A guide to whales in Cornwall
Cornwall’s coastal waters are home to an array of marine wildlife, including the giants of the sea: whales! While sightings were once extremely rare, this has completely changed as spotting these majestic animals is becoming increasingly more common.
This could be partly due to a population growth, a change in ocean currents and areas of the coast being designated Marine Conservation Zones. Sightings can occur throughout the year, but the best times to spot whales in Cornwall are often during the winter months (December-February) and early spring (March-April).
If you are looking at going on caravan holidays in Cornwall or have already booked a stay in the Duchy, you should look to go whale watching. Read on to learn about the different whales in Cornwall that you can see.
What whales can you see in Cornwall?
- Minke Whale
- Humpback Whale
- Fin Whale
- Sei Whale
- Orca Whale
Minke Whale
Size: 7-10 metres
Minke whales are the most common whale species found in UK waters, and they have a distinctive, narrow, pointed, triangular head with a central ridge. Their dorsal fin is quite tall, and their head and body are dark grey and black with lighter grey on the sides.
The number of sightings of Minke Whales in the waters around Cornwall has been increasing, and the peak time to see them is around April and early May, but they can be seen throughout the year.
Humpback Whale
Size: Up to 18 metres
Humpback whales are being seen more and more in the coastal waters around Cornwall, with the most regular sightings being spotted in late summer and during the winter.
These species of whale are very distinctive with their huge bodies and distinctive faces. Their large, white pectoral fins are around a third of their body length, and they are known for being one of the most charismatic whale species as they will often breach out of the water, and slap their pectoral fins on the water.
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Fin Whale
Size: Up to 26 metres
The Fin whale is the second largest species of whale in the world (second only to the Blue whale), and whilst they are extremely rare in the UK, they are seen at least once a year in Cornish waters.
They are known to be fast swimmers and deep divers, reaching speeds of nearly 30mph and diving over 200 metres deep. Fin whales typically feed on krill, crustaceans, and small fish.
Sei Whale
Size: Up to 20 metres
This whale species is rarely found in the UK, but they have been spotted in the coastal waters around Cornwall.
Their name comes from the Norwegian word for pollack, as their sighting usually means that there are lots of pollack in the water. These whales are unique in how they feed because, unlike other species of whales, they do not gulp feed, but instead skim the water surface with an open mouth.
You are most likely to see this species of whale in late summer.
Orca Whale
Size: Up to 9 metres
There have been several confirmed sightings off the Cornish coast of Orca Whales, also known as Killer Whales. Although these apex predators are known to frequent the waters around the UK coastline, their appearances are sporadic and unpredictable.
The Lizard Peninsula, Mevagissey, and Land’s End are all areas where these magnificent animals have been spotted in recent years, and you could spot Orca Whales on your next holiday in Cornwall.
ALSO READ: What wildlife can you see in Cornwall?
Frequently Asked Questions about whale watching in Cornwall?
Where can you see whales in Cornwall?
To see whales in Cornwall, you should head to areas like Padstow Bay, the waters around Land’s End, the Lizard Peninsula, and you can also try whale watching tours from ports like Falmouth and Penzance. Humpback whales and many other whale species have been frequently spotted in these areas.
When to go whale watching in Cornwall?
Whales can be seen throughout the year, but the frequency of sightings varies depending on the season. The best time to see Humpback Whales is generally from December to March during their migration season.
Are whale watching tours safe?
Yes, whale watching tours in Cornwall are safe and enjoyable experiences as the proper safety measures are in place and passengers are told about the necessary precautions.
There are reputable tour companies that will not get too close to the whales, and they will be able to give you some great insight into the species of whale you see.
How much does whale watching cost in Cornwall?
Whale watching tours in Cornwall can cost anywhere from around £40, but this depends on how long your tour is and what is included in the package. Some tours are around three hours, while others are closer to seven hours, and they naturally cost a lot more.
What are good wildlife watching tours in Cornwall?
Plenty of wildlife watching tour operators in Cornwall will take you on boat trips to see the amazing marine environment that the county boasts. Below are some popular ones you can go on:
Discover Cornwall and its marine wildlife
Cornwall’s coastal waters are full of incredible wildlife, and as our guide details, several whales species visit the region. During your stay at our Cornwall holiday park in Looe you can go on a whale watching tour, and potentially see some of whales that we have featured above.
Book your holiday at Tencreek Holiday Park today and enjoy all that Cornwall has to offer.
