The bottlenosed dolphins of the Moray Firth are perhaps the most famous cetacean species in the northern waters. Here, the cool rich feeding grounds allow them to grow bigger than bottlenose dolphins anywhere else in the world. The mouth of Cromarty Firth, Chanonry Point, North Kessock (visitor centre) and Fort George are all good watching places and dolphin cruises are also available. Minke and killer whales can also sometimes be seen.

However, the western seaboard also offers cetacean watching. Mallaig, Armadale, Kyle of Lochalsh and Gairloch are some of the places offering sea-life cruises. A vareity of dolphin species may be encountered, as well as minke and killer whales. Harbour porpoises are the smallest species regularly seen.

While sightings of cetaceans cannot be absolutely guaranteed, the records suggest that you are never quite sure what you may see - Atlantic white-sided dolphins, pilot whales and even sperm whales are just some of the sightings - and in any case, seabirds and seals in plenty will keep you entertained!