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Cornwall in the South West of the UK is one of the best places to embrace the countryside and enjoy British wildlife. It’s becoming more known for marine wildlife watching, and is one of the few places in the UK that you’re able to spot dolphins. But there’s a lot of coast in Cornwall, so where are the best dolphin watching spots?
Where is the best place to see dolphins in Cornwall?
Cornwall is undoubtedly one of the best places in the UK to see dolphins, particularly in its South West region. Head to one of our recommended spots, our book a boat tour from Padstow, Falmouth or Penzance to take your out to sea.
St Ive’s Bay
A place of outstanding natural beauty, St Ives is famous for it’s coastal trails and amazing sea views. The National Coastwatch Institution station here is the perfect place to look out for dolphins.
Mount’s Bay
This patch of Cornwall’s coast is critical to the health of the seas, and become a designated Marine Conservation Zone in 2016. It has some good vantage points out to the sea, and several accredited wildlife tour boat operate here. Pods of dolphins are often spotted swimming around, so get out your binoculars!
Sennen Cove
Popular with surfers, Sennen cove is home to dolphins that cruise the waves year round, but most commonly between April and October. Get the best views from the car park at high tide, or head to the beach at low tide.
Gwennap Head, Land’s End
One of the most iconic locations in Cornwall to spot dolphins, Land’s End offers spectacular ocean views and is home to diverse marine life. It’s the most westerly point of the British mainland. Head to the ex-coastguard building that’s been transformed into a Coastwatch station for the best views.
The Lizard
Lizard Point is one of the most southernly points in the UK, and offers far and wide sea views making it ideal to see marine life. It also is home to one of the largest nature reserves in the South West, and the Lizard National Trust Watch Point.
Best place to see dolphins in Cornwall FAQs
What is the best time of year to see dolphins in Cornwall?
It is possible to see dolphins year round, however you can most often see them in the Summer months when it is warm. You’ll be able to see them from cliff tops, beaches, harbours and boats all across Cornwall in their pods.
What species of dolphin can you see in Cornwall?
You can actually see a few different species of dolphin in Cornwall. Those commonly seen are:
- Common dolphin
- Bottlenose dolphin
- Risso’s dolphin
It’s also common to see harbour porpoise.
Most likely you’ll be able to spot common dolphin, which have a distinctive yellow and grey hourglass pattern. They travel in pods of between 20 and 100, and can often be seen jumping out of the water as they swim. They’re also one of the most sociable species, and get up close to boats.
