Chanonry Point
A world-class land-based dolphin watching spot on the Moray Firth, famous for bottlenose dolphins feeding close to shore.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Dolphins feed near shore
Chanonry Point
Best Time
Dolphins feed near shore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A world-class land-based dolphin watching spot on the Moray Firth, famous for bottlenose dolphins feeding close to shore.
"Bucket list experience: seeing dolphins in their natural environment, emotional and wonderful!"
🎯 Check Tide Times First!
Dolphin sightings are best on a rising tide. Plan your visit accordingly for the highest chance of seeing them!
🧥 Dress for the Weather
It can be windy and chilly. Layers are key, and waterproofs are a good idea.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bottlenose Dolphin Spectacle
Moray Firth shoreline
Witness the thrill of bottlenose dolphins leaping and feeding just meters from the shore. A truly unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Chanonry Point Lighthouse
Tip of the spit
A picturesque lighthouse offering panoramic views of the Moray Firth and a focal point for the stunning coastal scenery.
Seals and Seabirds
Moray Firth waters and shoreline
Beyond dolphins, keep an eye out for playful seals and a variety of seabirds that frequent the area.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Dolphin Sightings
Prepare for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Tide Times First!
Dolphin sightings are best on a rising tide. Plan your visit accordingly for the highest chance of seeing them! 
🧥 Dress for the Weather
It can be windy and chilly. Layers are key, and waterproofs are a good idea.
🚗 Parking Options
There's a paid car park at the end of the point, but free parking is available just before the gates.
🔭 Bring Binoculars
Enhance your wildlife viewing experience and spot dolphins and seals from further away.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Tide Times First!
Dolphin sightings are best on a rising tide. Plan your visit accordingly for the highest chance of seeing them!
🧥 Dress for the Weather
It can be windy and chilly. Layers are key, and waterproofs are a good idea.
🚗 Parking Options
There's a paid car park at the end of the point, but free parking is available just before the gates.
🔭 Bring Binoculars
Enhance your wildlife viewing experience and spot dolphins and seals from further away.
🦟 Midge Protection
If visiting in warmer months, consider a midge net, especially if you're sensitive to bites.
📸 Camera Ready!
You'll want to capture those incredible dolphin leaps and the beautiful coastal scenery.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Chanonry Point as a prime location for spotting wild bottlenose dolphins, often at remarkably close distances, especially during the rising tide. The stunning coastal views and the chance to see seals and seabirds add to its appeal. However, some visitors have been disappointed by a lack of dolphin sightings, emphasizing the importance of timing visits with the tides.
"A lovely spot with stunning views, though very windy on the day we visited. We were really hoping to see dolphins – managed to catch sight of a few fins, but no full leaps. After waiting a while in the breeze, we eventually gave up and left. Still a beautiful location, but perhaps best to time your visit carefully if dolphins are the main goal."
B Shrestha
"Beautiful beaches - pebbles one side and sand on the other side.
Views of Fort George.
What topped our experience was seeing a pod of dolphins coming into the area to eat the fish that follow the tide.
This was a bucket list experience for me - to see dolphins in their natural environment. It was an emotional experience but absolutely wonderful x"
CK4E Charij
"You can go through the gates and pay to park or stop 2 seconds before and park there free 🤔 You don’t need tickets for this.
The views are beautiful, we walked up but we came upon my first experience of our Scottish midges 😳 weirdly I had a bright yellow jacket on and only a few on me, hubby had black hoody on and was covered 😂. So we didn’t walk further up. Buy that midge net! You won’t regret it .
We walked down, looks like somebody lives in the lighthouse,
The views as always in Scotland are beautiful. No pics can do our country justice."
Fully Fullarton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chanonry Point is located on the Black Isle, about a 20-30 minute drive from Inverness. You can drive and use the parking facilities available. Public transport options are limited, so a car is recommended for flexibility.
Yes, Chanonry Point is a popular stop along the famous North Coast 500 route, offering a fantastic wildlife detour.
Yes, you can walk along the shoreline to Chanonry Point, especially from nearby villages like Fortrose and Rosemarkie. Some visitors even camp nearby for easy access.
From Inverness, take the A9 north and then the A832 towards Fortrose and Rosemarkie. Follow signs for Chanonry Point. The drive offers scenic views of the Black Isle.
While direct public transport to the point itself is scarce, you can take a bus to nearby towns like Fortrose or Rosemarkie and then walk the rest of the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit Chanonry Point. It's a natural viewpoint. There is a small car park at the end of the point which may have a fee, but free parking is often available nearby.
Entry to Chanonry Point itself is free. Parking fees may apply to the designated car park at the tip of the point.
Chanonry Point is accessible at all times, as it's an outdoor natural location. However, dolphin sightings are dependent on tide times and daylight.
There isn't a formal visitor center at Chanonry Point. It's a natural viewpoint with picnic benches and a small car park.
The lighthouse is on private property and typically not accessible to the public. Visitors gather on the pebble beach nearby to watch for dolphins.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The best time to see dolphins is during the rising tide, about 1-2 hours before high tide. This is when they often come close to shore to feed on fish.
Dolphins are present year-round, but sightings are most reliable from spring through autumn. Summer months offer longer daylight hours for viewing.
Besides bottlenose dolphins, you can often spot grey seals, porpoises, and various seabirds like oystercatchers and terns.
Bring binoculars for better wildlife viewing, a camera to capture the moments, snacks and drinks, and dress in layers for the changeable Scottish weather. A midge net is advisable in summer.
Yes, Chanonry Point is a fantastic place for children to experience wildlife in its natural habitat. The shallow waters and close proximity of dolphins make it exciting for all ages.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at Chanonry Point. You'll find cafes and restaurants in the nearby towns of Fortrose and Rosemarkie.
Absolutely! There are picnic benches available, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a packed lunch while watching for wildlife.
The villages of Fortrose and Rosemarkie offer several pubs and cafes serving local fare. Inverness also has a wide range of dining options.
Typically, there are no regular food trucks or stalls at Chanonry Point itself. It's best to come prepared with your own food or dine in the nearby towns.
You can expect traditional Scottish pub food, fresh seafood, and local produce in the restaurants and cafes around Chanonry Point.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire shoreline offers great vantage points. The area around the lighthouse and the pebble beach provides excellent opportunities to capture dolphins and the coastal landscape.
Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion of the dolphins. A telephoto lens is recommended to get close-up shots. Consider shooting in burst mode.
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful light for landscape and wildlife photography. Midday can be harsh, but good for spotting dolphins.
While specific Chanonry Point photography tours might be rare, many wildlife or Scotland photography tours may include this location. It's worth checking with local tour operators.
The main challenges are the unpredictable nature of dolphin movements, the distance from shore, and the often challenging Scottish weather conditions. Patience is key!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider staying nearby in Fortrose or Rosemarkie for easier access. The excitement of spotting dolphins can be amplified by talking about their behavior and the importance of conservation. It's a fantastic educational opportunity wrapped in an unforgettable adventure.
🚗 Road Trippers & NC500 Enthusiasts
+1Plan your stop around the rising tide to increase your odds of a sighting. Even if dolphins aren't visible, the coastal scenery and the lighthouse are picturesque. It's a perfect spot for a picnic lunch or a short walk to stretch your legs before continuing your journey.
📸 Wildlife Photographers
Focus on the rising tide for the best action. While dolphins are the stars, don't forget to capture the seals and seabirds that share this environment. The lighthouse and the dramatic coastal landscape also provide excellent foregrounds for your shots. Patience and persistence are rewarded here, with the potential for truly breathtaking images.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Dolphin Watching at Chanonry Point
+1To maximize your chances of a sighting, checking the tide times is absolutely crucial. Aim to be at Chanonry Point about 1-2 hours before high tide. While dolphins are present year-round, the period from spring to autumn generally offers the most consistent sightings. Many visitors report incredible experiences, describing the dolphins as being so close they could almost touch them. It's a truly immersive wildlife encounter that has become a bucket-list item for many travelers.
Beyond the bottlenose dolphins, Chanonry Point is also a haven for other wildlife. Keep a keen eye out for grey seals basking on the rocks or swimming in the waters. The skies are often filled with a variety of seabirds, including oystercatchers and terns, adding to the natural spectacle. The combination of marine life, stunning coastal views, and the iconic lighthouse makes Chanonry Point a captivating destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips
Parking is a common consideration. There's a car park at the very end of the point, which may have a fee. However, several travelers note that free parking can be found just a short walk away before you reach the paid area. This can be a good way to save a little money. For those sensitive to insects, especially during the warmer months of summer, a midge net is a highly recommended purchase. Midges can be a nuisance, and a net can make your experience much more comfortable.
Photography enthusiasts will find Chanonry Point a rewarding location. The best advice is to bring binoculars for spotting the dolphins and seals, and a camera with a good zoom lens to capture their movements. Patience is key, as dolphin sightings are not guaranteed. However, the stunning coastal scenery and the chance of seeing these magnificent creatures make the wait worthwhile.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit