Did you know that you can have some incredible wildlife encounters without ever leaving UK shores? And few wildlife spectacles compare to the sight of dolphins riding the waves.
Around 25-30 species of whale and dolphin can be seen in the waters around the UK, from the mighty humpback whale to the nimble harbour porpoise. They come here to take advantage of the abundance of fish and clean waters found on certain parts of our coast, and now is the perfect time to see them.
Bottlenose dolphins have a tall, centrally placed and sickle shaped dorsal fin Photo: iStock
Species to see
Our bottlenose dolphins are some of the largest in the world, reaching up to 4m in length, probably due to the large percentage of blubber they need to insulate them from the cold water temperatures, while Risso’s dolphins are easily identifiable from their highly scarred skin – a result of much playing and fighting between individuals.
Atlantic-white sided and white-beaked dolphins can be seen closer to the surface, breaching frequently, while common dolphins, with their iconic tapering forehead, and striped dolphins are animated, leaping out of the water.
Keep an eye open along the coast in north Wales and the west of Scotland for the distinctive triangular fin of the harbour porpoise.
Where to see
The aptly named RSPB Culbin Sands is a great spot to see bottlenose dolphins. Photo: Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
North Scotland
One of the most reliable places to see bottlenose dolphins in the UK is the Moray Firth. At Channonry Point they come so close you could almost touch them. Take a trip to Troup Head, where boat trips run during the summer, or Culbin Sands for views of the sea.
Stand on the clifftops at RSPB Labrador Bay to search for white-beaked dolphins. Photo: Rob Scott (rspb-images.com)
South-west England
White-beaked dolphins can be found in Lyme Bay, performing their acrobatics and showing an interest in boats, like many other species. Visit Labrador Bay in Torquay for spectacular views of the bay from the jurassic coast line.
West Wales
Another great spot for bottlenoses is Cardigan Bay. Here resident pods of bottlenose dolphins are regularly studied. A boat trip to ride with them is always a treat but they can be easily seen from the shore.
Isle of Man
The waters around the Isle of Man are a hot spot for the stocky-headed Risso’s dolphins, especially in the summer when there are regular sightings.
Risso's dolphins have a rounded, usually white head, and a darker back covered in white scratches. Photo: iStock
Farne Islands
Numbers of white-beaked dolphins peak in August, and the Farne islands is a perfect place to catch a glimpse of them.
With so many opportunities around the country, it is wise, whenever you are close to the sea, to always keep a watchful eye on the water for a fin slicing through the waves or a spout of air from a blow hole – keep your binoculars close at hand!
Got a perfect dolphin watching spot? Let us know in the comments below.
Have had several in my garden and have left nettles etc. But have seen them on clover.
Don't forget Aberdeen harbour, dolphins seen every day this summer by the Thursday to Sunday RSPB staff and volunteers.