Moray Firth Dolphins in Inverness
The Moray Firth Dolphins are probably one of the biggest, free visitor attractions near Inverness. In fact, by taking a fairly short walk from the town centre you can watch dolphins in Inverness in the Merkinch area.
Being so far north means these bottlenose dolphins tend to be larger and have thicker blubber than their southern counterparts. Estimates vary but there are probably around 200 Moray Firth Dolphins. Researchers identify them using their distinctive marks and lesions on their dorsal fins. Not only are they one of the most intelligent mammals, they are one of the longest living and can live for around 50 years.
Merkinch Reserve
There is an excellent dolphin spotting area around Merkinch Local Nature Reserve. Here you will be looking north over the Beauly Firth towards North Kessock.
If you have SatNav, postcode IV3 8AJ will get you close. Otherwise, from the A82 roundabout on the east side of the River Ness, take the exit into Grant Street, then Thornbush Road, which becomes Kessock Road. Drive to the end of Kessock Road and you will see the visitor centre, near the car park/turning circle.
Bus: Service number 9 (evenings 8C) operated by Stagecoach Highlands. From Inverness Academy Street, Farmfoods bus stop, then disembark at the turning circle, South Kessock. Journey time 10 minutes approximately.
Take your own food and drink as there are no eating places nearby. There are toilet facilities in the visitor centre, however the centre has limited opening hours.
Carnac Point
Another good dolphin spotting location in Merkinch is Carnac Point which sits at the mouth of the River Ness near the harbour entrance. The entrance to Carnac Point is approximately 200 metres before the car park/turning circle. Look for the gate and signpost near the junction between Craigton Avenue and Kessock Road. It’s a short walk along the River Ness to some excellent views.
Dolphin watching tip! In Carnac Point and Merkinch dolphin sightings tend to be from around two hours after low tide (but go earlier if you can!). Dolphin watching requires patience, resilience and luck. Dolphins are wild animals and there is no guarantee of sightings. They can be spotted anytime of the year but sightings rise considerably over the summer months. There seem to be fewer sightings in this area in recent years. The main dolphin spotting area is Chanonry Point.
Chanonry Point
One of the best places in Europe to see dolphins is at Chanonry Point near Inverness. They feed regularly in the area around Chanonry Point chasing fish in the channel. It is possible to see them only a few metres from the beach. As with other locations in this area they can be spotted anytime of the year but sightings increase over summer.
The best time to watch dolphins at Chanonry Point is from one hour after low tide but if you can, go earlier to be prepared. From the car park, there are views over the Moray Firth but it is best to watch them from beyond the lighthouse. Follow the signs to Chanonry Point from the car park. There is a parking charge.
Chanonry Point is on the Black Isle in Cromarty, about 15 miles from Inverness. Drive through Fortrose and take the road to your right, through the golf course to the small but probably busy car park (no toilet facilities). There’s occasionally an ice cream van or you can stock up on refreshments in Fortrose itself (where you can find toilet facilities),
Chanonry Point gets extremely busy in the summer. For more peaceful, accessible locations consider the other areas mentioned.
Although sightings can be frequent in the summer, dolphins are wild animals so sightings can’t be guaranteed.
Land based dolphin watching is a popular activity for tourists and locals. There are also a number of wildlife and dolphin watching boats in the area. Dolphin sightings cannot be guanteed from land or boat!
Wildlife & Dolphin Spotting Boats
There are a number of wildlife spotting boats operating in the Inverness area. There is no guarantee of seeing dolphins but they are fairly regular sightings,
Mischief Wildlife Experience
This is a fast Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) which can carry up to 12 passengers. Local Tip: Make sure you know which type of trip you are booking as they offer two services. The Mischief is the RIB. This trip takes in the Fort George and Chanonry Point area. Inverness Marina, Longman Drive, Inverness IV1 1SU
There are also boat trip operators on the Black Isle.
Dolphin Trips Avoch
Dolphin Trips Avoch run regular trips throughout the day in the summer season from the harbour. The trips take in the Chanonry Point area. Dolphin Trips Avoch, Harbour Office, Pierhead, Avoch, IV9 8PT
EcoVentures
EcoVentures run frequent trips in a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) from Cromarty Harbour. Cromarty is an historical village on the North East tip of the Black Isle. EcoVentures, Harbour Workshop, Victoria Place, Cromarty IV11 8YE