Sealife and Wildlife on the Moray Firth

The Moray Firth is home to around 130 bottlenose dolphins. This dolphin group is special, as it is the only known resident population of bottlenose dolphins in the North Sea.
From land, groups of these bottlenose dolphins can often be seen leaping close to shore on calm days, with April to September being the best months to see these animals in their natural habitat in this area.
There are many boats who specialise in trips to see the Dolphins, the nearest to Portsoy being the Gemini Explorer, see below.
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The cliffs at Troup Head, near Pennan, provide a home to hundreds of thousands of seabirds including puffins, fulmars, shags, kittiwakes, guillemots and razorbills.
During the summer months over 150,000 breeding seabirds are present at the site.
Troup Head is also home to Scotland’s only mainland gannet colony. The gannet population in the area has exploded since 1988, when there were only four nests, to now over 1,500.
The reserve also offers fantastic views across the Moray Firth.
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Based at the mouth of the River Spey the wildlife centre is set on a 450 hectare nature reserve with exhibitions, café and shop, it’s a fantastic day out!
The Centre is based in a wildlife haven that is home to ospreys, grey and harbour seals, otters, wildfowl and waders. Part of a 450 hectare nature reserve, it is a breathtaking and truly unique part of Scotland.
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The Gemini Explorer is based in Buckie and has been awarded a 4 Star Tour rating from the Scottish Tourist Board.
The Moray Firth Dolphins, various species of whale and a wide range sea birds are often spotted on the tours, the dolphins regularly seen showing off around the boat!
Skipper of the boat is Davy Smith, ask Davy about anything involved with the ocean and an answer is always available. An avid wildlife lover and watcher he usually spots any wildlife movement long before anyone else on board.
Davy is assisted on board by his wife Iris who keeps the boat spick and span and makes a lovely cup of tea!
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This is a fully licenced & insured boat available for pleasure trips of small parties of up to 7 people.
Enjoy a gentle scenic cruise along the coast where there is plentiful sealife and birds to enjoy.
You can chose between a 2 hour or 4 hour cruise, prices are very reasonable but depend on the time and number of guests. If there are no other guests on your booking then it's your boat!
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North 58° Sea Adventures, and the powerboat Buchaneer,can offer an exhilarating tour of the Moray Firth coastline and a fantastic wildlife watching experience.
Each voyage is different – they guarantee a fun and safe trip, plus a blast of fresh, sea air – the rest depends on sea conditions and the wildlife!
Just bring your sense of adventure...
Fast and manoeuvrable, Buchaneer is able to explore a large range of this, one of Scotland's finest stretches of coastline, with spectacular cliffs, stacks, natural arches, caves, coves and secluded bays.
Trips also take in the beautiful traditional fishing villages of Gardenstown, Crovie and Pennan, the working harbour of Macduff, historical Banff and Portsoy harbours and the dramatic ruins of 13th century Findlater Castle.
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