We used Tesco SIM cards which are cheaper than Airalo. Similar to March, the month of April offers welcome dry spells as the climate becomes increasingly warmer across the country from the North to the South of Scotland. 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. The warmest months of Summer in Scotland are likely to be July and August where we enjoy an average temperature of 19 C/66F each year. The Scottish Highlands are truly wild; its one of the least densely populated areas in all of Europe! Plan your trip with our round up of all the best things to do in Edinburgh, including the quintessential activities and some off the beaten path experiences you wont want to miss! Unofficially, the majority of the month is really a cooler summer than full autumn it is a transition period of the weather changing from summer to autumn. 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. Best gifts for first time travelers perfect for gap year or first vacations. A great way to keep entertained is by waiting for dolphins to arrive. Comment below and let us know! Dolphins in Scotland apparently a hidden gem in Scotland indeed. Around 75% of the UKs Red Squirrels can be found in Scotland. 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. 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! Its a small natural area on the banks of the Beauly Firth same stretch of water but a different name here! If you fancy exploring the Scottish Highlands and want to make the most of the long stretches of daylight then visiting here in the summer months is definitely an amazing time to embark on an unforgettable adventure holiday. Dolphins are incredibly intelligent, delightfully playful and able to inspire happiness in anyone who sees or swims with them. I was so fortunate to experience dolphin watching at Chanonry point Inverness during a road trip in Scotland. Just when is the best time to hike in Scotland? 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. 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. Daylight hours are short in Scotland during winter, with just 7-8 hours of daily sunlight. Free to visit, the centre is based in an 18th century salmon fishing station, and is a haven for wildlife. Pine Martins, historically were spread throughout the UK, but unfortunately due to deforestation in the 19th and 20th centuries, they faced near extinction. 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! WebScotlands summer sunshine presents the best time to watch dolphins in the wild, with weather conditions during May to September presenting peak viewing potential from land and at sea. Best Time to Visit Scotland: When to Go & When to Avoid! 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. UK: +44 (0)1479 420 020 US: 1-866-740-3890 [emailprotected], Wilderness Scotland Dalfaber Drive Aviemore Highland Scotland PH22 1ST, 2022 Wilderness Group Ltd | Registered in Scotland SC211011, Cookies & Privacy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap | Site Credits. 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. 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. There are healthy populations of both Thanks, Your email address will not be published. during the fall, particularly in October and November, but that also means the many amazing waterfalls are at their peak flow. The Pine Marten is an elusive creature but can be found scurrying around the north of Scotland in rich woodland areas. Its not as easy to figure out the best times here but its a pleasant day out in any case. Spring is an excellent time to spot Red Squirrels in Scotland. There is something quite magical about dolphin watching, you are dealing with an incredibly intelligent animal and the Moray Firth dolphins are bigger than normal bottlenose dolphins making their jumps and playful nature all the more impressive. 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. He has travelled all over Scotland and experienced all it has to offer. These dolphins are hence the fattest in the world as they have extra fat to help them survive the cold. 33 Famous landmarks in London which one is new to you. Find out more about Chris on the about page. In the springtime they tend to have 3 5 litters of young and come summer they are completely independent. 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. All Rights Reserved. This means it will change daily. Catch the cherry blossom bloom in Edinburgh and wildflower season across the entire country by simply walking around or driving without a destination! The best time of day to see dolphins at Chanonry Point near Inverness is when the tide is rising. All photography by Chris Thornton, John Luckwell and Alan Butterfield. 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. 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. Two Wandering Soles Copyright 2023. Dolphin 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. 2023 North Coast 500 | Company Number: SC504749 | All Rights Reserved | Design by. best time to visit Scotland The average temperature for this month tends to be a baking 17C/64F remember to bring a good amount of water during the summer to avoid dehydration while hiking the hills! 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. 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! They are wild animals and probably wouldn't take kindly to human interference. Best Time to Hike in Scotland - Wilderness Scotland best One of the industry leaders in small guided tours that offer a great tour of the NC500, Buzzing? You could try swimming with wild dolphins at your own risk, but if they had young they might not like your presence amongst them. We first roamed around the lighthouse, where you will also see lots of folks reading a book and having brunch. 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. Comment. Salmon start to migrate to the Moray coast in spring and this continues into the summer, which attracts the Dolphins looking to feed. you can keep an eye out for dolphins from the ramparts of the fort. Join us on the mission of hopping the planet! Bottlenose and common varieties tend to be seen with more frequency, whereas the other types of dolphin prefer to swim and hunt in deeper waters. After waiting for almost two hours, we started to see dolphins appear. We were there last 2 weeks of Aug, first two weeks of Sept this year. 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. Here's some more info on Scotland's dolphins and particularly those in the Moray Firth colony on the north east coast. In addition to warm weather, many consider summer the best time to visit Scotland because of all the festivals and events. Hi Kirsty is it possible to walk our dog all the way from Rosemarkie to Chanonry point? And you can see all that just from the land in some of these spots. If you are looking for a hiking adventure with a difference then visiting Scotland in autumn is truly otherworldly. In the Cairngorm mountains, you can expect to see some remnants of snow still remaining from the winter months even duringMay. You can check times on theWillyWeather website, click the tide tab. Pin this post to plan your dolphin watching adventures! 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. Clicking on the link below will redirect you to the Wilderness England website. If you manage to catch them at these feeding grounds you are in for a treat and many photo opportunities. They are always found in groups called dolphin pods and are renowned for being playful. Check out this video below: Read more about what to wear for summer hiking in Scotland. The truth is that there are many different reasons to visit Scotland all year round! Interestingly, and unlike many other destinations, spring is one of Scotlands driest seasons. In September the air is still warm enough to feel like summer, but cool enough not to be too chillingly cold. Chanonry Point has a lighthouse and is popular for lots of sea activities for example kayaking, sailing, etc. 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. Honestly, Id say it was the best place for seeing dolphins you can see them without disturbing them and quite often too. It is best to check the tide time of the day you are visiting to increase your chances of seeing the dolphins. One of the biggest, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, takes place in October, but there are many other niche festivals as well. Experience the magic of traditional European Christmas markets and winter festivals. 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! The weather was really bad and windy, and I still curse myself for not taking an action camera with me as getting stable footage was nearly impossible. Camping enthusiasts are in for a treat this summer, as some of the best campsites in Scotland have been revealed. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. No snow? Similar to Killer whales Summer is an amazing time to look for Minke Whales, although, Spring is can also be a good time to see them but chances of a sighting lessen slightly. Dolphin & Whale Watching in Scottish Highlands, Scotland road Trip Itinerary for 2 weeks in Scottish Highlands. No wonder St Kilda is also affectionately known as Puffin Island! 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. Its no surprise that the Scottish Dolphin Centre near Fochabers is a great place to see some dolphins. Ultimate Guide to Dolphin Watching in Inverness Head out and immerse yourself in Scotlands landscape when it is blanketed in snow and sparkly. The joy of watching dolphins swim in their natural habitat so close to you is an unbeatable experience not to miss in Scotland. No, legislation was passed in 1990 which basically outlawed controlled swimming with dolphins in the UK. This site contains affiliate links and as such any purchases or bookings made after clicking may earn me a commission. Call toll free. If anything, it could be a reason to visit. 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). Another tale involves the ancient standing stone monument at Callanish located on the Isle of Lewis know as the Standing Stones of Callanish. ), were all taken by me or James while at Chanonry Point. On the willyweather website, you can enter the region and find the tide times as in the screenshot below. Dolphin. ]]> As spring approaches its time to celebrate the warmer weather as the sun becomes stronger and we bid a fond farewell to the magnificent snow that covers our Highland mountains and the streets below in the winter months. Winter is also a great time for nighttime walking. The landscape is buzzing with life and colour, with flowers blooming and bustling wildlife. However you will be a bit further away from the action, but still, you could visit Fort George which is a great day out in itself, and try and view the dolphins from the elevated battlements. During what season did you visit and what was your experience like? 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. A Minke Whale decides to swim alongside a group as if it thought the boat was part of its pod. The faster the lens the better to freeze the action. Learn about what a Scottish summer is like. Although it is possible to see them from most headlands, many sightings are reported from Neist Point. Hi Julia, thanks for the comment. You might want to arrive around low tide to give you the best chance of seeing them. 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. Built to stop any further Jacobite rebellions, it was never used after the decisive victory at Culloden. My kids are grown now but do come along sometimes! They can be seen throughout the year, although they may be more visible in the spring and summer when the sea is calm. Inverness is a perfect base to plan your dolphin-watching adventure in Scotland. 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. The weather changes rapidly over the course of spring in Scotland. There are plenty of sea activities here with multiple ships and yachts sailing by and there were also folks enjoying a kayak here. Yes you should be able to theres the beach to walk along and its dog friendly as well as a footpath. And dont forget to pick up a guide book! Create your own Harry Potter-themed adventure, exploring several of the locations that inspired the books and movies. The best time of year to watch dolphins in Scotland is in July. 1-866-821-6866 . If you prefer to spot Minke Whales during the warmest time of the year then it is recommended to travel to Scotland during the Summer, but if you enjoy the cooler weather then spring is a great season for a Scottish holiday adventure. It is a question many travellers are eager to know when deciding to travel to Scotland for a perfect holiday. In the event of a zombie apocalypse, Fort George would be ideal, keep that in mind just in case.
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