Cornwall is a treasure trove for lovers of the great outdoors, both on land and underwater. With its picturesque coastline, hidden coves, and rich marine habitats, this wildly beautiful region offers incredible opportunities to see the wonders of nature.
Whether you’re a wildlife expert or a curious tourist, this guide will take you through the best of wildlife spotting in Cornwall.
Why is Cornwall so good for wildlife spotting?
Nestled in the southwestern tip of England, Cornwall is renowned for its weather and the incredible wildlife it attracts. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, this little corner of England showcases rugged cliffs, golden beaches, and serene waterways, creating a diverse environment that attracts a wide range of animals.
Cornwall’s mild climate and the convergence of warm and cold ocean currents foster a thriving marine ecosystem. From majestic marine mammals to tiny creatures hidden in rockpools, this region’s biodiversity makes it one of the best places in the UK to observe wildlife in its natural habitat.
Animals you can see in Cornwall
Seals
Cornwall’s coastline is home to two species of seals: the common seal (Phoca vitulina) and the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus). Grey seals are the larger of the two and can be identified by their long, sloping faces, while common seals have smaller, rounder heads and V-shaped nostrils.
You can often spot seals lounging on rocky shores or sandbanks in places like Godrevy, the Lizard Peninsula, and the Isles of Scilly. While they might seem lazy on land, underwater they are particularly active, where they are known for their playful behaviour and curious interactions with kayakers and boats.
Autumn is a great time to see them, as it’s pupping season for grey seals, so you’ll get the chance to spot adorable seal pups.
Sharks
Cornwall’s waters occasionally host the basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus), the second-largest fish in the world, and the small spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula), also known as the lesser spotted dogfish.
Despite its incredible size, the basking shark is a gentle giant that feeds on plankton. It’s easily recognisable by its enormous mouth and dorsal fin cutting through the water along Cornwall’s coastline.
In contrast, the lesser spotted dogfish is a small, speckled bottom-dweller, often seen closer to the seabed where they feed on crustaceans and other smaller fish.
Basking sharks are most commonly seen between May and October during their feeding migrations. Offshore areas and clear, calm days increase your chances of spotting one. To learn more about the elusive small spotted catshark, check out our dedicated post here.
Puffins
The Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica) is one of Cornwall’s most iconic sights. They are famous for their vibrant orange beak, black and white feathers, and the way that they waddle when they walk.
Despite their infantile appearance, puffins are skilled divers, using their wings to ‘fly’ underwater while hunting for fish.
Puffin Island, located off Cornwall’s coast, is the ideal spot to observe puffins from April through to August during the breeding season.
During these months, the birds are at their most active, tending to their young and darting through the water in search of food.
Dolphins and minke whales
Cornish waters are often visited by pods of dolphins, including common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins, which you’ve probably seen on nature programmes leaping out of the water. Although they’re definitely rarer, minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) have been sighted off the coast, feeding on shoals of fish during their migration.
Dolphins can be spotted in areas like Falmouth and Penzance, often seen riding the bow waves of boats or leaping through the air. Summer is the best time to see them, as warmer waters are a perfect attraction for a great variety of marine life.
When minke whales decide to show themselves on Cornwall’s coast, they’re usually further out, providing a rare reward for those lucky enough to spot them.
Rockpool creatures: Starfish, coral, crabs, shrimps & more!
Cornwall’s rockpools are teeming with life, offering a closer look at smaller but equally fascinating coastline residents.
Starfish, crabs, shrimps, and vibrant coral species thrive in these intertidal zones, with great opportunities for food as well as protection from large predators.
The best time to explore rockpools is during low tide when the pools are fully exposed. Beaches like Polzeath and Perranporth are perfect for a family-friendly rock-pooling adventure.
Remember to tread carefully to avoid disturbing these delicate ecosystems. For more top tips on rock-pooling, take a look at our guide here.
What to do if you see wildlife in Cornwall
Spotting wildlife can be a wonderful experience, but it’s crucial to act responsibly to protect both the animals you see and yourself.
You should always keep a respectful distance to avoid causing stress or harm to the animals and never touch or pick up wildlife, as this can interfere with their natural behaviour. If you’re accompanied by pets, ensure they are kept on a lead to prevent them from disturbing the animals.
Noise is also best kept to a minimum – loud noises or sudden movements can scare wildlife away.
By following these simple guidelines, you’ll help preserve Cornwall’s wildlife while still being able to enjoy its beauty.
See More at Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay!
To learn more about Cornwall’s incredible marine life, why not visit Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay? Situated on the north coast of the region, our aquarium offers an engaging and educational experience, whatever the weather.
While you’re at Blue Reef Newquay, you can spot a whole host of marine life, some of which are quite peculiar. In our blog, 10 Weird and Wonderful Creatures at Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay, we’ll tell you which weird creatures you can look out for that are sure to excite family and friends when you tell them about your trip.
Cornwall’s diverse wildlife offers unforgettable experiences for nature lovers of all ages. Whether you’re spotting seals basking on the rocks, watching dolphins leap through the waves, or peering into rockpools, this beautiful county is a true paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.