Watching Dolphins at Chanonry Point
The most popular place to see dolphins is probably a good indicator of the best place to see them! That’s Chanonry Point between Fortrose and Rosemarkie on the Black Isle. This narrow peninsula is an ideal location with views across the Moray Firth to Fort George and with lots of fellow dolphin watchers you are unlikely to miss any sightings.
Dolphin activity here is influenced by tidal conditions. Dolphins at Chanonry Point can be seen at anytime (and not at all!) but the best time to see them is usually on a rising tide. From around 1 hour after low tide, the tide turns and dolphins start to chase fish in. This means if you know tide times for a particular day, you can work out the best time to see dolphins at Chanonry Point. There is no guarantee of seeing dolphins but you can maximise your chances.
If you are lucky enough to see dolphins, you'll often be incredibly close and only a matter of metres from them as they feed in the channel.
The main viewing area is on a shingle, stony beach behind the lighthouse which can be accessed by walking along the beach (tide permitting) or the path near the entrance to the car park.
Dolphin activity here is influenced by tidal conditions. Dolphins at Chanonry Point can be seen at anytime (and not at all!) but the best time to see them is usually on a rising tide. From around 1 hour after low tide, the tide turns and dolphins start to chase fish in. This means if you know tide times for a particular day, you can work out the best time to see dolphins at Chanonry Point. There is no guarantee of seeing dolphins but you can maximise your chances.
If you are lucky enough to see dolphins, you'll often be incredibly close and only a matter of metres from them as they feed in the channel.
The main viewing area is on a shingle, stony beach behind the lighthouse which can be accessed by walking along the beach (tide permitting) or the path near the entrance to the car park.
Directions to Chanonry Point
To find Chanonry Point, head through Fortrose on the Black Isle. Just after the police station turn right and you’ll travel through Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Course. You’ll arrive at small and often busy car park beside the old lighthouse. This car park gets extremely busy and can get gridlocked. There are also parking charges. It is highly recommended that you use alternative means to get to Chanonry Point. Ideally walk from Fortrose.
Bus 26A or 26C operated by Stagecoach Highlands. From Inverness Bus Station disembark outside the Church of Scotland, Fortrose. Journey time from Inverness is about 36 minutes approximately.
Walk from Fortrose: Walk past the police station and turn right into Ness Road and then first right into Dean’s Road. On your left after the school playing field walk down the Ness Gap. This takes you towards Fortrose Bay Campsite and onto a footpath to Chanonry Point (approx. 1 mile.) Alternatively, you can walk along the beach from the Rosemarkie sea front.
There are no toilet facilities at Chanonry Point. An ice cream van occasionally arrives.
Bus 26A or 26C operated by Stagecoach Highlands. From Inverness Bus Station disembark outside the Church of Scotland, Fortrose. Journey time from Inverness is about 36 minutes approximately.
Walk from Fortrose: Walk past the police station and turn right into Ness Road and then first right into Dean’s Road. On your left after the school playing field walk down the Ness Gap. This takes you towards Fortrose Bay Campsite and onto a footpath to Chanonry Point (approx. 1 mile.) Alternatively, you can walk along the beach from the Rosemarkie sea front.
There are no toilet facilities at Chanonry Point. An ice cream van occasionally arrives.
- Did you know, there are other land based dolphin spotting locations in the Moray Firth
- There are a number of wildlife boat trips with the chance of seeing dolphins
You might also be interested in:
- Land based dolphin spotting locations in the Moray Firth
- Dolphin boats and things to do around the Moray Firth
- Some of the best hotels in the Moray FIrth
- If you are planning a trip to Inverness - see our Inverness Guidebook in the shop.
- North Kessock and Inverness dolphin spotting locations
- Things to do in the Moray Firth area
Where next?
Dolphin Spotting LocationsDiscover dolphin spotting locations along the Moray Firth
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Dolphin GalleryAn image gallery of the Moray Firth Dolphins
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Holiday CottagesGael Holiday Homes have cottages to rent along the Moray Firth
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