In our area

Scilly's seas abound with wildlife, including a variety of cetacean species including harbour porpoises, common dolphins, minke whales and even bigger species like humpback and fin whales. One of the best ways to see marine mammals is to watch from Scilly's many headlands (like Peninnis or Deep Point on St Mary's, Wingletang on St Agnes, Shipman Head Down on Bryher, Castle Down on Tresco or from the Daymark on St Martin's) or to head out on a WiSE accredited boat operator offshore. Cetaceans don't generally come between the islands, so a trip to the Western Rocks, Eastern Isles or beyond will give you the best opportunities to see them. You can also spot plentiful wildlife on the Scillonian III crossing from Penzance with Isles of Scilly Travel.

Harbour porpoises are very shy compared to their dolphin cousins, so you'll be lucky to see more than a dark fin and a bit of the back breaking the surface once or twice before they disappear. Look beneath diving gannets and big flocks of gulls for a chance to spot fins breaking the surface beneath - both birds and cetaceans will make the most of big shoals of fish or bait balls.