Scotland’s best whale, porpoise and dolphin watching spots to see this summer

Scotland has a long and fascinating coastline with some of the world’s best spots for seeing extraordinary marine wildlife like whales, dolphins and porpoises.

Whether you are travelling along the famous NC500 or are holidaying in Ayrshire, there are plenty of places to go and see these mammals.

Looking at the most popular and well-known viewing spots, we will reveal some of the best places to catch a glimpse of whales, dolphins and more.

Scotland’s best whale, dolphin and porpoise-watching spots to visit this summer

Irvine Beach is known for being clean and large with plenty of whale and dolphin activity (Canva) (Image: Canva)

Here are the best places to see whales, dolphins and porpoises in Scotland this summer.

Irvine Beach

For a large and clean beach, look no further than Irvine’s which has been praised by hundreds of visitors.

One reviewer on Tripadvisor said: “It is a great place to spot wildlife as there are seals in the harbour, lots of various birds, swans, sometimes dolphins and the occasional whale.”

Irvine Beach is also an ideal walking spot with a number of restaurants and hotels nearby.

Chanonry Point (Moray Firth)

Chanonry Point is a great place to go whale-watching with some of the best sightings anywhere in the country.

The spot is located close to the NC500 on Ness Road in Fortrose, making it ideal for those travelling along the iconic route.

Chanonry Point near the NC500 is great for those travelling along the scenic route (Getty/Canva) (Image: Canva/Getty)

Recommended Reading:

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The best places to see whales, dolphins and porpoises in Ayrshire

Largs Sea Front

This promenade, which stretches along the popular seaside town of Largs, allows visitors to take in the scenery while enjoying a bag of chips from one of the nearby eateries.

Visitors have said you can sometimes see whales. Regardless, the spot still offers a leisurely stroll for the whole family to enjoy.

Pettycur Harbour (Firth of Forth)

Whale-watching enthusiasts have dubbed Pettycur Harbour as one of the greatest places to view marine life anywhere in the country.

According to Scottish Field, the Firth of Forth is known for the appearance of exotic species like humpback whales, minkes and bottlenose dolphins.

Isle of Mull

The Isle of Mull is a more isolated spot for viewing whales and dolphins with a number of local firms offering boat trips for wildlife viewings.

One such excursion company is Sea Life Surveys which regularly takes visitors out to catch a glimpse of these animals.

Seamill

Seamill, which is close to West Kilbride, has spectacular views of the sea and is known as an excellent whale and dolphin viewing spot.

Visitors can stay at a number of local hotels such as The Waterside just down the road which also has great window-side views of the Firth of Clyde.