Whale and Dolphin watching around the coast of Assynt
The North and West coasts of Scotland are some of the best places in Europe to see whales, dolphins and porpoises, with 24 species of cetacean currently reported.
Stoer Lighthouse here in Assynt is as good a place as any for those wishing to catch a glimpse of a dolphin, whale or porpoise. But you could also try the headland at Culkein Stoer, or Drumbeg viewpoint, or anywhere where you can see far out to sea. In the summer the bays at Clachtoll, Achmelvich and Clashnessie are a good place to look for porpoises.
Highlights of 2006 were over 250 Common Dolphin passing Stoer Point on 21st July, 30 Bottlenose Dolphins at Clachtoll on 25th May and a lucky visitor to Drumbeg observed four Orcas on 20th June. There were fewer Minke Whales than usual but September was a good month for them.
If you want the best chance to see a whale or dolphin you must be prepared to sit patiently for a few hours constantly scanning out to sea with a pair of binoculars or a telescope. Pick a calm day with good visibility out to sea. If the sea is rough with lots of white water you may as well give up. Any time of day can be productive. The best time of year for a range of species is late summer - from July to the middle of September.
If you want the best chance to see a whale or dolphin you must be prepared to sit patiently for a few hours constantly scanning out to sea with a pair of binoculars or a telescope. Pick a calm day with good visibility out to sea. If the sea is rough with lots of white water you may as well give up. Any time of day can be productive. The best time of year for a range of species is late summer -
The species you are most likely to see are Harbour Porpoise, Minke Whale, Risso Dolphin, Common Dolphin and Bottlenose Dolphin. Rarer are Orca, Long-
Also look out for basking sharks. The last two years have been great for seeing basking sharks around the West Coast. There were nineteen records in 2006. Look for the distinctive dorsal fin closely followed by the tail fin.
Other good sites to view cetaceans in the North West Highlands include Handa Island, Cape Wrath and Strathy Point on the north coast and Rubha Reidh near Gairloch south of here.
For more information or if you have sightings please send details to the local Highland Council Ranger at the Assynt Visitor Centre, Lochinver.
Basking shark
Pod of Common Dolphins
Basking shark
Common Dolphin
White-sided Dolphin
Fin of Sperm Whale