making a splash

Marine Life Near Fort William

Here is some of the Marine life near Fort William and the surrounding Coast, Lochs, Rivers & Streams.

Orca

Scotland’s group of killer whales are visible all year around, however due to the limited size of their pod sightings are rare. If you get incredibly lucky you may be able to see one from a wildlife cruise from Mallaig.

Some spots you can visit for a chance to see the Orca Wildlife cruise from Mallaig, Isle of Rum, Isle of Mull, Isle of Eigg

Minke Whale

The Minke Whale is the most common whale around Scotland. Minke Whales are often spotted close to land on the west coast of Scotland. You are most likely to spot the Orcas between July and September, but there is a chance you may see them between May and October too.

Some spots you can visit for a chance to see the Orca Wildlife cruise from Mallaig, Isle of Rum, Isle of Mull, Isle of Eigg

Dolphins

There are a number of dolphins off of the West coast of Scotland. While it’s possible you may spot them all year round, the best time to spot a dolphin is between May and September, as they prefer the calmer and sunnier sea conditions.

For a chance to see the dolphins, try the Orca Wildlife cruise from Mallaig, Isle of Rum, Isle of Mull, Isle of Eigg

Basking Sharks

The second biggest fish in the world, these sharks can be spotted swimming slowly and basking in the sun. Your best bet to spot a basking shark is between May and September. No one really knows where they head to in the winter months.

For a chance to see the sharks, try the Orca Wildlife cruise from Mallaig, Isle of Rum, Isle of Mull, Isle of Eigg

Seals

Lovely seals can be seen around the lochs and coasts of Western Scotland. Your best bet to spot one is the wildlife cruise from Mallai,g or one of the cruises on Loch Linnhe, Loch Shiel or the Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary.

For a chance to see the seals try Loch Linnhe, Loch Shiel, Isle of Mull, Isle of Rum, or the Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary

Salmon

Salmon can be found and fished on the River Lochy which is just over the field from Highwinds Holiday Lodge. For more information on fishing around the Highlands, including permits please visit our attractions page.

For a chance to see the salmon, head to River Lochy, Loch Linnhe

Sea Eagles

One of the largest birds of prey. There are around 40 pairs now nesting in Scotland. If you take a day trip to the Isle of Mull, you may want to consider including the Isle of Mull Sea Eagle Adventure!

For a chance to see the sea eagles head to the IIsle of Mull, Isle of Rum, Cuil Bay

Otters

The otter was lost from most of England and Wales between the 1950s and 1970s, but survived in Scotland’s cleaner bodies of water in the north and west.

For a chance to see the otters, heda to Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve, Cuil Bay, Allt Mhuic Butterfly Reserve, Isle of Eigg and Isle of Rum

Loch Ness Monster

Loch Ness has the largest volume of fresh water in Great Britain, so there is a fair amount of space for Nessie to hide!. Take one of the Loch Ness cruises and see if you can get a rare sighting of the mythical beast!

For a chance to see the Loch Ness Monster,:head of Loch Ness!