Chanonry Point
Chanonry Point
4.5
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Duration: 1-2 hours
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- MR19702602Staffordshire, United Kingdom1,446 contributionsWow. Simply stunningVisited on a beautiful sunny day. No dolphins big a few seals. Just beautiful. Small car park near by. Suggested payments. Please pay to help with the upkeep of this area only £2! Little walk to beach. StunningVisited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 June 2024
- Crazymoo2804Burntwood, United Kingdom178 contributionsGreat experienceLOVED our experience here during our trip. Stopped off at just the right time to see a pod of dolphins swimming nearby which was an incredible experience. Everyone there was in awe of the dolphins and I don't think anyone could take their eyes off the water, waiting for another glimpse. An all round beautiful place without the dolphins too with lovely views, a pebble beach and just all round peaceful place to beVisited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 June 2024
- DougieMManchesterManchester, United Kingdom168 contributionsExcellent View of the Bottlenose Dolphins.Perfect place to see the Dolphins, we stayed at the Fortrose Bay Campsite, just a short walk away, they can advise you of the best time to see the Dolphins. An amazing sight and well worth the walk down. If you are not staying nearby, there is quite a large car park. This is one not to miss.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 June 2024
- T J4 contributionsAmazing!Amazing! We were so lucky to see the Dolphins this morning. Highly recommend reading reviews and facebook before going to get the most from this experience. We had planned to arrive an hour after low tide as recommended but arrived bang on low tide which i am glad as the car park quickly filled up behind us. We saw dolphins within a few minutes of getting out the car. So advice is to check tide times and arrive within the hour of low tide. Also wear sturdy footwear as the stones can be quite slippy.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 11 July 2024
- SusanneDunfermline, United Kingdom21 contributionsA great place to see dolphinsI went to Chanonry Point on 3 successive evenings while in Inverness and watched an amazing displays of dolphins hunting in the Moray Firth very close to the beach every time. On the last evening, a large pod treated us to a wonderful display, racing along the waves, jumping out of the water and generally just having a great time. I parked in the little Chanonry Point car park on the first evening, but it is actually worth parking further away and then walking across to the golf course, where you can access the most beautiful beach up to Chanonry Point. When planning a visit to see the dolphins, it is important to check the tide as they tend to come in with the incoming tide.Visited July 2024Travelled soloWritten 28 July 2024
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FindhornRover
Brighton, UK8 contributions
Nov 2019
Our first visit to Chanonry point was many years ago. We hadn't been to this part of the world before and it was one of the must-do things on our list. It was the height of the summer and the place was packed. To be honest, it wasn't any fun! There were just too many people anxious to get a better vantage point. You would find somewhere reasonable to stand and a minute later there was someone right on top of you! We decided to leave!
The second visit was in the winter. We were on our way to Cromarty and it wasn't much of a detour. We didn't really expect to see dolphins since we had been told they weren't there due to a lack of food. A chatty and knowledgeable guy pointed out it had only just turned low tide and could be an hour or so before there was anything to see. He was early because his wife had dropped him off on her way to Inverness on a shopping trip. We refrained from asking how he managed with no loos there! Anyway, he assured us that dolphins were still around in winter and encouraged us to come back.
That was good advice! Our third visit was in November 2019, plenty of elbow room and not long to wait! It was really thrilling to see them so close up. Never mind the two previous visits, this was a five star experience!
The second visit was in the winter. We were on our way to Cromarty and it wasn't much of a detour. We didn't really expect to see dolphins since we had been told they weren't there due to a lack of food. A chatty and knowledgeable guy pointed out it had only just turned low tide and could be an hour or so before there was anything to see. He was early because his wife had dropped him off on her way to Inverness on a shopping trip. We refrained from asking how he managed with no loos there! Anyway, he assured us that dolphins were still around in winter and encouraged us to come back.
That was good advice! Our third visit was in November 2019, plenty of elbow room and not long to wait! It was really thrilling to see them so close up. Never mind the two previous visits, this was a five star experience!
Written 2 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Snickets
154 contributions
Jul 2021
Down an unlikely looking road, you reach a beach beside a channel. It was blustery and showery, so we were glad of our hats and coats. We weren't lucky enough to see dolphins (although others there had already seen some earlier) but we saw seals and sea birds and the bracing walk were worth the trip. Watching the changing light over the water was compelling and beautiful. We are told that just before high tide is the time to go if you are going to be lucky with the dolphin sightings, but we didn't feel cheated by this lovely corner of the Black Isle even so.
Written 12 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liam B
Royal Tunbridge Wells, UK45 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
This was the highlight of our two week trip around Scotland and such an incredible experience!
We arrived an hour before low tide and was lucky to get a parking space, so give yourself plenty of time. Beware - there are no toilets or cafes so make sure you come fully prepared. Parking is very cheap and is free after 5pm. The parking attendant was very helpful (not often you say that!) and was keeping the area tidy of litter.
The children collected shells and sea glass while we waited for the Dolphins to arrive, while we were able to spot a few seals bobbing along close to shore. As we hoped the Dolphins arrived an our after low tide and gave a fantastic display very close to the beach.
Just amazing!!
We arrived an hour before low tide and was lucky to get a parking space, so give yourself plenty of time. Beware - there are no toilets or cafes so make sure you come fully prepared. Parking is very cheap and is free after 5pm. The parking attendant was very helpful (not often you say that!) and was keeping the area tidy of litter.
The children collected shells and sea glass while we waited for the Dolphins to arrive, while we were able to spot a few seals bobbing along close to shore. As we hoped the Dolphins arrived an our after low tide and gave a fantastic display very close to the beach.
Just amazing!!
Written 11 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AmyHNW
Manchester, UK96 contributions
Jul 2021
Absolutely, 100% visit this place!
After a recommendation to visit Chanonry Point whilst on a boat trip on Skye, we made the journey as we were in Inverness anyway and we are so glad that we did!
We had a walk up the beautiful beach whilst we waited for the tide to turn, and then when we got back to the "point" sat patiently, in the rain for about 2 hours.
It rained and it rained and many people that had been there when the tide turned had long since gone, when all of a sudden appeared a shadow above the water!!!
For a good hour, we stood and watched the dolphins as they jumped out of the water and breached. We ended up about as wet as them with the rain but it was wonderful and I cannot wait to visit again!
After a recommendation to visit Chanonry Point whilst on a boat trip on Skye, we made the journey as we were in Inverness anyway and we are so glad that we did!
We had a walk up the beautiful beach whilst we waited for the tide to turn, and then when we got back to the "point" sat patiently, in the rain for about 2 hours.
It rained and it rained and many people that had been there when the tide turned had long since gone, when all of a sudden appeared a shadow above the water!!!
For a good hour, we stood and watched the dolphins as they jumped out of the water and breached. We ended up about as wet as them with the rain but it was wonderful and I cannot wait to visit again!
Written 8 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NorthWest_137
London, UK464 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Parking was only £1 for an hour. I didn't expect to see the dolphins in this time, especially as I didn't call at the recommended tide time. I did however see a couple of dolphins in the distance. They did begin to edge a little closer. They were not close enough for me to take a photo but I could clearly see them jumping out and in the water. I would recommend bringing a pair of binoculars and, unlike me, checking the best tidal times to see the dolphins up close.
Written 1 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arramattic
Yorkshire, UK875 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Just WOW!
Dolphins:- Go on the rising tide, although the dolphins appeared to be there a lot at any time
Park in the carpark, its cheap - £2 for 2 hours, £3 for 3 hours (no campervans, only cars) walk along the beach past the lighthouse, stand on the point thee & marvel at the dolphins almost within touching distance. Recommend dressing warmly/for rain too.
The dolphins just seem to frolic right in front of you, just the best experience
Dolphins:- Go on the rising tide, although the dolphins appeared to be there a lot at any time
Park in the carpark, its cheap - £2 for 2 hours, £3 for 3 hours (no campervans, only cars) walk along the beach past the lighthouse, stand on the point thee & marvel at the dolphins almost within touching distance. Recommend dressing warmly/for rain too.
The dolphins just seem to frolic right in front of you, just the best experience
Written 16 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
atkinhump
Stockton-on-Tees, UK271 contributions
Jun 2021
Easy to walk to from Fortrose or Rosemarkie, or there is a small, busy car park. Make sure you time your visit as others have suggested a couple of hours before high tide as the best time to see the dolphins that come really close to shore. We visited in June and it was really windy so can feel quite chilly - make sure you bring something to wrap up in. It's really popular with quite a crowd gathering, but well worth it when the dophins arrive!
Written 20 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
machinmad
Yaxley, UK2,577 contributions
Sept 2020
This lovely walk takes you either side of the length of the peninsula...a storm was blowing in so the west coast was particularly rough and windy the day we visited ... but bracing. The east-side return journey was much less a struggle to walk in, despite not seeing any dolphin activity sadly.
Written 21 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CLReviews
Scotland, UK34 contributions
Oct 2020
Chanonry Point was a wonderful place to visit during our holiday to Inverness. We caught a bus to Fortrose and then walked out to Chanonry Point lighthouse which was stunningly beautiful. We then continued walking along the beach towards Rosemarkie which was a lovely walk on a sunny autumnal Saturday afternoon. Would highly recommend it!
Written 3 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RosyHER3
Scotland, UK478 contributions
Aug 2021
I sat here for over 2 hours looking for dolphins along with about another 100 people with huge cameras and binoculars. I had checked the tide times etc but it was not to be, no dolphins appeared. I since discovered that they did not show up on that day. Disappointed, but will try again next time I am in the area.
Written 1 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yup....£1 per hour.....cash or credit card.....both were working when I was there....about 30 parking places so come at least one hour before everyone else...lol
Written 28 July 2020
Best time of the day to go and see the dolphins?
Written 17 April 2019
Went 2 days in a row....be there at LOW TIDE time for the area. That allows you to get a space ( maybe ) , and see the dolphins come in with the incoming tide ( about 1 hour after LOW TIDE ). Saw about 3/4 on the first day and about a dozen on the second.
Written 28 July 2020
Hi. Is the path to here from either Fortrose or Rosemarkie pushchair friendly?
Written 24 April 2018
there's not a path as such. Other than the standard road and pavement scenario, the final road leading to the point is through the golf course. This road has several sleeping policemen throughout its length and has shirt cropped grass edges. In my opinion the route is push chair friendly.
Written 24 April 2018
Hi, do you have to pay to park here? Thanks :)
Written 7 April 2017
No charge for parking all free and lovely views
regards
Written 10 April 2017
I suppose you could use a disposable one on the little beach here but make sure to extinguish it before you leave and remove all rubbish.
Written 29 November 2016
Hi, staying self catering just over north kessock bridge near tourist info office 20, 21 July. Coming to see dolphins.... Hopefully... However unsure re tidal times etc if going to be possible. Any advice, cheers
Written 11 June 2016
Tides can help and you can look them up on line tides4fishing
Though we have seen dolphins there at all sorts of times, Note there is a good fish and chip in Fortrose McGinty's and benches make a great area to enjoy them in the weather allows.
Written 15 June 2016
Hi,
Does anyone have any advice about the best way to get here with no car (only using public transport)?
Many thanks
Written 18 July 2015
You need to get a bus 26a 26 c maybe others, from inverness, final destination could be Cromarty. get off in the small village /town of Fortrose by Anderson pub. walk on further 200 yards , pausing at the coop shop for refreshments, walk on 50 yards or so see signpost pointing to right to the Point and golfcourse. Take the right Ness road and follow all way down. through golf course to end. dolphins on left if present. let us know what you see. ideally 3 hours after low tide to 2 hours before high tide, take binoculars and warm clothes No toilets at the end.,
Written 18 July 2015
samanthah876
Stansted Mountfitchet, United Kingdom
What time of year is the best time to spot dolphins at Chanonry point?
Written 20 February 2015
The dolphins are resident so can be seen all year round. As with all sea fishing the best time is at the start of the flood tide, when the incoming tide sweeps in with fresh plankton and small fish, which the bigger fish eat, which get eaten by Salmon, which is what the dolphins like....
Written 21 February 2015
samanthah876
Stansted Mountfitchet, United Kingdom
What time of year is it best to spot dolphins
Written 20 February 2015
We were there in August and one evening there were dolphins everywhere. 2 days later however, nothing! I advise being patient and taking hot drinks (plenty of them), chairs and warm clothes! I think all year round is possible but it's best as the tide is coming in. There's more advice online if you key in moray dolphins.
Good luck!
Written 21 February 2015
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