Scotland’s Amazing Sea Life
21st February 2021
by Sarah Johnson
It is no secret that Scotland’s waters are filled with an abundance of life, but perhaps you did not know just how many rare species of marine life can be seen from just off Scotland’s shores. There are so many creatures to see and a variety of locations to experience them, with wildlife cruises running from various locations around Scotland’s impressive coastline. In some cases, you don’t even need to leave dry land. Here are a few examples of some very special Scottish sea animals you can expect to see on your trip to Scotland.
Bottlenose dolphins are incredible to watch in the wild. These fun-loving, high energy animals come right up to the boat to ride the bow waves; it’s quite a show. Scotland has the second largest population of bottlenose dolphins in Europe and there are many other types of dolphins to see, such as the Common Dolphin and the Risso Dolphin. Getting up close and personal with these animals is a wonderful experience and something that can be done from various places all over Scotland. For example, they can be seen from the shore at Chanonry Point in the Moray Firth, or on boat trips from other stunning locations throughout the country.
Minke Whales often swim close to the shore and being curious animals, are known to swim up to boats to check them out, making sightings of them fairly regular. These whales are the smallest of the baleen whales and are used to the waters of the Atlantic. They can be seen at many places around Scotland’s coast, including around the Small Isles, off the coast of Arisaig in the west of the country.
These sharks are the second-largest shark in the world; bigger than a Great White! Named basking sharks because they swim so close to the surface it appears as if they are doing so to bask in the warmth of the sun. However, they are in fact feeding on plankton just under the surface; one of only three shark breeds in the world that feed on plankton. This means you can swim with them worry-free and experience these sharks in their own habitat. This can be done from Oban on Scotland’s west coast.
Some of nature’s finest creatures, Orcas are incredibly intelligent animals, as well as graceful and beautiful. The name ‘Killer Whale’ is slightly misleading considering they are actually members of the dolphin family. These magnificent animals can sometimes be seen from the shores of Shetland and Orkney in the north of Scotland.
If you would like to experience Scotland’s wonderful sea life for yourself, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We would love to make your dreams a reality.