Yoda originates from a colony of common bottlenose dolphins in Scotland called the “Moray Firth Dolphins,” named after the inlet—or firth—of the North Sea where they live. Shocking video footage shows dozens of dolphins and whales being slaughtered by hand in the Faroe Islands earlier today. This is a narrow inlet of the Moray Firth, and dolphins are regularly spotted in the waters, sometimes passing beneath the Cromarty Bridge, or chasing the fish just offshore. 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 … The aurora is called the Mirrie Dancers in Scotland. We have been championing the incredible diversity of Scotland’s wildlife for over 50 years; from lichens, wood ants and butterflies, to golden eagles, basking sharks and beavers. Bottlenose dolphins are thought to be one of the most intelligent animals. Though the most common are Minke whales, one might also come across other species including Orcas, Humpbacks, Fins, and Sperms. Then 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. If you are on the water in the vicinity of dolphins, let the dolphins choose whether they want to associate with the boat. Sealife Adventures. The Moray Firth dolphins are one of two resident populations in the United Kingdom and the most northerly colony of dolphins in the world. The east coast of Scotland is a hotspot for dolphin sightings. Bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus around the UK are considerably larger than individuals of the same species in most parts of the world, reaching up to around 4 m in length, although 2.5-2.7 m is a more usual adult length.It is primarily an inshore species, with most sightings within 10 km of land, but they can also occur offshore, often in association with other cetaceans. The most familiar of the dolphins and the most likely to be seen from British shores, the bottlenose dolphin is found all round the world. Isle of Seil. The point is without doubt the best place to watch the Bottlenose Dolphins. Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995. Just across the water, you can get an entirely different perspective on the Moray Firth from the shores of 18th century fortress, Fort George. By purchasing a ticket for a boat ride that is accompanied by swimming with the dolphins, through one of several adventure places in Scotland, you are sure to find somewhere to swim with the dolphins. Found all around the UK. Our vision is a world where every whale and dolphin is safe and free. WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre, Spey Bay, Scotland +44 1343 820339. The sea around the Black Isle is nowadays world famous for it’s dolphin spotting possibilities – yes, you heard right… dolphins! Although the dolphins are wild, there are still some areas they're expected to be, and the locals will know where to find them. Dolphin Watching at Chanonry Point. Dolphin spotting at Chanonry Point When we get into the car at the parking lot at Culloden, we have […] We also have an option to join the tour from Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, which cuts out an hour each way of the journey between there and Oban. The Scottish Wildlife Trust is a Scottish registered charity (charity number SC005792). Scottish Dolphin Centre. Read more about our Scotland experiences in this blog, this time Loch Ness and the Wester Ross! Bottlenose dolphins are vulnerable to disturbance. Image: A bottlenose dolphin calf swimming alongside its mother (Summer season 2019). Top Scotland Dolphin & Whale Watching Activities: See reviews and photos of dolphin & whale watching in Scotland, United Kingdom on Tripadvisor. Scotland's biodiversity; Protected species: dolphins, whales and porpoises. CLOSE Know what you are looking for? Top Scotland Dolphin & Whale Watching Activities: See reviews and photos of dolphin & whale watching in Scotland, United Kingdom on Tripadvisor. A full day ocean wildlife exploring in the Sea of Hebrides a recognised marine wildlife hotspot on the Hebrides Whale Trail. Further south, between Moray Firth and Beauly Firth, and just north of Inverness, the shoreline at Kessock Bridge offers excellent dolphin-spotting opportunities. Keep an eye out for risso’s dolphin, minke wales and even awe-inspiring orcas throwing their prey up in the air. The most familiar of the dolphins and the most likely to be seen from British shores, the bottlenose dolphin is found all round the world. Bottlenose dolphins are vulnerable to disturbance. This is a narrow inlet of the Moray Firth, and dolphins are regularly spotted in the waters, sometimes passing beneath the Cromarty Bridge, or chasing the fish just offshore. Take a NorthLink Ferry from Scotland’s mainland to reach Shetland and Orkney’s marine mammal hotspots. The only population of bottlenose dolphins that is resident in the UK all year round lives in the Moray Firth. Sightings of the Moray Firth Dolphins are highest in the Chanonry Point area because it’s a favourite spot for dolphins to find food. The Scottish Dolphin Centre is run by WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation. Known as the ‘Dolphin Coast’, Banffshire and the Moray coast are a mecca for anyone wanting to see bottlenose dolphins in their natural environment. It is also a company limited by guarantee and registered in Scotland (registered number SC040247). WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre, Spey Bay, Scotland +44 1343 820339. There’s something here for all ages to enjoy. 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. The west coast of Scotland is a well-known setting to watch dolphins, especially short-beaked common dolphins throughout the islands of the Inner Hebrides. The best site to encounter these mammals is the Inner and the Outer Hebrides inhabited by both whales and dolphins. ©JPIMedia Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. After a whiskey tour and a visit to the battlefield of Culloden, we are now heading towards Inverness. At Channonry Point they come so close you could almost touch them. The best site to encounter these mammals is the Inner and the Outer Hebrides inhabited by both whales and dolphins. Cromarty Firth. Edinburgh Closer to home, the best places to see these dolphins are the Moray Firth in Scotland, Cardigan Bay in Wales and the coasts of Cornwall, Devon and Dorset. The most northerly population in the world, these are a robust and hardy bunch of dolphins. If you’re hoping to spot dolphins in their natural environment, here are the best places to visit. The Scottish Dolphin Centre, run by Whale and Dolphin Conservation, is the premier location for seeing the varied wildlife of the Moray Firth in Scotland. Not too far away, Merkinch Local Nature Reserve is a beautiful and quiet green spot to see all kinds of wildlife, including dolphins. > Bottlenose dolphins – Moray Firth, Scotland. While on board you will have the opportunity to possibly see otters, seals, red kites, ospreys, herons and, with a stroke of luck, the resident bottlenose dolphins which all make use of the firth. This website and its associated newspaper are members of Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). One of the most reliable places to see bottlenose dolphins in the UK is the Moray Firth. The Moray Firth is home to about 200 bottlenose dolphins. > Bottlenose dolphins – Moray Firth, Scotland. Although the Moray Firth is considered the ‘core’ habitat of the dolphins, within a few miles of the coast, they travel widely. Moray Firth, Scotland. There are some fantastic images of dolphins by Charlie Phillips Dolphin Centre at North Kessock – The nearby Dolphin and Seal Centre at North Kessock also offers dolphin watching opportunities during the summer. Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981, listed under CITES Appendix II and classified as a Priority Species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Follow the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code at all times. Change section. Dolphin Watching at Chanonry Point. After a whiskey tour and a visit to the battlefield of Culloden, we are now heading towards Inverness. The photo above shows people standing on the shore watching a young dolphin breaching only a few metres away at possibly THE most famous place in the UK for land-based dolphin watching – Chanonry Point on the Black Isle near Inverness. Book now. When thinking about Scotland, country of history and mystery, what first comes to mind are castles, wild mountains, lochs, and bagpipes – but perhaps not necessarily that it’s one of the best places to see the northern lights.. Sightings of the Moray Firth Dolphins are highest in the Chanonry Point area because it’s a favourite spot for dolphins to find food. It is open seven days a week between June and September. “David and Beth were great … The sea around the Black Isle is nowadays world famous for it’s dolphin spotting possibilities – yes, you heard right… dolphins! The point is without doubt the best place to watch the Bottlenose Dolphins. If you are on the water in the vicinity of dolphins, let the dolphins choose whether they want to associate with the boat. Our tour starts in Oban (Dunstaffnage Marina) and using our fast RIBS we can take you to the whale and dolphin grounds quickly and comfortably. As well as bottlenose dolphins, you may well catch sight of ospreys, grey and common seals, the occasional otter and many coastal birds here. Whales and dolphins are frequent guests in Scottish offshore waters. Brian Monteith: The Holyrood election is open again and even Sturgeon could lose her seat. Seeing dolphins rise gracefully above the waves is one of life's great pleasures and thankfully Scotland is more than blessed when it comes to … Our tour starts in Oban (Dunstaffnage Marina) and using our fast RIBS we can take you to the whale and dolphin grounds quickly and comfortably. Free to visit, the centre is based in an 18th century salmon fishing station, and is a haven for wildlife. We spent the first days of our road trip through Scotland in the Cairngorms National Park. The dolphins heading for Chanonry Point have to travel past Fort George, so it’s a great viewing point if you want to see these magnificent creatures in action. From major species and landscape projects to managing wildlife reserves, education work and campaigning for nature, we protect Scotland’s wildlife for the future.