Chanonry Point is a narrow spit of land reaching out into the Moray Firth between the villages of Fortrose and Rosemarkie on the Black Isle, with a white lighthouse at its tip. Here the firth narrows to its tightest point, and the tide races through, bringing salmon and other fish that the resident bottlenose dolphins hunt, sometimes only metres from the shingle beach. The Moray Firth population is the most northerly group of bottlenose dolphins in the world and among the largest in Britain, and watching them leap and chase fish from the shore is one of the great wildlife experiences of the Highlands. The point is free to visit at any time, about twenty-five to thirty minutes' drive from Inverness over the Kessock Bridge.
When to go
Dolphins can be seen year-round, but the best chances are from about May to September, and above all on a rising tide, roughly an hour or two after low tide, when fish are carried through the narrows. Check the tide times before you go and be prepared to wait; patience is usually rewarded. Bring binoculars, warm layers and a waterproof, as the point is exposed. Across the water you can see Fort George, and seals, porpoises and seabirds are common too.
Getting there and parking
From Inverness, cross the Kessock Bridge and follow the road to Fortrose, then the narrow lane past the golf course to the car park at the point. The car park is small and fills quickly on summer days, so arrive early or park in Fortrose or Rosemarkie and walk along the beach, which takes around twenty to thirty minutes. Do not block the golf course road or passing places.
Making a day of it
Combine Chanonry Point with the charming villages of the Black Isle. Rosemarkie has a sandy beach, a café and the Groam House Museum of Pictish stones; Fortrose has a ruined cathedral; and Cromarty, at the tip of the peninsula, is a beautifully preserved Georgian town with good cafés and a seafood restaurant. Boat trips from Inverness and Cromarty also look for dolphins on the water if you prefer to get closer. Watch from the shore without disturbing the animals, and never try to swim with or feed them.
What to expect
The experience
Free shore-based wildlife watching from a shingle spit and lighthouse where dolphins feed close to land.
Best time
A rising tide between about May and September, roughly an hour or two after low tide.
How long
One to two hours, including some patient waiting.
Tips
Check tide times, bring binoculars and warm layers, arrive early for parking or walk in from Fortrose or Rosemarkie.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Wildlife lovers and anyone hoping to see dolphins without a boat.
- Families
- Great for children, though the wait can test patience; bring snacks and layers.
- Couples
- Watch the dolphins, then lunch in Cromarty or Rosemarkie.
- Pair with
- Cromarty, Rosemarkie beach and Fort George across the water.
- Time needed
- A half day with the Black Isle villages.
Good questions
When is the best time to see dolphins at Chanonry Point?+
Between about May and September on a rising tide, roughly an hour or two after low tide.
Is it free?+
Yes. The point is open at all times and there is no charge.
How far is it from Inverness?+
About twenty-five to thirty minutes by car over the Kessock Bridge.
Is parking easy?+
The car park is small and fills fast in summer; you can also park in Fortrose or Rosemarkie and walk.
Are sightings guaranteed?+
No, but they are frequent in summer, and patience on the right tide gives the best chance.
