Wildlife Watching in Cornwall: Seals, Dolphins & More

Posted by Select Cornwall

on 09/09/2025

 

Home to an extensive collection of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB’s), Cornwall is well known for its impressive wild side and diverse array of creatures!  

It’s no wonder why visitors flock to the area to spot their favourite animals so read on to hear our tips and tricks to join in on the action!  

 

 

10 Most Popular Wildlife Species Found In Cornwall:

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- European Otter

- Common Seal

- Leatherback Turtle

- Humpback Whale

- Sand Lizard

- Golden Eagle

- Thresher Shark

- Puffin

- Short and Long snouted Seahorse

- Bats (SO many species!)  

 

Top 3 Wildlife Watching Spots:

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- Puffin Island, Padstow:

Home to one of just two Puffin colonies in Cornwall but that’s not it! You can also spot other seabirds, seals, dolphins, and even whales!

- Godrevy, Hayle:

Probably one of the most popular spots for seal watching! Walk along the coastline at low-tide and you could spot groups of grey seals lounging in the coves.

- Falmouth Bay:

The perfect spot for some of the larger marine animals like Basking Sharks, Minke Whales, and Orcas! Falmouth also acts as a starting point for a number of ‘sea safaris’ where you can set out to sea with seasoned wildlife spotting experts!  

 

Cornwall’s Animal sanctuaries:

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- Cornwall Seal Sanctuary, Gweek

- Cornish Birds of Prey, Saint Columb

- Flicka Donkey Sanctuary, Penryn

 

Top tips for Spotting Wildlife:

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-  Wrap up warm! The weather in Cornwall is always changing so make sure you’re prepared for a surprise downpour or two!

-  Don’t forget your binoculars! (a cheap pair is always better than none)

-  Join local Facebook groups! There are tons of popular Facebook groups in Cornwall where locals will post recent sightings- these will be your best bet at catching the more elusive wildlife!  

 

 

Looking for somewhere to stay on your next wild adventure? Click here to check out our cottages, apartments, and lodges across Cornwall…