Basking shark
This gentle giant is the largest shark in UK seas, reaching up to 12m in length. There's no need to fear them though, they only eat plankton!
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National Whale and Dolphin Watch: The Rumps
Join Seaquest Southwest’s public seawatch in 2026 National Whale & Dolphin Watch Week to spot wildlife and support marine conservation.
Wildlife Watch Events
Forthcoming Wildlife Watch Events
National Whale and Dolphin Watch: Lizard Point
Join Seaquest Southwest’s public seawatch in 2026 National Whale & Dolphin Watch Week to spot wildlife and support marine conservation.
National Whale and Dolphin Watch: Pencarrow Head
Join Seaquest Southwest’s public seawatch in 2026 National Whale & Dolphin Watch Week to spot wildlife and support marine conservation.
Common dolphin
These energetic dolphins are often spotted in large groups which will approach boats, bowriding and leaping alongside. At sea, they can form superpods - huge groups made up of thousands of…
Respect our Basking sharks!
Thanks to a spell of calm weather and long days, Cornwall’s seas are teaming with plankton which in turn has brought basking sharks to our waters.
Risso’s dolphin
Risso’s dolphins are mysterious creatures usually only found in deep, offshore waters.
White-beaked dolphin
Look out for the distinctive white beak that gives this energetic dolphin its name. Don’t be surprised to see them breach and bowride too!
Bottlenose dolphin
The bottlenose dolphins in our waters are the biggest of their kind – they need to be able to cope with our chilly waters!
Wildlife Patrons: Events
Our Wildlife Patrons have an exciting programme of events each year.
Learn about Cornwall’s dolphins and porpoises
Cornwall is among the best places in the UK to see dolphins and porpoises, and is home to one of the few resident pods of bottlenose dolphins left off the British Isles.