The waters around the coast of Skye are rich in marine life. Right at the top of the marine food chain are dolphins and porpoises and they are often seen in summer in the sea lochs of Skye.
How can I see dolphins around Skye?
You’ll need to take a boat trip to have the best chance of seeing dolphins. Get out to sea for the best views of these marine mammals. Elgol, where our Springbank Skye self catering holiday cottage is located, has several boat trip operators taking visitors offshore to where these mammals might be seen. Try Misty Isle Boat Trips or Bella Jane Boat Trips for the latest information on where to go and what you might see.
How can I tell if it is a dolphin or a porpoise?
Dolphins usually attract star billing as they are much more noticeable, active and engaging than their shier smaller cousins, the porpoises. Yet, there are probably more porpoises around than dolphins and they are certainly seen more often, if only fleetingly.
Dolphins like interaction with boats and will freely bow wave ride alongside or wake chase across the stern. They frequently break the surface, often in small groups. They enthrall and delight with their amazing swimming speed, agility and, if you are very lucky, acrobatics. Keep the camera handy just in case!
Porpoises only break the surface very briefly and are gone before you are fully aware of what it is you are seeing. They are much smaller than dolphins and, unless it’s very calm, are easily missed.
In case you are not sure what you are seeing, Springbank Cottage has an environmental activities room with resources to help identify sea mammals as well as binoculars to help you locate them. Good luck!
Consider Springbank Cottage as a base for wildlife watching
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