You might want to arrive around low tide to give you the best chance of seeing them. My kids are grown now but do come along sometimes! If the conditions are right, Scottish winters are the epitome of winter wonderland. WebThe best time to see minke whales in Scotland is from the end of May to September. Some of the best and most accessible include Black Linn Falls, Falls of Foyers near famous Loch Ness, and Loup of Fintry. ), were all taken by me or James while at Chanonry Point. These dolphins are hence the fattest in the world as they have extra fat to help them survive the cold. Chanonry Point is a great place to hang out in Scotland with lots of water sports activities ongoing and a stunning lighthouse. July continues with long days of Scottish daylight in the Highlands, we are blessed with an incredible 16 to 17 hours of light in the summer months where it may be as late as 11 pm before the light starts to dim. 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. 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. 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. 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. He has travelled all over Scotland and experienced all it has to offer. Best time of the day to see dolphins are in the low tide time in the mid-morning and mid-afternoon. 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! Sorry, you really cant put a percentage on it. our woodlands are a sanctuary for these cute little critters and a place when they can thrive in the wild as nature intended. They also dont necessarily need good weather. So the best time to visit for you largely depends on what you want to see and do. This trip is operated by our England team. As well as bottlenose dolphins, you may well catch sight of ospreys, grey and common seals, the occasional otter and many coastal birds here. This is a lovely spot with a wide variety of habitats for different animals. Great info, thanks! And dont forget to pick up a guide book! Chanonry Point is one of the most popular spots in Inverness to see the dolphins swim from the land. Gestation is quite long at 12 months and females give birth to a single fully formed calf every 3 to 6 years. Inverness city has a lot of Scottish attractions and landmarks that are worth a visit. Located between Fortrose and Rosemarkie, south of Cromarty, the narrow peninsula of Chanonry Point is well known as the best place to see pods of dolphins in Scotland. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Still, there are certain times of year youll want to plan your trip around (and some youll want to avoid!) Check out ourScotland Travel Homepagefor everything you need to know, or read some of our favorite articles below. And you can see all that just from the land in some of these spots. If you ever find yourself exploring the incredible Callanish stones during a visit to the Outer Hebrides listen closely for the sound of a Cuckoo as you just may catch a rare glimpse of the legendary shining one you never know! I would recommend getting there early to make sure to get a parking spot, we were so lucky to have gotten the last spot. It is a bit long, but we have managed to catch the dolphins throwing the fish in this video. Do not take this to be fact! sports at the famous Highland Games. 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. However, dolphins can also be spotted during autumn and spring. Their boats will take you out in search of dolphins, otters, seabirds and they even occasionally catch a glimpse of a whale too! Comment below and let us know! As the temperatures drop, the fall foliage begins to put on an impressive show, creating a photographers paradise especially in the Highlands. The end of September is when autumn starts in Scotland, but really thanks to the glorious weather it stills feel like summer, although this month is when it starts to cool in temperature with an average temperature of 14C/58F. An adorable Red squirrel enjoying a nice rest in the Cairngorms National Park. To increase your chances of a sighting, the best time to visit is between May and September, although spot some dolphins for myself! 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. All information was correct at the time of writing, please check things like entry costs and opening times before you arrive. 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. My favourite travel style is On the Road and I have perfected the art of road trip planning, covering multiple scenic and undiscovered routes around Europe, UK and USA. Spring and fall, Scotlands shoulder seasons, both have moderate temperatures and fewer crowds. Your email address will not be published. But keep in mind that there is truly plenty to enjoy year-round in this stunning, welcoming country. Located at the east side of the mouth of the Spey, the WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre is dedicated to whale and dolphin conservation. If you are interested in Scottish wildlife, why not check out my articles on bears, wolves,adders, newts, pine martensand highland cows. 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. Top Tip: Go early to secure a parking spot, this is a free experience in demand. 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. Wildcats resemble the domesticated household cat in appearance but tend to be fearful of humans and they will keep their distance. Most of the land watching spots for dolphins are located in this area. 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. Although rare, surprise spring snow storms do sneak in occasionally, so pack and dress accordingly, prepared for a bit of fresh powder. Sturdy, preferably waterproof hiking shoes or boots, The Highlands for unforgettable leaf-peeping in the most dramatic setting, Edinburghs many museums and historical sites have notably fewer crowds in the fall, Eat your way through Glasgow, one of the best cities for traditional Scottish comfort meals, Glencoe National Nature Reserve shows off some of the most stunning Scottish nature, Explore Aberdeenshire for the countless castles and history sans crowds. There are healthy populations of both bottlenose and common dolphins in Scotland, and they are quite easy to spot, particularly from small islands on the west coast. The Moray Firth Try the beach below the lighthouse at Chanonry Point on the north shore, or the WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre on the south shore 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. The Isles truly are an incredible sight to behold and there is nothing quite like witnessing the bird colony in person. 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. This page may contain affiliate links. We put together this overview to help you determine the best time to visit Scotland and what you can expect during each season. You can see Chris's personal photography portfolio on flickr.com/colourjam. Both the capital city of Edinburgh and the largest city, Glasgow, are located here, along with several others. Though the water is cold here and dolphins usually prefer warm water, they are here for the Scottish Atlantic salmon. 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. Best Time to Visit Japan: When to Go & When to Avoid! This means that if you buy or book after clicking, I may get a commission. Located east of Harris in the Outer Hebrides the Shaint Isles over time has been given various nicknames such as mini St Kilda or little St Kilda, so you know by that naming convention to expect to see a flurry of seabirds populate the area. Thanks for the great guide! 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! Beautiful blue skies on Scotlands west coast. Crunchy snow underneath your boots, sparkly fields, and the most beautiful night skies. Thats not all! Islands where you can see dolphins include Isle of Mull and Isle of Skye. 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. Because we also have individual travel guides for more specific wildlife holidays, such as our safaris, bear watching and whale watching. Some stock photography is used. 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. ), the heat is mild and the cold is usually bearable. Since the 1980s they have been protected by UK law and ever since they have been gradually rising in numbers. 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. 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! December is usually the mildest month, with average temperatures of around 4C/39F. You can also take your water sports equipment and head out into the sea to see the dolphins up close to here. Weve stayed at the campsite there which has sea great views, but there are also hotels and guest houses in the village. If youre in Inverness on your way to or from the Black Isle, get in touch with Dolphin Spirit. 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. One of the industry leaders in small guided tours that offer a great tour of the NC500, Buzzing? And cooler temperatures also mercifully drive away the infamous midges and other biting insects that tend to swarm during the warmer months. No problem. The North sea area of Scotland is filled with Salmon. Click on one of the links below to find out more: Hiking the remote location of Knoydart during the month of Spring. Located in Caithness on the NC500, experience Scottish Gin & Vodka, handcrafted with Highland Botanicals. 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. This below ship when emerged which reminded me of many stories including the Norwegian Vikings, Copenhagen, Portugal, and even India. Ardnamurchan Point, Mull, and Red Point, south of Gairloch often have white-beaked and Rissos dolphins in their waters. October, as well as September, is a time when fewer people travel to Scotland, as spring and summer are seen as the time to travel by many, but autumn should never be underestimated you will see some amazing sights that only autumn can provide! Thanks, Your email address will not be published. Red Squirrel Fort George is directly across the water from Chanonry Point and itself built on another peninsula, so gives another ideal place for viewing dolphins. The best time of year to watch dolphins in Scotland is in July. I didnt realize dolphins were so prominent in Scotland. Chris Thornton is an expert on Scotland and has lived there for over 35 years. Plus, well share what times of year wed avoid visiting! 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. Wildcats are a very rare creature and difficult to spot, born in early spring they usually can be best spotted in the Cairngorms during winter when they work their hardest hunting to survive, but it is possible to see them in earlier months with autumn being your best bet. Go wildlife watching in Scotland without tying yourself to just spotting dolphins. 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. September is an ideal month to venture on a hiking journey in Scotland if you want to absorb the lovely sunlight of the summer, but would rather avoid the heat that comes with the season. You can drive up through the Highlands of Scotland and take the car ferry over to Orkney. Kirsty has been getting lost around the world for over 30 years and writing about it for 10 of those. As mentioned before, I have had the pleasure of seeing dolphins from a boat, and it truly is a special experience if they come up close to the boat and say "hello". The summer months are the peak times to see them and if you want to see them close up like I did at Chanonry Point then its also worth checking the tide times for a specific time of day to see them. Croatia: A Completely Honest Travel Guide, Plitvice Lakes National Park Croatia: Ultimate Visitors Guide, 20 Cant-Miss Things to Do in Split, Croatia + Travel Guide, Krka National Park Croatia: Ultimate Guide, Edinburgh for festivals, buzzy nightlife, and tons of Medieval history, Glasgow makes a great summertime basecamp for experiencing a little of everything Scotland has to offer, with a location close to both the coast and the Highlands, Chase epic outdoor adventures in Isle of Skye and the Highlands, St. Andrews to play a round of golf at one of the most iconic courses in the world, Stirling offers a great mix of the Lowlands and Highlands culture, Check out The Fringe Festival, held over multiple weeks in August, Get a unique perspective of Scotlands rugged coast with a guided sea kayaking tour (fun fact: Scotland is home to 10% of Europes entire coastline!). Two Wandering Soles Copyright 2023. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. In March, temperatures generally hover in the 40s and low 50s (4-15C), but by May, upper 70s (23+C) arent uncommon! Imagine seeing all of them in one day! Given the popularity of the North Coast 500, it's good there is a great area for spotting dolphins a Dolphin watching holidays in the Azores, as scores of these beautiful and intelligent creatures swim around you, is not an experience to be quickly forgotten. Temperatures average in the upper 60s and low 70s (19-23C) during the summer months throughout most of the country, with the exception of the Highlands and other high-elevation areas. All Rights Reserved. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, This website and its associated newspaper are members of Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). For a detailed look on how best to spot Killer Whales check out this article, Wilderness Walking The Knoydart Peninsula, Wilderness Walking England Coast to Coast, Wilderness Walking Arran: Scotland in Miniature, Wilderness Walking National Parks of the UK, Wilderness Walking The Coast of Cornwall, Wilderness Walking Northumberland and TheLakeDistrict, Wilderness Walking High Points of the Lake District, Wilderness Walking High Points of the OuterHebrides, Wilderness Walking Outer Hebrides: Uists, Barra & Mingulay, Wilderness Walking Glencoe and the Highlands, Wilderness Walking Cairngorms National Park & Royal Deeside, Wilderness Walking Autumn in Perthshire, Wilderness Walking Outer Hebrides and Skye, Road Cycling TheNorthCoast500: Highlights, Wildlife Adventures Autumn Wildlife Islay, Wildlife Adventures The Scottish Highlands, Wildlife Adventures Mull, Staffa & Iona, Wildlife Adventures A Rewilding Journey in the Cairngorms, Wildlife Adventures Outer Hebrides & St Kilda, Photography Skye and the West Highlands, Sailing and Walking Knoydart, Skye and TheSmallIsles, Self Catering Family Adventure Outer Hebrides, The Great Family Adventure Treasure Highlands, Self Guided + Cycling Skye and the Inner Hebrides, Self Guided+ Cycling The Outer Hebrides, Self Drive Collection Highland Perthshire, Self Drive Collection Ben Nevis & The West, Self Drive Winter Highland Explorations, Self-Drive Winter Highland CosyCairngorms, Low Carbon Adventure Scottish Highlands, Road Cycling TheNorthCoast500: Classic, Guided In The Footsteps of RabbieBurns, Guided Scottish Highlands Multi-Activity Adventure, Multi-Location;Outer Hebrides and St Kilda, Learn more about the great Cuckoo from Wilderness Expert Jonathan Willet, Top 8 Reasons to travel to Scotland in Spring, 7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Scotland in April, Top 5 Reasons to Visit Scotland in Autumn.

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