Seals in the Scottish Highlands – A Unique Wildlife Experience
The Scottish Highlands offer some of the best opportunities in the UK to spot seals in their natural habitat. Whether you’re exploring coastal areas, taking a boat trip, or simply enjoying the rugged beauty of the Highlands, you can encounter both Harbour seals and Grey seals along the stunning shoreline.
Where to See Seals in the Scottish Highlands
The Highlands are home to various seal colonies, offering fantastic opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers to witness these fascinating creatures up close.
1. Moray Firth
The Moray Firth is one of the best spots in the Highlands to see seals. The sheltered waters provide the perfect environment for Harbour seals and Grey seals. The area around Chanonry Point near Fortrose is particularly famous for regular sightings, with seals often spotted sunbathing on the sandbanks or swimming in the shallow waters.
2. Isle of Skye
The waters around the Isle of Skye are home to both Grey seals and Harbour seals, especially around the Sound of Sleat and Elgol. Boat trips around the island offer a chance to see these seals in their natural habitat while also enjoying the spectacular scenery of the island’s coastline.
3. Loch Hourn
Situated on the west coast, Loch Hourn is another excellent location to spot seals. The sheltered waters here are home to numerous seal colonies, and visitors can take boat trips to get a closer view of these playful creatures.
4. Dornoch Firth
In the Dornoch Firth, you’ll find thriving populations of Harbour seals. This area is accessible by boat and is known for calm waters, making it an ideal spot for seal watching. The region’s quiet beaches and shallow waters attract seals, making it a popular area for spotting them.
5. Orkney and Shetland Islands
While not strictly within the Highlands, the nearby Orkney and Shetland Islands are home to large seal colonies and are easily accessible from the mainland. These islands offer some of the best seal-watching opportunities in Scotland, with boat trips and coastal tours available.
When to See Seals
Seals can be seen year-round in the Scottish Highlands, although the best time to spot them is from spring to autumn. During these months, the weather is milder, and seals are more commonly seen basking on the rocks and beaches. In winter, they can still be spotted, but they tend to be more elusive, often venturing into deeper waters.
How to Spot Seals
- Boat Tours – Many coastal towns and villages in the Highlands offer guided boat tours specifically designed for seal watching. These tours provide a fantastic way to get closer to the seals without disturbing their natural behaviour.
- Coastal Walks – If you prefer to keep your feet on dry land, many of the Highlands’ coastal paths and beaches are excellent places to spot seals. Look out for groups of seals resting on rocks or swimming just offshore.
- Quiet Observation – Seals are often more active at dawn or dusk, so early mornings or late evenings provide the best chances for sightings.
Respecting Seals and Their Habitat
When observing seals in the wild, it’s important to remember that they are protected animals. Always maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing them. Many of the seal populations in the Highlands are in protected areas, so make sure you follow local guidelines and regulations.
Book Your Seal-Watching Adventure Today
Whether you’re looking for a scenic coastal walk or a boat trip to see seals up close, the Scottish Highlands offer some of the best wildlife-watching experiences in the UK. Explore the beautiful coastline and encounter seals in their natural environment.
Browse our directory of seal-watching tours and locations to plan your wildlife adventure in the Scottish Highlands today.