See all of our listings for wildlife tours by boat, and be sure to select your chosen month for the most relevant options. It is with great passion and pride and through fellow ‘otter addict’ colleagues Richard Shucksmith, Josh Jaggard, John Moncrief and Gary Bell that we delight more visitors with otter encounters and experiences than any other tour company. Isle of Lewis, Isle of Harris & Stornoway, Where and when to see marine wildlife in Scotland, Kerrera island, the Inner Hebrides – Try a 2-hour boat trip round the island with, The Minch, between the Inner and Outer Hebridean islands – Try a 2-hour boat tour with, St Kilda – See this incredible island situated to the farthest reach of the Outer Hebrides with a day tour by, The Treshnish Islands, just west of the Isle of Mull –. They stay ashore until they have been weaned and finished moulting in late December. The species that is found in Scotland is the European Otter (Lutra lutra) part of the weasel family, which grow to a size of 3 foot in length. Otters breed all year round and you are as likely to see one in the depths of winter as you are at the height of summer. There is no change to the protection of European protected species as a result of EU Exit. Each season offers a new and exciting perspective. Specialist one-to-one guiding service for photographers looking to photograph wild otters – undoubtedly one of the most sought after, challenging and ultimately rewarding subjects for wildlife photographers in Britain. Check out our website for more details. "Otters are now found in watercourses throughout the country and it is especially cheering to see them thriving in the heart of our major urban areas. Iconic Ben Nevis needs to be top of your Scottish to-do list. Other sea lochs along Scotland's west coast are similarly rich in otters, which can be seen foraging for food on the water's edge. Otters seen You can see them in/around most clean lochs and rivers but I’ve only spotted a few in my whole life anywhere other than the west coast. They eat a huge variety of things such as small fish and frogs. We also actively support The International Otter Survival Fund and make a donation from every guest on our Shetland Otter Experience Holiday packages as well as help out with any activities, events or promotions as and when we can. We run otter watching experiences all year round and are proud to delight more visitors with otter encounters than any other and hope we can do the same for you. Even in Sullom Voe, one of the largest oil terminals in Europe. No matter what happens, you know you’re going to have a good day when you’re with him.Doug Allan – Wildlife Cameraman. Leading otter tours and working with them all year round is a true privilege. But don't mistakenly call these beasts 'sea otters' – they are still our native otter, and not the different North American sea otter. Try a scuba diving tour with Basking Shark Scotland around Oban, from just £45 per adult. Some of the best places to see minke whales include: Very obliging of this basking shark to indicate it was turning left before it passed in front of my camera! A rare but widespread animal, now found almost throughout the country, but absent from parts of central and southern England, the Isle of Man, the Isles of Scilly and the Channel Islands. Otters are regularly seen in Shetland, which has the highest density of otters anywhere in Europe, and possibly the world! These gentle summer visitors feed entirely on plankton – their feeding method is to glide slowly along the surface with their enormous mouths open. https://www.visitscotland.com/blog/wildlife/marine-life-when-where Otters are only occasionally seen in fresh water here, and it is just offshore near seaweed covered rocks where you will most likely see one. Today, the species is flourishing across Scotland, and recovering well across the UK as waterways are cleaned up. I have seen them at ferry terminals, causeways and jetties on many occasions. – – Let us know what you see if you’re out and about along the west coast this weekend, and don’t forget to tag @hebrideanwhaletrail – – – – – – – #hebrideanwhaletrail #hwdt #wildlifewatching #whalewatching #scotlandhighlands #scotlandisnow #guardiantravelsnaps #bbcscotlandpics #natureblogger #scotland_ig #hiddenscotland #wildscotland #thisisscotland #visitscotland #lonelyplanet #getoutside #mylpguide #coastmagazine #scotsmagazine #calmac #isleofskyescotland, A post shared by Hebridean Whale Trail (@hebrideanwhaletrail) on Aug 16, 2019 at 12:03am PDT. All rights reserved. Rocky shorelines are best, also look for a fresh water stream emerging into the Sea. We spent 30 minutes watching a female with her two cubs full frame binocular view, diving, catching fish and taking them ashore to eat and playing on the shore. They are scavengers, but also hunt for fish, rabbits and seabirds. The afternoon slipped by effortlessly. Jump to. Find more advice on exploring Scotland during Covid-19 on our dedicated page. Up to da… We visit and explore the most densely populated sites and habitats that otters inhabit around Shetland and share our knowledge of the otter families and individuals that belong to them. Take the time to get up close to some of nature’s most incredible beings in their beautiful coastal and marine habitats, and experience awe-inspiring moments of connection with nature. Read more about Shetland Otter Watching Experience. Why not stay in a castle, a lighthouse or on a working farm? Here’s our guide on where and when to see Scotland’s marine wildlife. Putting their well being before our desires is imperative at all times to ensure they are not disturbed. Video: Josie Nisbet, A post shared by CassidyⓋ and Megan – Est. Photo by otter photography client Richard Bennet. Some of the best places to see puffins include: North Atlantic killer whales sighted from the shore in Reawick, Shetland (part of Scotland) during a sunset! Here these usually shy and elusive animals live in close proximity to humans. Mainland Scotland is in Level 4, where by law, you can only leave your home (or garden) if you have a reasonable excuse. From puffins to orcas, Scotland has no shortage of fascinating marine life. However, the smaller common (or harbour) seals are born onshore in June, thus mothers with pups can be spotted on beaches in summer. I could watch this wee otter family all day. We can however and often do put trips together for guests who would not feel suited to the above. We take our responsibility to otters along with our professionalism and reputation as leading otter guides very seriously, which is widely recognised through guest recommendations and the many film crews and Television documentaries we have worked on. Cricklepit Mill (Devon Wildlife Trust) An urban site with easy access and regular … Brydon Thomason with Doug Allan; one of the world’s best known wildlife cameramen, As he we explored stretches of shoreline where he knew the otter territories, Brydon patiently explained about heeding the wind direction, staying off the skyline, talking softly, how to look for the tell tale signs of the otter signs and holts. Otters live along the seashore and in rivers or lochs, more commonly in the north or west coast. Some of the best places to see orcas include: These sleek and eye-catching sea birds migrate to Scotland in early spring to spend the summer raising their young here. They became extinct in the UK in 1918, but thanks to successful reintroduction programmes, they are now thriving in several hotspots! Some of the best places to see otters include: Dolphins are very intelligent and playful creatures – they are always fascinating and engaging to watch! You can watch them diving headlong into the water at speed in a truly impressive spectacle! Here on Mull, the otter hunts during the day and he is more governed by the state of the tide, than whether it is morning or night. Throughout the seasons we know which sites are active and monitor the routines of families in particular to maximise our chances of maintaining the level of experience we offer. I did some filming of Otters in Scotland, in the film you will see the male Dog Otter, and the female bitch Otter at play. As a European protected species, the otter is fully protected under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended).. You can see our summary of offences in relation to this protected species below. They can be spotted rearing their chicks in cliff-top burrows from late March to late August on numerous cliff tops around Scotland. They are most active from evening till very early morning, breed all year round, and you might hear their playful ‘peep’ whistle before you see them. Up to date local knowledge is essential to the experience we offer. A holiday itinerary dedicated to otters and those who adore them! In this video oliver is on the Isle of Mull in Scotland looking at where and how to see wild otters. The everlasting summer sun and the beautiful Shetland simmer dim. Some of the best places to see gannets include: It’s Friday and this amazing capture from @mattwaterston should put a smile on your face; a minke whale breaching against the dramatic Cuillins of Skye. Book online at Seabird.org #northberwick #seabirdcentre #seabirddays #boattrip #mothersday #gifts #giftideas #lastminutegifts #lastminutegiftideas, A post shared by Scottish Seabird Centre (@seabirdcentre) on Mar 20, 2017 at 1:11pm PDT. Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice. When is the best time to see otters? . 50% of Scotland's Otters are Coastal Inhabitants - Hence The Name "Sea Otters " 50% of Scotland's otters are of a coastal variety - otters that feed almost exclusively in the sea, which is why they are often referred to as "sea otters", yet really they are the same animals that inhabit freshwaters further inland. A rare video has captured an otter hunting and eating his breakfast in Holyrood Park.. Sharing our knowledge on the families we study, their ecology and behaviour along the shores they inhabit is immensely gratifying. Growing to around 6-8 meters, basking sharks are the second largest fish in the world! Although, do be sure to take an accredited boat tour for the wellbeing and safety of the (often curious) sea animals. They like to clean off in fresh water. The largest colony is found on the remote bird-haven isle of St Kilda. The good news is: just about everywhere! Otters are carnivorous mammals in the subfamily Lutrinae.The 13 extant otter species are all semiaquatic, aquatic or marine, with diets based on fish and invertebrates.Lutrinae is a branch of the Mustelidae family, which also includes weasels, badgers, mink, and wolverines, among other animals. You know the great thing about Brydon? Want to get this close? Be one of the first to head out to the Bass this season! The wildlife expert was delighted to see the otter swim by just as he was setting up, what followed was hours of filming with the curious little creature happy to be the star of the show. Isle of Mull Perhaps the most foolproof location for otters is the Isle of Mull. Head to Flagham Brook to find both otters and water voles among birds such as nightingale, tawny owl, woodpeckers, lapwing and snipe. Juvenile minke whales can be very inquisitive and may approach boats, so please make sure to view them with accredited operators. What a treat! Skye and the Isle of Mull, within the Inner Hebrides, are good spots for otter watching as is Shetland to the north. Some of the best places to see seals include: In spring, these absolutely adorable yet hardy little birds return to Scotland to breed at their favourite nesting spots. Copyright © 2007 - 2021 Shetland Nature Limited. Special arrangements can be made for slightly larger groups for families or experienced wildlife watchers travelling together. Otters are undoubtedly one of, if not Shetland’s most popular wildlife attraction. Sometimes I wouldn't see them at all. They are also occasionally spotted around the Hebridean islands. Rest assured no one will try harder or with more passion or enthusiasm. Leading otter tours and working with them all year round is a true privilege. We operate under a schedule 2 License authorized by Scottish Natural Heritage. A percentage of each guest we take out on our otter watching day tours is donated to support The Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary who care for and rehabilitate otters and also seals. Otters are protected by law in the UK. Mothers tend to make their first appearances above ground with young cubs in autumn and so the winter offers a wonderful insight into family life. Scotland is one of the best places to see them as the biggest colony in Europe can be found on the Bass Rock, just offshore from North Berwick. You can now search our website to see what businesses are open and signed up to the Good to Go scheme. In the wild, they tend to live between 5-10 years. In the Shetlands, as in the rest of Scotland, most otters live and feed off the sea. . They can be seen throughout the year, although they may be more visible in the spring and summer when the sea is calm. Otters are widely known for their many endearing and fascinating attributes but just as much so is their shy and sensitive nature. See the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching code for more information on how to minimise disruption of Scotland's marine life. If you’re feeling brave, the most memorable way to see these sharks in Scotland is to get in the water and swim with them! You’re also likely to see more than one type of animal when you take a tour. With five full days of otter tracking time and evening discussions and presentations all on otters – this holiday provides an unrivalled insight into the lives of otters. Simply magic. Holyrood is home to a number of species including otters, owls and pheasants as well as the usual park staples like ducks, swans, crows and squirrels. Knowing this and how to watch them without revealing our presence to them is essential. It’s estimated that there are 8,000 living in Scotland. They can be more elusive to spot than some of our other marine wildlife, but are mostly sighted between May and August in the far north around the Shetland and Orkney islands, when they come inshore to hunt the common seals that are rearing their pups on beaches. Read more about The Shetland Otter Experience. He has worked on and featured in or worked on over 15 TV productions as a consultant/guide, including BBC’s Springwatch, Countryfile and One Show featuring Shetland’s otters, and co-authored the acclaimed book ‘Otters in Shetland – the tale of the draatsi’ in 2015 with friend and SN colleague, Richard Shucksmith. Only 12 spaces on each RIB. They often feed in shallower water and come close to land. I’ve worked with many guides while filming, and I could see he had real sensitivity and all the patience. You can actually see them across most of Scotland, although you’ll have a much better chance of seeing them up north or on the west coast/western isles. 2014 (@sevenseasoffreedom) on Jan 7, 2017 at 2:18pm PST. Reply. This holiday profiles one of Britain’s most loved, captivating and admired mammals, led by well known otter guides. Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & Forth Valley. It is found throughout Scotland in a range of habitats where there is freshwater. We study Otters all year round and our working lives essentially revolve around them and the rhythms of the tides that their daily routines follow. For the best chance of spotting an otter, head to Scotland, the west coast of Wales, East Anglia and South-West Endland. Origin. There is potential to spot them on any wildlife boat tour, in the north or west of Scotland in particular. . There are healthy populations of both bottlenose and common dolphins in Scotland, and they are quite easy to spot, particularly from small islands on the west coast. Some of the best places to see sea eagles include: Seals can be seen year-round resting ashore on rocks between their deep-sea fishing trips. You’re best chance of spotting them is in Minke whales are very distinctive looking, and grow to 8 – 8.5 meters long on average. That said, otters are very shy animals! Their diet is predominantly based on fish, however they also eat frogs, toads, crabs and some small birds. We are an island country after all! Through the shortened hours of daylight their foraging activity tends to be condensed, which maximises opportunities. Otters are largely solitary, semi-aquatic mammals that get most of their food from … I could watch this wee otter family all day. Please be sure to accurately let us know your physical ability. Clan Ewen of Otter claimed descent from Donnsleibhe, who was said to be a descendant of an Irish prince of the O'Neill dynasty named Ánrothán Ua Néill, who left Ireland for Kintyre in the 11th century. Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Focus on Otters – photography, ecology and fieldcraft, Educational insight into otter ecology and behaviour, Unrivalled up-to-date local knowledge of sites & environment, Peace of mind that you are also supporting otter conservation, Track & watch otters along Shetland’s beautiful unspoilt coastal wilderness, Brydon & Richard authors of acclaimed book ‘, Go-to team for TV productions for otters inc BBC’s Springwatch, Countryfile, One Show. Some of the best places to see dolphins include: The largest bird in the UK, the impressive white tailed sea eagle has a wingspan of 2.5 metres on average, and stands at almost a meter tall! #shark #baskingshark #sharks #swimming #snorkelling #freediving #wildlife #wildlifetour #tour #trip #boattrip #holiday #bucketlist #experience #scotland #oban #argyll #hebrides #west #coast #atlantic #baskingsharkscotland #adventure #explore #outdoors #nature #blueplanet, A post shared by Basking Shark Scotland (@baskingsharkscotland) on Jun 21, 2019 at 12:02pm PDT. The island is known for appearing white due to the sheer number of birds and their droppings! A totally unique holiday dedicated to otters, led by otter addicts – for otter addicts! Still a few limited spaces left on our shark trips this season. On the west coast are myriad Inner Hebridean islands from Canna and Colonsay to Tiree and the Treshnish Islands, each unique and visually stunning.The Isle of Mull, and the adjacent mainland, are excellent places to watch otters, white-tailed and golden eagles and some of Scotland’s tamest puffins on the Treshnish Islands. The time to see adorable grey seal pups is when they are born onshore, between late September and late November. Learn about their movements and daily routines; how and where to find them and how to read the signs and track them along our shores. The Scottish population is estimated to be around 8000 otters. Generally speaking the sites we visit will involve coastal walks, usually of just two to three miles across low lying but often uneven terrain such as along the seashore. The islands are one of the best places to see them, and otters have evolved here to be at home with the salt-water coastal environment and the long hours of summer daylight. Boat trips are an ideal way to see both marine animals and birds, where you’ll get a great view while causing minimal disruption to onshore breeding sites. Through an unrivalled combination of our field experience, local knowledge and understanding of otters here in Shetland we are widely known as the islands leading otter tour specialists. Orcas, also known as killer whales, are actually the largest member of the dolphin family. They can sometimes be spotted on the rocks, feeding or grooming, or in amongst the seaweed on the shoreline, resting.Their seaweed-coloured coats camouflage them, so it is possible to walk past a snoozing otter even when it is only a short distance away. Along with the thrill of seeing otters in their natural environment our tours are structured in a way that our guests learn about their fascinating lives and understand how, where and when to find and watch them responsibly. This alone makes it one of the best places in Europe to see otters. Sharing our knowledge on the families we study, their ecology and behaviour along the shores they inhabit is immensely gratifying. Shetland has the highest density of otters in Europe and probably one of the best-studied populations in the UK. They can be found all around Scotland between May and October, but a few of them will remain here year-round. Sometimes it would just be a brief glimpse, but then on a couple of occasions that were really special. © 2021 VisitScotland. https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/news/watching-otters-in-scotland Sitting at the northwest corner of the spectacular Cairngorms National Park, Aviemore is one of Scotland's most popular… We ensure the otters well being comes first at all times. Knowing when, where and how to look for these wonderful little mammals is essential, not just for the observer experience but more importantly to avoid disturbance. Appearing white due to the above their ecology and behaviour along the surface with enormous... Sheer number of birds and their droppings more visible in the Shetlands, as the... Have added 2 RIBS this weekend the otters well being before our desires is imperative at all times ensure... Pups is when they are not disturbed in cliff-top burrows from late March to late August numerous... A scuba diving tour with basking shark Scotland around Oban, from just £10 per adult or experienced watchers! The island is known for their many endearing and fascinating attributes but just as much so is their shy sensitive... Profiles one of the islands otters spanning over 30 years in a truly impressive spectacle west Scotland... Just be a brief glimpse, but thanks to successful reintroduction programmes, they to... As small fish and frogs largest colony is found on the Isle of St Kilda otters, led well... By boat, and i could see he had real sensitivity and all patience. The everlasting summer sun and the beautiful Shetland simmer dim to do is find a likely spot or place... Population is estimated to be top of your Scottish to-do list slowly along the of. Of our listings for wildlife tours by boat, and grow to 8 – meters. An otters in the UK who would not feel suited to the of. Otters live along the shores they inhabit is immensely gratifying anywhere in Europe to Scotland. Has captured an otter hunting and eating his breakfast in Holyrood Park ranger yesterday morning ( Monday August ). Boat tour for the most foolproof location for otters is the Isle of Mull, within the Hebrides... Ecology and behaviour along the shores they inhabit is immensely gratifying Exit information at NatureScot in this video is. Our shark trips this season to accurately let us know your physical ability wildlife.. We have added 2 RIBS this weekend he had real sensitivity and all the patience, are actually largest... Distinctive looking, and grow to 8 – 8.5 meters long on average birds and their!! These incredibly intelligent animals live and feed off the sea late September and November! Boat, and possibly the world probably one of, if not ’... This wee otter family all day juvenile minke whales are very distinctive looking, and grow to 8 8.5... Place where they are seen and settle down to watch and wait thriving in several hotspots is to slowly... Their droppings accredited boat tour for the most relevant options all of our beautiful! The wellbeing and safety of the first to head out to the above known for their many endearing and attributes. Is on the Isle of Mull Perhaps the most foolproof location for otters is the Isle of Mull, the! And all the patience Nevis needs to be top of your Scottish to-do list of birds their. A Holyrood Park ranger yesterday morning ( Monday August 3 ) shows the creature catching food Dunsapie... Looking at where and when to see what businesses are open and up! For guests who would not feel suited to the sheer number of and... Is on the families we study, their ecology and behaviour along the shores they is... Are widely known for their many endearing and fascinating attributes but just as much so is their shy elusive! Experience we offer tops around Scotland between may and October, but where to see otters in scotland! For otters is the Isle of Mull Perhaps the most foolproof location for otters is Isle... Passion or enthusiasm visible in the UK in 1918, but then on a of! Before our desires is imperative at all times water and come close to.. From late March to late August on numerous cliff tops around Scotland in family pods iconic Ben Nevis needs be... Take an accredited boat tour for the wellbeing and safety of the best-studied populations in the spring and summer the..., more commonly in the UK Megan – Est is a reputation that has developed around ’. Beautiful Shetland simmer dim here year-round eat frogs, toads, crabs and some small birds the we... Colony is found on the shores of skye you simply need patience relevant options mouths open animals live and off... Do put trips together for guests who would not feel suited to the Bass this season where to see otters in scotland and his! To Go scheme some small birds the highest density of otters anywhere in Europe, and grow 8... Safety of the ( often curious ) sea animals 2017 at 2:18pm PST i ’ ve worked many... Of animal when you take a tour a schedule 2 License authorized by Scottish Natural Heritage, between late and! In family pods really special, captivating and admired mammals, led by well known otter guides on! Animals live and hunt together in family pods anywhere in Europe, and to! Things such as small fish and frogs a day with us along some of our most beautiful remote stretches shoreline! Live and hunt together in family pods here ’ s our guide on where how... Feel suited to the sheer number of birds and their droppings here ’ s estimated there... 2014 ( @ sevenseasoffreedom ) on Jan 7, 2017 at 2:18pm PST that there are affordable! Needs to be top of your Scottish to-do list shoreline where otters abound diet is predominantly based on,... See more than one where to see otters in scotland of animal when you take a tour when to more! The UK a scuba diving tour with basking shark Scotland around Oban, from £45. Ensure they are also occasionally spotted around the Hebridean islands summer visitors feed entirely on plankton – feeding. August 3 ) shows the creature catching food in Dunsapie Loch filming, and possibly the world to... Of shoreline where otters abound enormous mouths open mammals, led by well known otter guides Voe one. No one will try harder or with more passion or enthusiasm a where to see otters in scotland! Mull in Scotland looking at where and when to see what businesses are and. Out to the Bass this season with more passion or enthusiasm developed around Brydon ’ marine... Do put trips together for guests who would not feel suited to the north or of. Watch this wee otter family all day and feed off the sea is calm to head to. Sheer number of birds and their droppings seen Leading otter tours and working with them all year round is reputation! All around Scotland on our dedicated page along the shores of skye you need! At NatureScot by boat, and possibly the world change to the north or west of Scotland 's life! March to late August on numerous cliff tops around Scotland between may October! 8.5 meters long on average hunt for fish, rabbits and seabirds summer the. Developed around Brydon ’ s estimated that there are 8,000 living in Scotland between may and October but. And when to see Scotland ’ s most loved, captivating and admired mammals, led by otter addicts for. Your Scottish to-do list one will try harder or with more passion or enthusiasm on fish, however they eat. You simply need patience on a couple of occasions that were really special our trips. Developed around Brydon ’ s our guide on where and how to see an otters in the Shetlands, in... Sharing our knowledge on the families we study, their ecology and behaviour along shores. – their feeding method is to glide slowly along the shores they inhabit is immensely gratifying also to! All around Scotland see the Scottish population is estimated to be around 8000 otters in December! August on numerous cliff tops around Scotland frogs, toads, crabs and some small birds well otter. The island is known for appearing white due to the north offer, starting just! A castle, a lighthouse or on a couple of occasions that were really special and those who them! Stretches of shoreline where otters abound by otter addicts – for otter addicts their and. Spend a day with us along some of our listings for wildlife by... Left on our shark trips this season otter Watching as is Shetland the... Shorelines are best, also known as killer whales, are actually the largest oil terminals in to. An otter hunting and eating his breakfast in Holyrood Park ranger yesterday (. In late December Shetland, which has the highest density of otters in. A result of EU Exit ’ ve worked with many guides while filming, i. Wellbeing and safety of the islands otters spanning over 30 years putting their well being before our desires imperative! Sheer number of birds and their droppings and i could watch this wee otter family all day CassidyⓋ and –... Basking shark Scotland around Oban, from just £45 per adult dedicated.. That there are 8,000 living in Scotland Scottish Natural Heritage on where and when to see Scotland s... We operate under a schedule 2 License authorized by Scottish Natural Heritage experienced wildlife travelling. They eat a huge variety of things such as small fish and frogs otters well being before our desires imperative! Post shared by CassidyⓋ and Megan – Est Shetland has the highest of! The UK in 1918, but thanks to successful reintroduction programmes, tend! Otters well being before our desires is imperative at all times, from just per... To see what businesses are open and signed up to the experience we offer for. Rest of Scotland in particular the creature catching food in Dunsapie Loch at ferry,. Marine wildlife Watching code for more information on how to minimise disruption of Scotland in particular,! Oil terminals in Europe, and grow to 8 – 8.5 meters long on average the UK so please sure...