It’s no coincidence that Cornwall is considered one of the UK’s best places to see dolphins, whales and sharks.
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, which brings warm water from the Atlantic Ocean in the south to blend with the cooler water from the north, the waters around Cornwall’s coast are awash with a wealth of marine wildlife.
Dolphins are the most common of the three that you’re likely to see on the Cornish coastline, whether you opt for a boat trip experience or a walk along the shore.
Let’s explore the best places to see dolphins, whales and sharks in Cornwall.
Where can I see whales, sharks and dolphins in Cornwall?
St Ives Bay
St Ives Bay is not only regarded as one of the most beautiful bays in the world, it’s also a perfect place to spot dolphins, whales and sharks in Cornwall. There are plenty of places to head to around the Bay where you might be lucky enough to see one of their regular marine visitors, including Godrevy Point and St Ives Island.
What sealife species might I see?
Common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins are frequently spotted in St Ives Bay, and Risso’s dolphin and harbour porpoises are also spotted from time to time. If you’re very lucky, you might even see an orca. Basking sharks can also be seen, particularly in the summer months, and whales such as minke whales, humpback whales and fin whales can sometimes be spied during the winter, although they are a rarer sight.
As well as being a popular spot for dolphins and sharks, Godrevy Point to the east of St Ives Bay is also home to a large colony of grey seals.
The best way to see whales, sharks and dolphins in St Ives Bay
St Ives Island (which is actually a grassy peninsula, not an island at all) to the west of the Bay is a good place to go seawatching and look out for dolphins and possibly a basking shark. The colony of seals at Godrevy Point is usually resident year-round, but go during early winter if you want to lay eyes on the adorable fluffy pups.
If you want the best chance of spotting sharks, whales and dolphins, then head out on a boat trip with one of St Ives’ many tour operators. Basking sharks are more likely to be seen during the summer, and orca are spotted from time to time during the off season, but dolphins and minke whales make appearances year-round.
Location
St Ives Bay, West Cornwall coast
Top wildlife spots in and around St Ives Bay
Godrevy Point, for dolphins and sharks
St Ives Island, for dolphins and sharks
Hayle Harbour, for dolphins
Padstow
The seas around Padstow are a wonderful place to go wildlife watching. Dolphins have been spied year-round, and if you’re lucky you might be treated to the sight of a whale or a shark.
What sealife species might I see?
Common dolphins are often spotted from boat tours in Padstow, as well as other dolphins such as bottlenose and Risso’s. Groups of dolphins have even been known to come right up to tourist boats!
The most common whale sighting is the minke whale, but you could also see sei whales, fin whales and humpbacks. Sharks are the least likely to be spotted, but there are a number of species known to call Cornwall home, including basking sharks, blue sharks, porbeagle sharks and catsharks.
Nearby Puffin Island is, unsurprisingly, a brilliant place if you want to try and see some puffins and other seabirds as well as common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Risso’s dolphin and harbour porpoises.
The best way to see whales, sharks and dolphins in Padstow
Our neighbours at Padstow Sealife Safaris run coastal boat trips where you can look out for local dolphin, shark and whale species, as well as other sea life. Starting at the Camel Estuary, you can explore marine life on a one, two or three-hour boat trip.
Dolphin sightings are possible at any time if year, and sharks are most likely to be seen between May and October. The greatest number of minke whale sightings tend to be between April and August, but they have been spotted throughout the year.
Location
Padstow, North Cornwall
Top wildlife spots in and around Padstow
Puffin Island, for dolphins (and puffins!)
Lizard Point
The most southerly point in the UK is a perfect place to go whale, shark and dolphin watching.
What sealife species might I see?
Common dolphins and harbour porpoises are spotted frequently from Lizard Point. Basking sharks, humpback and minke whales are also seen on occasion.
You might also be treated to the sight of sunfish, grey seals, puffins, terns and gannets – in fact, Lizard Point is known as one of the best places to spot seabirds in the country.
The best way to see whales, sharks and dolphins at Lizard Point
The best vantage point is at the National Trust Wildlife Watchpoint, which is manned by volunteers who can fill you in on the day’s sightings so far. You can even borrow a pair of binoculars to help you spot as many species as possible.
The South West Coast Path runs along the clifftops around Lizard Point. Not only can you enjoy stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean, but you might even spot a dolphin, basking shark or grey seal through your binoculars.
You’re most likely to spot a basking shark in the warmer months, and whales are most often seen in late summer and early autumn. Dolphins can be spotted throughout the year.
Location
The Lizard Peninsula, south Cornwall
Top wildlife spots in and around Lizard Point
The South West Coast Path, for sharks and dolphins
Falmouth Bay
Falmouth Bay regularly plays host to a huge array of wildlife species, including dolphins, whales, basking sharks and seals.
What sealife species might I see?
Plenty of wildlife is regularly spotted in Falmouth Bay. Common dolphins, harbour porpoises, bottlenose dolphins, minke whales, and basking sharks have all made appearances here. Humpback whale sightings are rare but not unknown in Falmouth Bay.
You can also look out for grey seals and a variety of seabirds, including cormorants, gannets, guillemots and razorbills.
The best way to see whales, sharks and dolphins in Falmouth Bay
Common, bottlenose and Risso’s dolphins and harbour porpoises can sometimes be seen at Pendennis Point throughout the year. Basking sharks sometimes show up between May and September when the weather is settled. Minke whales and even humpbacks have also been seen at Pendennis Point.
There are plenty of boat operators running trips from Falmouth Bay, offering great opportunities to see dolphins and whales. Or if you prefer to stay on dry land, you can head to Pendennis Point and follow the path along the headland to spot seals and seabirds, and if you’re lucky you might lay eyes on a dolphin or a porpoise.
Location
Falmouth, south Cornwall
Top wildlife spots in and around Falmouth Bay
Pendennis Point, for dolphins and whales
Penzance
Penzance is one of the top whale watching spots in Cornwall.
What sealife species might I see?
Basking sharks, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins have all been known to make appearances in the seas around Penzance.
Grey seals, sunfish, and plenty of seabirds can also be seen in the area.
The best way to see whales, sharks and dolphins in Penzance
The close by sites of Porthgwarra and Gwennap Head are considered by many as the best place in Cornwall to look for dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks and even whales on occasion.
Penzance is a good place to head to if whale watching on the Cornish coast is one of your Cornwall must-dos. Whilst spotting these majestic marine mammals is never guaranteed, recorded sightings are most common here between April and November.
Again, there are plenty of tour operators running coast boat trips from Penzance, including Marine Discovery Penzance, who offer lots of different trips to help you get closer to marine wildlife of all kinds.
Head to nearby Sennen Cove to increase your chances of spotting basking sharks as well as pods of dolphins and seals. Dolphins and harbour porpoises are possible sightings at any time of year, and basking sharks are more commonly spotted between April and October.
It can be better to stay in the car park at Sennen Cove rather than head down to the beach, since depending on the tide, it’s sometimes easier to spot dolphins and even basking sharks from here through your binoculars.
If you do head into the water, playful dolphins have been known to come surprisingly close to swimmers and surfers during the summer!
Location
Penzance, west Cornwall
Top wildlife spots in and around Penzance
Sennen Cove, for sharks
Porthgwarra, for dolphins and sharks
Gwennap Head, for dolphins and sharks
Newquay
Newquay is one of Cornwall’s top dolphin spotting sites, and has been gathering interest lately as sightings of rare humpback whales have been on the up.
What sealife species might I see?
As with the other locations in Cornwall, the species of dolphins that you’re most likely to see in Newquay are the common and bottlenose dolphins. Basking sharks have been spotted here too, and sightings of majestic humpback whales have been increasing lately as well.
The best way to see whales, sharks and dolphins in Newquay
You can take a north coast boat trip, such as those run by Newquay Sea Safaris, to have the best chance of spotting dolphins, whales or sharks in Newquay. Basking sharks are most commonly seen between May and October.
Humpback whale sightings remain rare, but they have been increasing during the recent winter months, and have even been spotted off the headlands around Newquay from Bedruthan Steps.
Location
Newquay, North Cornwall
Top wildlife spots in and around Newquay
Bedruthan Steps, for whales
Spotting dolphins, whales and sharks respectfully
All wildlife should be observed respectfully from a distance. Even the slightest disturbance can damage their delicate ecosystem, especially for seals, nesting birds and other species seen on land.
If you’re heading out on a sea safari, make sure you choose a WiSe accredited operator. This means that the staff have been trained in responsible wildlife-watching which respects the marine life’s wild nature.
If you’re lucky enough to find yourself close to a whale or dolphin when in the water, be sure to give them plenty of space and, in the case of whales especially, never leave the whale in a position between you and the beach, as this could cause them to head inland and end up stranded.
On your next holiday in Cornwall, why not head out for a spot of marine wildlife watching along Cornwall’s unspoilt coastline?
At CRW Holidays, we’ve got lots of beautiful holiday homes in Cornwall ready for you to come and stay in. Take a look and book your next Cornwall holiday with us today.
