Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Andrew Smart

See why Chanonry Point is the best dolphin-watching spot in Scotland

It's that time of year again when the waters of Scotland burst into life with all sorts of extraordinary marine animals.

Whales, dolphins and porpoises can be seen swimming close to the shores all over the country, but only a few places hold as much fame as Chanonry Point.

Located close to the popular (and sometimes controversial) North Coast 500, the viewing point is widely considered to be the best for seeing dolphins in the whole of Scotland.

Why is Chanonry Point the 'best' place in Scotland for spotting dolphins?

Dolphins and whales can be seen all over ScotlandDolphins and whales can be seen all over Scotland (Image: Getty Images) Located in Fortrose, a scenic town in the Highlands of Scotland, Chanonry Point is a stone's throw away from the NC500, making it a popular stopping off point for travellers traversing the world-famous route.

Overlooking the Moray Firth, a haven for all kinds of marine life, the viewing spot was recently named the "best" for seeing dolphins.

In its recent ranking of the UK's top wildlife destinations, which featured the Isle of Mull, holidaycottages.co.uk named Chanonry Point one of the best for seeing these amazing marine mammals up close.

Discussing the location, the travel firm said it is famous for its "regular sightings of playful bottlenose dolphins," with visitors from all over flocking here to witness them jumping and splashing in the waters a short distance from the shore.

Chanonry Point is located just off the NC500Chanonry Point is located just off the NC500 (Image: Tripadvisor) The spot is also popular among visitors, with users on Tripadvisor giving it a 4.6/5 out of 867 reviews.

One person said: "Went to Chanonry point hoping to see the dolphins, we weren't disappointed. There were loads of people on the beach watching," while another dubbed it the "perfect" place to see the animals.


Recommended Reading: 

Scottish island 'teeming with life' named best place to see rare humpback whales

Scotland's best whale, porpoise and dolphin watching spots to see this season 


What is the parking like at Chanonry Point?

Parking is available at Chanonry Point, but visitors have warned that spaces are "limited," leading to heavy congestion in the area.

Chanonry Point Car Park can be found right next to the viewing platform just off Ness Road.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.