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Up Close and Personal: Experiencing Chanonry Point's Dolphins and Seals

Hey there, fellow wanderers and adventure-seekers! Today, I'm thrilled to share with you one of my favorite spots on this planet: Chanonry Point in bonnie Scotland. So, grab your tartan scarf and let's dive into this enchanting tale!


Chanonry Point Lighthouse stands tall against a backdrop of stormy skies, overlooking a rocky beach.

Located on the Black Isle, just a short jaunt from Inverness, Chanonry Point isn't your ordinary tourist trap. Nope, this hidden gem holds a secret weapon: dolphins! Yes, you heard me right. Dolphins! 🐬


Picture this: You're standing on the rugged coastline, the salty breeze teasing your hair, as you scan the horizon for signs of movement. Suddenly, there it is—a sleek dorsal fin slicing through the waves. Your heart races with excitement as a pod of playful dolphins frolics in the sparkling waters below.


But wait, there's more! Chanonry Point isn't just about the dolphins (although they're definitely the stars of the show). There were quite a few seals as well! The seals would pop up in the surf here and there, poke their heads out and look around. It was so fun to watch and try to find more of them.


Did you know that Chanonry Point is renowned for having one of the best dolphin-watching experiences in the UK? Yep, these majestic creatures, known as bottlenose dolphins, are regular visitors to these shores, delighting visitors with their acrobatic displays.



Further up from the water stands Chanonry Lighthouse. It is situated on the Black Isle, south of Rosemarkie, as the Moray Firth narrows between Chanonry Point and Fort George. It was established in 1846 by Alan Stevenson and had a 'lightkeeper' until it was fully automated in 1984 and became remotely monitored. The lighthouse was fully fenced while we were there, making it seem as if it was out of use - but b/c the coastline is so rocky, I don't think this will ever be the case. It might just be that they are creating another layer of prevention for people trying to get into the lighthouse?


Here's another fun fact: Chanonry Point gets its name from the nearby village of Chanonry, which in turn takes its name from the Scottish Gaelic "Seann Àird," meaning "old headland." See, learning can be fun!


Kelp strands washed ashore on the beach near Chanonry Point Lighthouse.

So, whether you're a nature lover or just someone looking for a bit of magic in their life, Chanonry Point has something for everyone. So pack your bagpipes (or maybe just your camera), and check out this gem!


Until next time, keep exploring and chasing those dolphin dreams! 🌊✨

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