Best time for dolphin watching that will keep your feet warm in the snow, Heavy-duty cold-weather gear for cold fronts, such as a coat, wool socks, scarf, beanie, and winter gloves, Packable emergency thermal blankets, just in case you run into inclement weather and get stuck somewhere while youre out and about, The city of Inverness, where the North Coast 500 begins, Enjoy some unreal wildlife in the Shetland Isles, Glasgow and Edinburgh have notably smaller crowds than during the peak months, Experience the wonder of the cherry blossom bloom in Edinburgh, The north coast Scottish isles, where you can experience dolphin- and whale-watching. There are a few places in Lerwick, on Shetland, where you can take a boat out and look for dolphins, although these are usually more inclined towards bird watching. Scotland does experience a rainy winter, but again, the temperatures are mild enough that its manageable. I travel with my husband James and sometimes with our dog Annie. So the best time to visit for you largely depends on what you want to see and do. 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. 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. Inverness city has a lot of Scottish attractions and landmarks that are worth a visit. 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. Dont miss the iconic North Coast 500, a 516-mile drive that takes you through stunning landscapes and charming, quaint European villages. Jump down to see our personal advice for the best time to visit Scotland. Really, spring and summer are a good to time to go dolphin spotting in the Moray Firth. When March approaches the temperature in Scotland begins to rise and the cold winter chill fades away. April and May also bring several whiskey festivals to regions across the country. Find out more about Chris on the about page. Even in the height of summer, it rarely exceeds 80F (27C) in most Scotland cities. The weather changes rapidly over the course of spring in Scotland. While she is busy with her full time job as a computer technologist, she is an active explorer during her spare time. You can see Chris's personal photography portfolio on flickr.com/colourjam. 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. Summer Solstice takes place inJune and marks the longest day of the year and many people in England celebrate at the famous Stonehenge monument, but in Scotland, we have a few standing stone monuments where you can celebrate the longest day in the amazing Scottish wilderness without the crowds at places such as the Standing Stones of Callanish in the Outer Hebrides, the Ring of Brodgar in Orkney or the three standing stones in Kilmartin Glen. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. On the willyweather website, you can enter the region and find the tide times as in the screenshot below. 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. I suggest heading into the village and parking up looking over the water. Experts agree that the more responsible dolphin watching is, the more enjoyable it Is. sports at the famous Highland Games. No snow? 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. How did I have no idea you can 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. If you have time to discover more of the country, dont miss these epic places to visit in Scotland. However just being out on a boat is an adventure in itself, and you will nearly always see the seals as a consolation prize. The Cuckoo is appropriately named as it makes a cuck-oo sound when calling out over the skies. Many of these locations are within 1-hour walking distance within the Inverness city center. Its possible to spot dolphins all along the east coast, particularly in the Cromarty and Moray Firths. 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. 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. 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. While it does rain often (theres a reason its so green! 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. Its not freezing rain like youre probably imagining (usually, anyway!). By now the leaves on the trees have turned into a lovely golden brown and Pine forests look spectacular in the distance providing an incredibly unique view. 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 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. 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. Mostly we are the bottlenose dolphin pods are seen most of the year round! As well as bottlenose dolphins, you may well catch sight of ospreys, grey and common seals, the occasional otter and many coastal birds here. September might be too wet for long-distance treks, but October is drier, and stunning with fall foliage. Spring is also fantastic for road-tripping through Scotland. No problem. Where and when to see marine wildlife in Scotland It is something that has been on my bucket list forever! Sorry, you really cant put a percentage on it. Chris Thornton is an expert on Scotland and has lived there for over 35 years. 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. Ive only passed by Inverness once and that was on the way to Skye, so I had no idea you could see dolphins here! It is not only very budget-friendly but purely an extraordinary experience. There are some nice facilities here including a cafe, gift shop and toilet and a superb exhibition. We used Tesco SIM cards which are cheaper than Airalo. Here are a few to check out. This page may contain affiliate links. 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. Our dolphin watching holiday companies have shared their top dolphin watching advice to help you plan your trip. One of the industry leaders in small guided tours that offer a great tour of the NC500, Buzzing? There are healthy populations of both Now I need to go back *w*, Great discovery isnt it? WebAberdeenshire is a vast and scenic region, featuring many pretty towns, friendly communities, places to explore and fascinating attractions to visit. One of the biggest, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, takes place in October, but there are many other niche festivals as well. 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. Wildcats resemble the domesticated household cat in appearance but tend to be fearful of humans and they will keep their distance. Bottlenose dolphins are perhaps the best-known of the cetaceans found around Scotland. Toggle navigation. 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. You can see dolphins out during the tidal times as the salmon fish gets caught in tide and dolphins pods come to catch them. Here are a few of the very best dolphin spotting locations: Given the popularity of the North Coast 500, it's good there is a great area for spotting dolphins a short distance from the main route. 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! Just when is the best time to hike in Scotland? When is the Best Time to Hike in Scotland? Coronation Street actress Barbara Young dies aged 92, Nurses strike continues: Major disruption for NHS services in England, Additional flight to evacuate Britons from Sudan today, Ryanair cancels 220 flights over May 1 bank holiday due to strikes, Hardcore coronation fans already camped outside Buckingham Palace, One dead and seven injured in Cornwall nightclub knife attack. 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. Really, spring and summer are a good to time to go dolphin spotting in the Moray Firth. A Minke Whale decides to swim alongside a group as if it thought the boat was part of its pod. 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. Summer is also a period where our multitude of brightly coloured flowers flourish in the warmth. A Pine Marten scurries along a tree in the Cairngorms they are incredible climbers! for postcard-worthy scenery, several easy hikes, and charming Victorian towns. Daylight hours are short in Scotland during winter, with just 7-8 hours of daily sunlight. This is a good way to support the local communities too. Pine Martens are experts at scaling trees and they tend to shelter in tree holes, so stay on the lookout for any visual clues. Absolutely fantastic resource that you have created. 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! Below youll find a break down of the average temps and rainfall in Scotland by month: Psst! Different species of dolphin frequent the west coast of Scotland, as well as the Scottish Isles. in order to have the best experience. 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. The faster the lens the better to freeze the action. Worst Taskmaster Contestants: Here are the 10 most unsuccessful Taskmaster contestants of all time - from Victoria Coren Mitchell to David Baddiel. Fort George was the army barracks built after the Battle of Culloden (and as such this makes a great Outlander site for fans) and theres a lot to explore for those interested in a bit of military history. Since its the other side of Chanonry Point keep an eye on tide times around low tide and an hour after could be good. Honestly, Id say it was the best place for seeing dolphins you can see them without disturbing them and quite often too. Comment below and let us know! 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. Keep an eye out for them scrambling up trees or catch a glimpse of red fur high in the branches above you as they elegantly dance through the air. This extra fat layer means they can weigh between 300-600 kg / 660-1400 lb. Explore Scotlands more than 1,500 castles. 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. Where do you think the best locations for dolphin-spotting are? Bottlenose dolphin Psst! She loves to help people explore her favourite places in Scotland, England and beyond. Visitors please sign in here to access your membership benefits. Enter your email address below and we will send you all of our latest news, events and offers straight to your inbox. Sea life fans staying on Lewis, Harris, North or South Uist, Eriskay, Berneray, Barra and Vatersay can take boat trips to spot marine mammals. Visiting Scotland in April you will be welcomed with lovely colours of green leaves as the trees are now in bud. Head out and immerse yourself in Scotlands landscape when it is blanketed in snow and sparkly. especially if you have time to hang around. Catch some very traditional (and very unique!) No wonder St Kilda is also affectionately known as Puffin Island! Published 26th Apr 2023, 13:02 BST. Fantastic morning out with North 58 along the Moray Coast, lucky enough to see Dolphins and Seals along with some gan 2022 7. 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. Best Time to Visit Scotland: When to Go & When to Avoid! The Isles truly are an incredible sight to behold and there is nothing quite like witnessing the bird colony in person. Im going to pack my bags and wait at the border until Im allowed to cross over from England! Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to hear about trip news, blogs and offers. 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. Pin this post to plan your dolphin watching adventures! The best time to see minke whales off the coast of the Isle of Skye is between May and October. However, dolphins can also be spotted during autumn and spring. Not too far away, Merkinch Local Nature Reserve is a beautiful and quiet green spot to see all kinds of wildlife, including dolphins. 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". To the east of Fort George is Spey Bay, another dolphin-watching hot spot. Their boats will take you out in search of dolphins, otters, seabirds and they even occasionally catch a glimpse of a whale too! Best Chanonry Point is a great place to hang out in Scotland with lots of water sports activities ongoing and a stunning lighthouse. The rugged southern Uplands form Scotlands 110-mile-long border with England. This is a lovely spot with a wide variety of habitats for different animals. An adorable Red squirrel enjoying a nice rest in the Cairngorms National Park. On average there are 38 days of snow in Scotland, with 26 days of settled snow on the ground. This wildlife travel guide is meant to be like a trailer for the new Attenborough series. Their impressive size enables them to swim through the sea in a similar way to a submarine in essence, they are an organic submarine, although they are not fitted with the traditional submarine periscopes weve all seen in classic movies of yesteryear! This annual holiday honors the Patron Saint of Scotland with mega celebrations of all things Scottish. Inverness is a perfect base to plan your dolphin-watching adventure in Scotland. 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. You might like to arrive early or do what we do which is park in Rosemarkie, visit the village shops and walk along the beach to the point. The dolphins dont know that the lookout is gone though and you can still see them from the shores of North Kessock. The activity map is also available. Summer promises long days, pleasant temperatures, and festivals galore. you can keep an eye out for dolphins from the ramparts of the fort. 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! In our opinion, the best time to visit Scotland is during the spring or fall, with a few exceptions. Check out ourScotland Travel Homepagefor everything you need to know, or read some of our favorite articles below. 13th of February 2022, Find out more about Chris on the about page. Be the first to hear about trip news, blogs and offers. Winter in Scotland is the low season for tourism, but dont let that dissuade you from visiting. Given the popularity of the North Coast 500, it's good there is a great area for spotting dolphins a Chris founded this website to show off the best of Scotland to the rest of the world. ), were all taken by me or James while at Chanonry Point. If youd prefer to scan the crest of an Atlantic wave patiently from a headland in Shetland or join a responsible small ship safari around the Hebrides then welcome. 1 hour after low tide is a good reference point to aim for. This area is also a spectacular place to spot dolphins if you are lucky enough the speedboat will stop and let you see these lovely creatures up close. 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! 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. 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. 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. This site contains affiliate links and as such any purchases or bookings made after clicking may earn me a commission. WebYou can go for a morning or afternoon saunter along the wooded coastal walkway for about 5 km between the villages of Kippford and Rockcliffe, with cute houses, colourful plants and scampering squirrels to spot along the way. Best Time to Visit Scotland: When to Go & When to Avoid! 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. Dolphin watching in Scotland - Responsible Travel My kids are grown now but do come along sometimes! 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. There are no guarantees. 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. Chris is also a keen photographer and has had work published on the BBC news website and local news outlets. Bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus. She cannot stay away from historical sites. We use cookies on our website, by using the site your are consenting to essential cookies. Chanonry Point is located between Fortrose and Rosemarkie on the Black Isle and has its own car park. Summer and winter in Scotland bring the most rainfall, while the spring and fall are surprisingly the driest seasons. She has been exploring states of India since she was 15 and then around the world since she moved to the west in her 20s. Witness some of Scotlands most exciting wildlife spectacles and taste flavours unique to our autumn months. 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. ), 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. Spring and fall, Scotlands shoulder seasons, both have moderate temperatures and fewer crowds. 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 overall weather just might surprise you. Its no surprise that the Scottish Dolphin Centre near Fochabers is a great place to see some dolphins.
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