The United Kingdom is home to a stunning array of marine life, from playful dolphins to colorful coral reefs. Many of these incredible creatures and habitats are hidden away in secret spots that only the most curious and adventurous nature lovers know about. Here are 10 of the best hidden spots to see incredible UK marine life.
1. Lundy Island, Devon
Located off the coast of Devon, Lundy Island is a haven for marine life. The waters around the island are home to seals, dolphins, and even the occasional basking shark. The island also has a thriving population of puffins, which can be seen nesting on the cliffs from April to July.
2. St Abbs and Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve, Scotland
This hidden gem on the Scottish coast is home to an incredible variety of marine life, including seals, dolphins, and even minke whales. The reserve also has a stunning underwater landscape of caves, tunnels, and coral reefs that are perfect for diving and snorkeling.
3. The Menai Strait, Wales
The Menai Strait, which separates the island of Anglesey from mainland Wales, is a hidden spot that is teeming with marine life. The strait is home to seals, dolphins, and even the occasional orca. It’s also a great spot for birdwatching, with oystercatchers, curlews, and other wading birds often seen along the shore.
4. The Farne Islands, Northumberland
The Farne Islands, located off the coast of Northumberland, are a hidden spot that is home to an incredible variety of marine life. The islands are home to seals, puffins, and even the occasional dolphin. Visitors can take boat trips around the islands to see the wildlife up close.
5. The Isles of Scilly, Cornwall
The Isles of Scilly, located off the coast of Cornwall, are a hidden spot that is home to an incredible variety of marine life. The waters around the islands are crystal clear and home to seals, dolphins, and even the occasional basking shark. The islands are also a great spot for birdwatching, with puffins, guillemots, and other seabirds often seen along the cliffs.
6. The Sound of Mull, Scotland
The Sound of Mull, located between the Scottish mainland and the Isle of Mull, is a hidden spot that is home to an incredible variety of marine life. The sound is home to seals, dolphins, and even the occasional minke whale. It’s also a great spot for diving and snorkeling, with stunning underwater landscapes of caves and tunnels to explore.
7. The Llyn Peninsula, Wales
The Llyn Peninsula, located in north Wales, is a hidden spot that is home to an incredible variety of marine life. The waters around the peninsula are home to seals, dolphins, and even the occasional basking shark. The peninsula is also a great spot for birdwatching, with choughs, peregrine falcons, and other birds of prey often seen along the cliffs.
8. The Moray Firth, Scotland
The Moray Firth, located in northeast Scotland, is a hidden spot that is home to an incredible variety of marine life. The firth is home to seals, dolphins, and even the occasional orca. It’s also a great spot for whale watching, with minke whales and other species often seen in the waters.
9. The Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales
The Pembrokeshire Coast, located in southwest Wales, is a hidden spot that is home to an incredible variety of marine life. The waters around the coast are home to seals, dolphins, and even the occasional basking shark. The coast is also a great spot for birdwatching, with puffins, guillemots, and other seabirds often seen along the cliffs.
10. The Shetland Islands, Scotland
The Shetland Islands, located off the coast of Scotland, are a hidden spot that is home to an incredible variety of marine life. The waters around the islands are home to seals, dolphins, and even the occasional orca. The islands are also a great spot for birdwatching, with puffins, guillemots, and other seabirds often seen along the cliffs. Visitors can take boat trips around the islands to see the wildlife up close and even spot the elusive otters that call the islands home.
Becky is a fervent wildlife enthusiast and pet care expert with a diploma in canine nutrition. Her love for animals stretches beyond the domestic, embracing the wild tapestry of global fauna. With over a decade of experience in animal welfare, Becky lends her expertise to OutlandishOwl through insightful articles, captivating wildlife information, and invaluable guidance on pet nutrition. Her work embodies a deep commitment to understanding the intricate lives of animals and a passion for educating others on sustaining natural habitats. Becky's hands-on conservation efforts and her knack for translating complex dietary science into practical pet feeding tips make her an indispensable voice for creatures great and small.
