There is also a high chance that they will make an appearance during May at the end of Spring, but Summer is really the best time to sight them. Comment. 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. Some trails are manageable in the wintertime, some are best in the summer. Breeding occurs mostly in spring and relationships are polygamous. Scotland can be divided into three distinct regions: the northern Highlands, the southern Uplands, and the central Lowlands. Experience the magic of traditional European Christmas markets and winter festivals. All Rights Reserved. Chanonry Point is located between Fortrose and Rosemarkie on the Black Isle and has its own car park. 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. Similar to common seals they dwell in the Hebridean Islands, the West Coast, Shetland and the Orkney Isles. Spring is also fantastic for road-tripping through Scotland. 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. Before hiking Scotland in autumn you should prepare for summer weather as well as autumn weather remember to pack layers of clothing in your rucksack as it could be warm like a summers day, but later on in the day could become colder and youll need to be ready to add layers should the weather decide to change. The dolphins love to come so close to the land its the best place to see them from the shore. Your email address will not be published. Add listings to your favourites by clicking the heart icon as you navigate the website. What time of year is best to see whales in Scotland? This wildlife travel guide is meant to be like a trailer for the new Attenborough series. 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. The Scottish Highlands are truly wild; its one of the least densely populated areas in all of Europe! 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. 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. 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 Some Grey Seals having a splash in the cool water of North Ronaldsay in Orkney. However, dolphins can also be spotted during autumn and spring. Experts agree that the more responsible dolphin watching is, the more enjoyable it Is. 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. Dolphin & Whale Watching in Scottish Highlands, Scotland road Trip Itinerary for 2 weeks in Scottish Highlands. 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 majority of Red Deer can be found roaming around the mountainsides, hills and glens in the Highlands of Scotland and scattered throughout places such as the jaw-dropping landscapes ofAssynt, but a fair number of these majestic creatures can also be found populating the tranquil Hebridean Islands of Arran, Jura and Rum. Boats arent restricted to certain times to see the dolphins as they can find them wherever they are. You cant just rock up along the coast and expect to see troupes of dancing dolphins skipping about offshore. Explore the many stunning lochs. I didnt realize dolphins were so prominent in Scotland. Imagine seeing all of them in one day! Theres a car park nearby for those driving. 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. The Isles truly are an incredible sight to behold and there is nothing quite like witnessing the bird colony in person. our woodlands are a sanctuary for these cute little critters and a place when they can thrive in the wild as nature intended. menu. September might be too wet for long-distance treks, but October is drier, and stunning with fall foliage. A mixture of black and yellow common seals enjoying a sunny day on the beach! Do not take this to be fact! It is a question many travellers are eager to know when deciding to travel to Scotland for a perfect holiday. There is nothing more satisfying than the crunching of snow under your boots when out for a wintery walk. A great way to keep entertained is by waiting for dolphins to arrive. 33 Famous landmarks in London which one is new to you. You might want to arrive around low tide to give you the best chance of seeing them. The best place to go on a dolphin watching holiday depends as much on the other activities you want to enjoy as on the dolphins themselves. Kirsty has been getting lost around the world for over 30 years and writing about it for 10 of those. 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. Please click the map to see article indexes from other areas. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, This website and its associated newspaper are members of Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). Home Blog United Kingdom Best Time to Visit Scotland: When to Go & When to Avoid! Located at the east side of the mouth of the Spey, the WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre is dedicated to whale and dolphin conservation. Typically, Minke whales have a blue or greyish-black appearance with a white underside and in contrast to Killer whales, they are smaller in size measuring around 5.5 meters in length whereas Killer whales are around 6 8 meters in length. 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. 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. The Pine Marten is an elusive creature but can be found scurrying around the north of Scotland in rich woodland areas. If you fancy driving to Chanonry Point from Fort George, it will take you 45 minutes via the Kessock Bridge, Inverness. Yes, they can sometimes be seen in the water off Portobello Beach, north Edinburgh. Located in the starting point of the famous North Coast 500 route, this town has a lot of attractions to offer like the Inverness castle and many scenic drives including around Loch Ness. Winter is also a great time for nighttime walking. Find out more about Chris on the about page. 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. They can be found chilling out around sheltered shores relaxing in a curved position or in water they can be located near the mouth of a large river where the tide meets the stream (estuaries). 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.. Tell us in the comments section. Both Good luck! Daylight hours are short in Scotland during winter, with just 7-8 hours of daily sunlight. Due to Scotlands far northern latitude, summer days have up to 18 hours of daylight, but in the winter, that number drops to just seven or eight. 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. On the opposite shore to Chanonry Point, Fort George is a good place to go if you want to combine some history with a bit of dolphin spotting too! 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. It is thought that the warming of the water around the Hebrides is what is now attracting dolphins to the area. 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". 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! Still not guaranteed but can definitely provide a different perspective and experience! Some stock photography is used. 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. 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%. 2 miles north of Chanonry Point is the Fairy Glen Falls walk, with two beautiful waterfalls, well worth a visit before or after seeing the dolphins. Witness some of Scotlands most exciting wildlife spectacles and taste flavours unique to our autumn months. You are never guaranteed to see the dolphins, but knowing the best places to see them will greatly increase your chances. Required fields are marked *. It is something that has been on my bucket list forever! Whale. during the fall, particularly in October and November, but that also means the many amazing waterfalls are at their peak flow. Fort George is an 18th-century fortress near Ardersier and Inverness. In September the air is still warm enough to feel like summer, but cool enough not to be too chillingly cold. And cooler temperatures also mercifully drive away the infamous midges and other biting insects that tend to swarm during the warmer months. Weve stayed at the campsite there which has sea great views, but there are also hotels and guest houses in the village. Clear skies provide jaw-droppingly beautiful views of the night sky and perhaps even a glimpse of the Northern Lights, and theres truly nothing like European Christmas markets! Undoubtedly, the best way to see these wee creatures is to travel to the famous island of St Kilda in the Outer Hebrides which is home to Scotlands largest single colony of seabirds and an incredible estimated 270,000 birds are scattered across the island! If youre hoping to spot dolphins in their natural environment, here are the best places to visit. When is the Best Time to Hike in 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. 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. 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. Scotland has a very temperate climate. Scotland gets a bit of a bad rap when it comes to weather. October really is the greatest month to visit Scotland if you want to hike the landscapes during Scotlands full autumn glory. Youll find small shops with local food, restaurants and cafes. If youre in Inverness on your way to or from the Black Isle, get in touch with Dolphin Spirit. 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. Learn about what a Scottish summer is like. In March, temperatures generally hover in the 40s and low 50s (4-15C), but by May, upper 70s (23+C) arent uncommon! I once was invited to go out on the Moray Firth in a small catamaran, we encountered seals, a basking shark and dolphins! The Cuckoo is appropriately named as it makes a cuck-oo sound when calling out over the skies. In late October, the days start to become noticeably shorter, with 10-13 hours of daily sunlight. Kind of like when in Rome When in Scotland, drink as the Scots do! Built to stop any further Jacobite rebellions, it was never used after the decisive victory at Culloden. Its not freezing rain like youre probably imagining (usually, anyway!). Best place in the world to see dolphins from the land, so you gotta go again I bet. This extra fat layer means they can weigh between 300-600 kg / 660-1400 lb. 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. 2023 North Coast 500 | Company Number: SC504749 | All Rights Reserved | Design by. Chris founded this website to show off the best of Scotland to the rest of the world. It is a great idea to grab a bite here by the sea. If the conditions are right, Scottish winters are the epitome of winter wonderland. 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. Expect to encounter stunning wildlife such as the great Cuckoo, Red Squirrels and the elusive Cairngorm Pine Marten. They have unusually large brains, 4 to 5 times larger than an animal of their size and yes their brains are bigger than ours! Summer and winter in Scotland bring the most rainfall, while the spring and fall are surprisingly the driest seasons. The downside of Chanonry Point is that as its so popular the car park can become very busy, especially in the summer months. kitesurfing on the eastern coast. 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! The weather is changeable this time of year, but rarely extreme. 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. All our trips support communities and preserve nature - which helps you get closer to both. 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. Im going to pack my bags and wait at the border until Im allowed to cross over from England! 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. Pods often travel up this way after visiting Chanonry Point, and Kessock Bridge has the added benefit of being much more peaceful than that more famous viewing spot. 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! The central Lowlands are home to both fertile farmland and almost all of Scotlands larger cities. 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. If you manage to catch them at these feeding grounds you are in for a treat and many photo opportunities. They are similar in size to a dove, but they are coloured blue-grey in appearance and have dark stripes drawn across their tummy. Spring is an excellent time to spot Red Squirrels in Scotland. It also makes timing your visit a little easier too. Inverness is a perfect base to plan your dolphin-watching adventure in Scotland. Watch dolphins from a respectable distance and they will be happy. 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. 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. Create your own Harry Potter-themed adventure, exploring several of the locations that inspired the books and movies. 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! Toggle navigation. You can also take your water sports equipment and head out into the sea to see the dolphins up close to here. Dolphin. In the Azores, pods tend to be largest in these months, and you may also see a few cute calves. 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!) Lets get right into it and break down the best time to visit Scotland and what you can expect during your trip. Take a hike! Met Gala 2023: What time does the Met Gala start in the UK and where can you watch it? It is perfect for families to take kids and pets here and they can play at the beach, watch the sea and ships while waiting for the dolphins. We were traveling by car as we were on a road trip and initially when we arrived it was disheartening as all the parking spots were taken, but then a couple left and we managed to get a space. If you want to test out the Cuckoo superstitions in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland then youll have until Autumn at the latest to test your theories! 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! Worst Taskmaster Contestants: Here are the 10 most unsuccessful Taskmaster contestants of all time - from Victoria Coren Mitchell to David Baddiel. A pair of Dolphins stopping by the boat to say hello to Wilderness Scotland travellers. They are always found in groups called dolphin pods and are renowned for being playful. The most common and well known place is Chanonry Point near the village of Rosemarkie on the Black Isle (not an island you can drive there!). The sun also rises as early as 3:00 or 4:00 a.m. (remember, Scotland is waaaaay up there!) Dolphins and porpoise are here all year round. The Moray Firth is another popular cetacean-spotting location thanks to the residency of nearly 130 of the same bottlenose species. The village of North Kessock lies just north of Inverness, over the Kessock bridge. The most exciting sight is to see the dolphins throw the fish in the water. 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. By Neil Irvine, Content Editor Published: Jul 20, 2021More by Neil. Dolphins in Scotland apparently a hidden gem in Scotland indeed. 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. Hike to some waterfalls and enjoy the fall foliage. 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. This is a lovely spot with a wide variety of habitats for different animals. This page may contain affiliate links. Important Note: One thing to be aware of when visiting Scotland in the fall is that many popular tourist attractions shut down for the winter season in early November. Catch the cherry blossom bloom in Edinburgh and wildflower season across the entire country by simply walking around or driving without a destination! 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. Although rare, surprise spring snow storms do sneak in occasionally, so pack and dress accordingly, prepared for a bit of fresh powder. 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. There are no guarantees. National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. 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. It is not only very budget-friendly but purely an extraordinary experience. 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. You can manage your cookies via browser settings. Check out this video below: Read more about what to wear for summer hiking in Scotland. Chanonry Point has a lighthouse and is popular for lots of sea activities for example kayaking, sailing, etc. This is an unbeatable experience to see dolphins swim so close to you, playing and throwing salmon fish around. Check out our hiking wildlife holiday to the Outer Hebrides and St Kilda. Be sure to listen out for the roar of the deer as it sounds remarkably otherworldly should you be in its vicinity youll hear an incredible bellowing sound dominating the hills. 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. Yeh me neither Hannah, but that was my best discovery as I really enjoyed seeing dolphins from the land in Inverness. 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. Fort George is directly across the water from Chanonry Point and itself built on another peninsula, so gives another ideal place for viewing dolphins. 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. She is on a mission to road trip the planet and learn more about the cultures around the world. The best time to visit here for seeing dolphins is around an hour after low tide. As the temperatures drop, the fall foliage begins to put on an impressive show, creating a photographers paradise especially in the Highlands. 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. Dolphins are very intelligent and playful creatures they are always fascinating and engaging to watch! They can be seen throughout the year, although they may be more visible in the spring and summer when the sea is calm. There used to be a Dolphin and Seal centre and lookout near the bridge which was run by the WDC but unfortunately thats closed now. Summer is also a period where our multitude of brightly coloured flowers flourish in the warmth. The weather changes rapidly over the course of spring in Scotland. In the Cairngorm mountains, you can expect to see some remnants of snow still remaining from the winter months even duringMay. One of the biggest, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, takes place in October, but there are many other niche festivals as well. Holidays that you view will be shown here. You will need to pay an entrance fee for the Fort George site its a Historic Scotland site so free for members. 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. Duchess of Buccleuch dies after short illness following operation, family says, Italy's 'land without animals' reveals something sinister behind its famously passionate relationship with food Philip Lymbery. Bring your binoculars and tripods during your trip. 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