Discover the Spectacular Wildlife on the North Yorkshire Coast with Wild Eye

Spot dolphins, seals, and whales along Scarborough’s Coastline

Have you ever imagined spotting a bottlenose dolphin diving through the surf, all while standing on a footpath in Scarborough, North Yorkshire? This incredible wildlife experience is more common than you might think! The Scarborough coast is fast becoming a hotspot for wildlife enthusiasts, with increasing numbers of dolphin sightings and more throughout the year.

Dolphins and Wildlife on the Scarborough Coast

In 2023 alone, there were an impressive 458 reported sightings of dolphins along the Scarborough coast. These numbers continue to rise, making this area one of the best spots on the East Coast to witness these majestic creatures up close. But dolphins aren’t the only wildlife to keep an eye out for.

If you take a walk along Marine Drive, specifically up to lamppost number 54, you’ll have a good chance of spotting harbour porpoises, Yorkshire’s most commonly seen cetacean. These elusive creatures can often be spotted just beyond the sea wall, especially during calm seas.

The waters surrounding Scarborough are home to an impressive range of marine life. From fin whales—the second largest mammal on Earth— to humpback whales, seals, and even a wandering walrus, the North Yorkshire coast is teeming with incredible wildlife.

For those with telescopes or out on a boat trip, there’s also the chance of encountering the infamous ‘stinky’ minke whale further out at sea. Though the smallest member of the baleen whale family, measuring up to 10 metres, the minke whale is a fascinating sight for any wildlife lover.

Protecting Marine Life with Sea Watch Foundation

Much of what we know about marine life on the East Coast is thanks to Sea Watch Foundation. This national charity is dedicated to conserving and protecting whales, dolphins, and porpoises in British and Irish waters. Through their monitoring efforts, volunteers help collect invaluable data on the numbers and distribution of marine species across the North Sea.

With climate change impacting ocean ecosystems, the work of Sea Watch Foundation is more crucial than ever. Understanding the movement and habits of marine species helps us gauge the health of our oceans and take action to preserve them.

Explore the wonders of Scarborough’s wildlife

In collaboration with the Sea Watch Foundation, Wild Eye—an initiative by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and Invisible Dust—aims to increase public awareness of the diverse wildlife along the Scarborough coast. Through an exciting blend of art and nature, Wild Eye seeks to inspire a deeper connection to the incredible species found on the North Yorkshire coast, while also raising awareness about the threats posed by biodiversity loss and climate change.

As part of this effort, Wild Eye has been running sea-watching events throughout the year in Scarborough. These events, led by experienced Sea Watch volunteers like Stuart Baines, offer the public a chance to observe local wildlife while learning about the importance of conservation. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or a curious visitor, these sessions are a great opportunity to experience Scarborough’s marine life up close.

Are you ready to discover the rich marine life of the North Yorkshire coast? Join one of Wild Eye’s free sea watching events along Marine Drive! These sessions are open to all and provide a fantastic way to learn about the diverse species that inhabit the waters off Scarborough, from dolphins and seals to whales.

In spring 2025, Wild Eye will also launch an accessible sea watching station along Marine Drive, complete with free telescopes and informative resources on the wildlife of the area.