Scarborough’s coastline is a top spot for marine wildlife enthusiasts, with over 350 sightings of dolphins, porpoises, and even whales in the last year.
Its year-round resident population of harbour porpoises makes it one of the best places in the UK for nearshore sightings, as the areas serves as a crucial nursery and calving ground. Bottlenose dolphins, known for their playful behaviour, can also be observed regularly throughout the year as they forage for food along the coast. Sightings of seals and pods of dolphins are common, along with frequent visits from minke whales and even occasional sightings of majestic humpback whales. The area’s rich marine biodiversity and easy access for observation further solidify its reputation as a standout location for nature lovers.
Scarborough Porpoise: Champion of Scarborough’s Marine Life
Stuart Baines, editor of Scarborough Porpoise, and Wild Eye, are collaborating to organise free sea watching events along Scarborough’s Marine Drive, inviting both newcomers and seasoned volunteers to observe dolphins, porpoises, and whales in their natural habitat. These events, open to all, provide a unique opportunity to learn about the marine species that call Yorkshire’s coastline home and how to support the ongoing conservation efforts.
Wild Eye also hosts a series of talks with Stuart, where he shares his extensive knowledge of Scarborough’s marine wildlife, including insights on bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoise, minke whales and other wildlife that visit or reside on our coast. Looking ahead, Wild Eye is excited to announce the installation of an accessible sea watching station along Marine Drive, set to open in Spring 2025.
All photos used in the presentation are taken by Stuart Baines, unless credited otherwise.
Sea Watching Station
Wild Eye is creating a sea watching station along Marine Drive to offer insights into marine wildlife for locals and visitors. The station will feature free sea watching telescopes, including one that is wheelchair-accessible, and a durable mosaic artwork by Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller, inspired by Scarborough’s sea life and Roman history. The station is expected to open in late March 2025.
Identifying Yorkshire’s Coastal Wildlife
Discover the incredible marine wildlife and birds that grace the coastline of Scarborough by downloading our free Marine Megafauna and Bird Identification Sheet!
From playful bottlenose dolphins and majestic minke whales to northern gannets and great cormorants, this guide will help you identify the fascinating species that can be spotted from Marine Drive in Scarborough.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a curious visitor, or a seasoned birdwatcher, this resource is your perfect companion for exploring the vibrant biodiversity of the Yorkshire coast.
Other Projects Protecting UK Marine Life
Sea Watch Foundation is a UK-based national marine environmental charity dedicated to the conservation of whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Its core mission is to protect these marine species and their habitats through a combination of scientific research, public engagement, and policy advocacy.
The Citizen Fins project combines research and citizen science photo-identification data of bottlenose dolphins, to help understand how the pattern of movements of bottlenose dolphins along the east coast of Scotland and into North East England is changing. Knowing about dolphin movements assists population monitoring and evaluation of the potential impacts of offshore developments on these animals along the east coasts of Scotland and England.
Sustainable Wildlife Tours: Exploring Scarborough’s Marine Wildlife
Scarborough is home to several dedicated boat companies that offer responsible wildlife tours, prioritising the conservation of marine mammals and their habitats. These operators are committed to providing unforgettable experiences while adhering to strict guidelines designed to protect the well-being of the animals they encounter. Each company ensures that their crew is trained in marine mammal respect and best practices for wildlife observation.
Sea Songs Soundwalk
Sea Songs is a sound art project inspired by North Yorkshire’s marine heritage and wildlife. The project is created by sound artist Rob Mackay and students from Scarborough Sixth Form.
Sound artist Rob Mackay has created a sound piece, weaving together a rich collage of recordings made by both him and the students involved in the project. It attempts to evoke a deep connection to the more-than-human world we inhabit and invites us to open our ears to the strange and often unheard soundscape that exists just metres from the shoreline.
