Located north-east of Inverness, The Moray Firth is considered to be an important area for the conservation of bottlenose dolphins and whales in British waters, as well as an important refuge for migrating birds.
The inlet is an ideal stretch of water for watching bottlenose dolphin and harbour porpoise, and even minke whale and common dolphin are found to frequent the water. The firth is one of the largest Marine Protection Areas in Europe and the inner firth area is also a designated Special Protection Area and Ramsar site, which provides a refuge to migrant species such as bar-tailed godwit and greylag goose.
Chanonry Point is one of the best places in Europe to watch bottlenose dolphins from the shore, and if conditions are right, you may see them within metres of the shoreline. North-east from Chanory Point is Fort George, home to the Dolphin Research Centre which studies dolphin hunting and breeding habits.
Other birds that can be seen here include flocks of dunlin, pink-footed geese, redshanks in autumn and osprey in the summer months.
The Scottish Highlands are at their most dramatic in autumn with mist lingering in the glens and red deer stags roaring in the hills. Migrating waders and geese are heading south from their Arctic breeding grounds, while golden eagles soar over mountain tops and red grouse call on moors. Find out more about Autumn in the Scottish Highlands
From a wonderful base in Grantown-on-Spey, this small-group tour devotes a week to exploring the Scottish Highlands during the magical months of Spring. In the company of expert naturalist Mike Dilger, we hope to encounter iconic species such as crested tit, Scottish crossbill, red squirrel and red deer. Find out more about Early Spring in the Scottish Highlands
The spectacular Scottish Highlands provides the ultimate setting for our Festival of British Wildlife. Join some of the world’s leading naturalists and wildlife photographers for exclusive use of Aigas Estate on this trip for both photographers and non-photographers as we observe Britain's most iconic species. Find out more about Festival of British Wildlife
Early summer is a fabulous time to visit the Scottish Highlands as the forests, moors, coastline and glens come alive with an incredible diversity of wildlife ranging from Caledonian butterflies and marine mammals to raptors and iconic passerines and land mammals. Find out more about Z) Early Summer in the Scottish Highlands
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