Moray Firth
Map of the Moray Firth
The Moray Firth is one of the most important areas in UK waters for dolphins, porpoises and whales (collectively known as cetaceans). The species most often seen from the shore are Bottlenose dolphins and Harbour porpoises. This has led to several locations around the coast becoming well known for 'dolphin watching' .
Minke whales and White-beaked dolphins are the next most likely species to be encountered, usually further out to sea, although White-beaked dolphins have been seen from the shore at Fraserburgh. Pilot whales, Killer whales and Risso's dolphins are also present in the Moray Firth, but only Killer whales are likely to be spotted from the shore, with sightings reported from the coastline around Aberdeen and Banff.
As more and more people become aware of the dolphins in the Firth, the demand for boat trips has grown. In the early nineties only one boat offered trips out to see the dolphins, but now there is about seven. The demand in the summer months became so great that people had to book well in advance. With the welfare of the dolphins foremost in mind, Scottish Natural Heritage (S.N.H) promoted a scheme called 'Dolphin Awareness' and now most boat operators in the Firth abide by this code of conduct.
The Moray Firth contains a wide variety of sites, with the emphasis on headlands or coastline overlooking bays. The height above sea level is important since it affects the distance over which one can observe, particularly when the sea is rippled.
All Dolphins, Porpoises and Whales are protected by UK and European law. The rules of conduct apply to private boat owners as well as commercial operators .
Dolphins and porpoises live in a world of sound, and the noise generated by boats can interfere with their daily lives. Too much interference could drive the dolphins away from the Firth. If you see anyone deliberately harassing them, please contact this site or the local police.