Cornwall’s coastline offers some of the country’s best views of marine wildlife. Amongst the bustling sea life of the coast, dolphins and whales can be observed frequently from many different points in the county.
As well as plenty of excellent viewing points, the area offers sea safari trips where you can be fully immersed in dolphin and whale-watching, having a chance to see them up close in their natural habitat.
Lizard Point
The most southerly point in the UK, Lizard Point, offers a fantastic view of the surrounding marine wildlife. You will often be able to spot Minke whales and humpback whales, including local celebrity Pi, and occasionally orcas. The area is highly populated with dolphins and basking sharks due to its nutrient-rich waters, so observing the sea from Lizard Point, you are bound to encounter plenty of dolphins!
Gwennap Head
Gwennap Head is located on the southwest coast path, near Land’s End. The clifftops are natural vantage points to watch dolphins and whales from the shore. The most common types of whales and dolphins to see around Gwennap Head are common and bottlenose dolphins and Minke whales. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to visit this point, and sea life activity is most prominent in May to October.
Godrevy Head
This point offers spectacular views of St Ives Bay, allowing for easy observation of the nearby sea life. Common, Bottlenose, and Risso’s dolphins can be frequently seen from Godrevy Head. While less commonly seen, whales also frequent the area, particularly when they are migrating past the bay during the winter months.
Pendennis Point
An easily accessible vantage point offering a remarkable near 360° panoramic view of Falmouth Bay, Pendennis Point is frequented by bottlenose and common dolphins and porpoises year-round, as well as Minke and humpback whales, particularly during the colder months. Whales are often spotted further out in the bay, so bring a pair of binoculars in case they surface in the distance!
Trevose Head
In the coves down from the Trevose Head lighthouse, you can often see dolphins, porpoises, and whales, and occasionally even sharks. Like the other observation points listed, the Trevose Head area is visited more frequently by dolphins and porpoises than whales, but whale sightings here are still abundant, particularly during winter migrations.
Sea Safari Trips
For a more immersive view of Cornwall’s marine wildlife, there are several boat trip tours offering specific routes where you can hopefully see dolphins and whales up close in the sea.
Padstow Sealife Safari offers 2-hour marine wildlife exploration trips departing from the north coast.
The Falmouth-based Orca Sea Safari on the county’s south coast provides a fantastic immersive experience for observing sea life, particularly for tracking pods of dolphins.
Cornwall’s waters are home to various whale and dolphin species, and the land offers plenty of perfect viewing spots from which to observe these magnificent creatures. With many places from which to observe the sea life from further away or the chance to get right up close to them on a sea safari trip, Cornwall has a great selection of whale and dolphin watching opportunities.
When spotting whales and dolphins, always remember to observe them respectfully and from a safe distance. The area is also home to plenty of seals, if you also want to try spotting them!
