The UK might not be the first place that comes to mind for whale and dolphin spotting, but its waters are home to an incredible variety of marine life.
From pods of playful dolphins to elusive minke whales, the seas surrounding the UK offer some of the best opportunities in Europe to see these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. Whether you’re heading to the Scottish Highlands, the coast of Cornwall, or the Irish Sea, here are some of the best places to see whales and dolphins in the Britain, plus the best times to visit.
1. Moray Firth, Scotland – Best time: May to September
Moray Firth, located in northeast Scotland, is one of the best places in the UK to see bottlenose dolphins. The dolphins here are some of the largest in the world due to the colder waters and rich food sources.
Chanonry Point is a particularly good viewing spot, where dolphins often come remarkably close to shore. The best chance of spotting them is on a rising tide, particularly between May and September when food is most abundant. If you’re lucky, you may even spot harbour porpoises and the occasional minke whale in the deeper waters offshore.
2. Cardigan Bay, Wales – Best time: April to October
Home to the UK’s largest population of bottlenose dolphins, Cardigan Bay is a must-visit for dolphin lovers. The clear, nutrient-rich waters support a thriving ecosystem, making this an ideal spot for sightings.
New Quay in Ceredigion is one of the best places for land-based viewing, while boat trips offer an even better chance of close encounters. Summer is the peak season, but sightings are possible from spring through early autumn. Puffins, grey seals, and seabirds are also common along the coastline, making it a fantastic all-around wildlife experience.
3. Hebrides, Scotland – Best time: June to October
The waters around the Hebrides are some of the most wildlife-rich in the UK. Minke whales, common dolphins, and even orcas are regularly seen here, making it one of the best places for whale watching.
The Isle of Mull is particularly famous for its marine sightings, with boat tours offering opportunities to spot everything from basking sharks to porpoises. Summer is the best time to visit, as the calmer seas make it easier to spot marine life. For those willing to take a longer journey, the Outer Hebrides offer even more remote and unspoiled locations for whale-watching.
4. Falmouth Bay, Cornwall – Best time: May to September
Cornwall’s waters are home to a variety of dolphin species, including common dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, and even the occasional pilot whale. Falmouth Bay, in particular, is a hotspot for sightings.
While you might see dolphins at any time of year, the warmer months from May to September bring the highest chances, as fish stocks are plentiful. Boat tours run regularly from Falmouth, offering great chances for encounters. Cornwall’s coastline is also one of the best places in the UK to see basking sharks in the summer months.
5. Isle of Man – Best time: June to September
The waters around the Isle of Man are teeming with life, and it’s a great spot to see both dolphins and whales. Risso’s dolphins, common dolphins, and minke whales are among the species regularly spotted.
Land-based watching is possible from coastal headlands, but boat trips offer the best opportunities. Late spring through summer is the prime time to visit, especially during calmer sea conditions. The Isle of Man is also home to a large seal population, so you might spot them lounging on the rocks while you’re looking for whales and dolphins.
6. Northumberland Coast – Best time: June to August
The North Sea may not be as famous for marine life as Scotland or Cornwall, but the Northumberland coast is home to a variety of dolphin species, including bottlenose and white-beaked dolphins.
Dolphins are often seen near the Farne Islands and off the coast of Seahouses. The summer months, particularly June to August, are the best time to look for them, especially on calm, clear days. Seabird colonies here are also impressive, with puffins, kittiwakes, and gannets providing extra wildlife-watching opportunities.
7. Shetland Islands, Scotland – Best time: May to October
The remote Shetland Islands offer some of the most exciting marine wildlife encounters in the UK. Sightings of orcas (killer whales) are relatively frequent, as these waters are part of their natural hunting grounds.
While orcas can sometimes be seen year-round, the best time is between May and October when food sources are most plentiful. Boat trips offer the best chance, but sightings from the shore are possible too. Humpback whales have also been recorded in these waters in recent years, making Shetland a top spot for whale enthusiasts.
8. Durlston Head, Dorset – Best time: July to September
Dorset’s Jurassic Coast isn’t just famous for fossils—it’s also a great place to see dolphins. Common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins are regularly spotted off the coast.
Durlston Head, near Swanage, is one of the best places for land-based dolphin watching. The summer months bring the highest chances, especially early in the morning or late in the evening when the sea is calmer. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a pod playing in the waves near Old Harry Rocks.
9. South Stack, Anglesey – Best time: May to September
Anglesey, off the northwest coast of Wales, is a fantastic spot for spotting marine wildlife. Bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, and even minke whales have been seen in the waters around the island.
South Stack is one of the best locations for land-based viewing, offering stunning coastal views along with excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. The best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn. The cliffs here are also home to puffins and guillemots, adding another layer of wildlife interest.
10. West Coast of Ireland (Easy to access from Northern Ireland) – Best time: June to September
While technically not part of the UK, the west coast of Ireland is easily accessible from Northern Ireland and offers some of the best whale-watching opportunities in these waters.
Minke whales, fin whales, and even humpback whales migrate through these waters, making it one of the few places in the British Isles where you can see these giants. Boat tours from West Cork and Kerry offer the best chances between June and September. The dramatic cliffs and rugged coastline also make for some of the most breathtaking whale-watching backdrops in Europe.
