Wildlife Watching in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
18 September 2025
If you’re craving a getaway that soothes the soul and sparks the senses, wildlife watching in Aberdeenshire offers the perfect balance of calm and discovery. From coastal dolphins to red deer roaming the hills, our region is alive with moments of wonder and best of all, it’s accessible and affordable.
Let nature do the healing. Here’s how to turn your next escape into something wild (and deeply restorative).
Dolphin Spotting
One of the UK’s best spots for viewing bottlenose dolphins? It’s right here in Aberdeen. Head to Torry Battery, just minutes from the city centre, for a chance to see dolphins playing at the harbour mouth, often close enough to spot without binoculars.
Or venture a little further north to Newburgh Beach, where the mouth of the Ythan Estuary is home to both seals and dolphins. Early mornings and calm tides give you the best chance of a sighting, especially in spring and autumn.
Birdwatching on the Coast & Estuaries
Aberdeenshire’s coastlines, lochs, and estuaries are teeming with birdlife all year round. Whether you’re an experienced birder or just looking to enjoy the moment, these peaceful spots offer incredible variety:
RSPB Loch of Strathbeg - The UK’s largest dune loch and a haven for geese, swans, waders, and even otters.
Forvie Nature Reserve - Golden plovers, terns, eiders, and migratory species thrive here. Wrap up, bring a flask, and enjoy the soundtrack of the season.
Deer & Wildlife Walks in Royal Deeside
In the quieter corners of Royal Deeside, you might just spot red squirrels, roe deer or even majestic red deer. Try:
Loch Muick - Nestled beneath Lochnagar, this glen offers peaceful paths and good chances of deer sightings.
Cambus o’May - A gentle forest walk where bird calls echo through the pines, and the occasional squirrel might join you.
Balmoral Estate Trails - Keep an eye out for deer among the hills, particularly in the early morning or just before dusk.
Wildlife Photography Tips & Best Times to Visit
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Golden hours (sunrise and sunset) give you the best light - and the best chance of seeing animals at their calmest.
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Keep a respectful distance - zoom lenses are your friend!
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Pack layers, waterproofs, and binoculars. Even in summer, conditions can shift quickly along the coast or in the hills.
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Spring and autumn are particularly active times for both birds and marine life - but winter brings spectacular migrations too.
Pair with Local Food & Coastal Walks
Make a full day of it: pack a picnic from a local deli or farm shop, or finish with a hearty bowl of Cullen skink at a coastal café. Pair your wildlife moments with scenic walks - from Balmedie’s shifting dunes to the clifftop paths near Stonehaven, nature is never far from the table in Aberdeenshire.
Book Your Wildlife Escape
Ready to swap screen time for sea breezes, and busyness for birdsong? Plan a wildlife-watching break in Aberdeenshire - where nature offers both wonder and wellbeing, all year round.
We’d love to be part of your adventures, tag us @VisitABDN or use our hashtags #VisitABDN or #BeautifulABDN for your chance to feature across our social channels