Yorkshire Wildlife: Marine Life
23/05/2025
Did you know the Yorkshire Coast has some of the most popular spots in the UK for whale watching and dolphin spotting? Here's a guide on how to see them during your visit.
Whales
Whale watching is becoming increasingly popular in Whitby, with whale watching boat excursions available daily. The town was once well known for its whaling fleet, an industry on which it built its fortune hundreds of years ago. The famous Whalebone Arch stands on the harbour as a testament to those past times.
Our coast is home to mostly Minke Whales, which grow to around 28ft and are most regularly seen in late August to September. Lucky watchers may also see Fin Whales and, while rare, Sperm Whales.
The peak whale watching season on the Yorkshire Coast is June to October, with the summer months of August and September offering the best opportunities. Take an early morning or late afternoon boat trip, as these are the times animals are most active. You can find a handful of local cruises available from both Whitby and Scarborough for whale watching in the North Sea. Don't forget your binoculars!
Visit Whitby Coastal Cruises for more information and booking.
Dolphins & Porpoises
Dolphins are frequently spotted off the Yorkshire Coast all year round. We have a mix of Bottlenose Dolphins and Common Dolphins, both of which have been appearing in increasing numbers over the last few years.
Scarborough is a hot spot for spotting dolphins as well as Harbour Porpoises just off the shoreline. Take a boat trip for more up close views and chances of seeing bigger pods of around 15 dolphins at one time - known to be very acrobatic in the open waters and sociable.
Seals
Grey seals are another common marine creature native to our shores here on the Yorkshire Coast. Ravenscar, just up the coast from Whitby, has the biggest colony of seals with over 300 known to live on its rocky beach. Some whale watching cruises make a stop at Ravenscar to see these wonderful creatures in their natural environment.
Seals are known to occasionally haul themselves onto the shores of Cayton Bay and Scarborough beach to rest. They can be easily frightened and cause themselves injury if approached, so keep your distance if you see one taking a nap on the rocks!
Conservation Efforts
Human activity and pollution levels have harmed marine life in Yorkshire's seas through damaged environments and lack of protection. Litter is a huge contributor to pollution. Plastics and other rubbish can be deadly to sea creatures - they are choking hazards and traps for smaller fishes. Don't forget to 'leave no trace behind' when you visit our beaches - take home or dispose of all rubbish and waste before leaving. Learn more about what you can do to help at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
Scarborough Sea Life Centre is home to hundreds of sea creatures in for rehabilitation, conservation and hospitalisation. It is home to Yorkshire's only seal hospital - visit them to learn about the journeys of injured seal pups rescued from our shores every year.
You can also see lots of other marine creatures at the Sea Life Centre including penguins, sharks and otters. Visit their conservation page to learn more about what they do to protect our marine life and rehabilitate those in their care.
