Cornwall is not only known for its stunning coastline and sandy beaches but also for the diverse marine life that inhabits its coastal waters. A popular wildlife attraction in the area is the opportunity to spot seals, both the grey and common varieties, in their natural habitats.
In this blog post, you'll find out where to see seals in Cornwall with our top 12 spots! From Looe to Godrevy Point, discover the best places to observe these fascinating creatures, along with the best times to visit and tips for a great seal-watching experience.
There are numerous locations along the rugged Cornish coastline that provide ideal vantage points to observe these fascinating marine mammals. Read on to find out where!
Looking for another fun activity? Check out my top 7 wineries in Cornwall.
Jump to:
Best times to see seals in Cornwall
Seals can be observed all year round in Cornwall, as they are non-migratory creatures that generally remain close to their birthplace. However, there are specific periods when the likelihood of spotting seals and their pups is higher.
In Cornwall, the pupping season for seals usually starts in August and may continue until December. During this time, you have a greater chance of witnessing seal pups alongside their parents on the shore or in the water.
Seals tend to "haul out" and bask on beaches and rocks when the weather is favourable. Although they can be spotted throughout the year, visiting Cornwall on a sunny day could enhance your chances of seeing seals on land.
Responsible seal-watching guidelines
The key is to always maintain a respectful distance from seals and nesting sites. Getting too close can disturb their natural behaviours and lead to them becoming stressed. Use binoculars or a zoom lens on your camera to observe seals from a safe distance.
Avoid making loud noises or sudden movements, as this may startle the seals and cause them to retreat into the water. If possible, watch seals from an elevated position, such as a cliff, to minimise your impact on their environment.
Seal rescue and conservation
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary, located in Gweek, is a renowned rescue and rehabilitation center committed to the care and conservation of seals.
Visitors to the sanctuary have the opportunity to observe animal welfare in progress and learn about the compelling rescue stories of seals and sea lions during their visit.
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary primarily concentrates on the health and well-being of two seal species native to Cornwall: the common seal and the rare grey seal.
As part of their conservation initiatives, the sanctuary also partners with the Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust (founded by Sue Sayer), which is dedicated to monitoring the seal population along the coastline and nearby areas. Seals from Cornwall have been spotted in various locations such as Devon, Dorset, Somerset, the Isle of Man, Wales, France, Ireland, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
Top places to spot seals in Cornwall
1. Mutton Cove, Godrevy Point
Located near Godrevy Lighthouse, Mutton Cove is an excellent place to spot grey seals, especially during the summer months.
The best way to see them is by walking the South West Coast Path from the National Trust car park at Godrevy Point. Low tide is the best time to catch a glimpse of these resting seals on the rocky outcrops. Bring a pair of binoculars for the best views!
2. Seal Island, St Ives Bay
A boat trip to Seal Island (from St Ives Harbour) is one of the best ways to see large colonies of grey seals, harbour seals (also known as common seals), and even some common dolphins. During the summer months, you might also spot basking sharks, Manx shearwaters, and leatherback turtles in the surrounding waters.
3. Looe Island, South Cornwall
A visit to Looe Island Nature Reserve, managed by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, offers a great way to see seals and other marine animals, like harbour porpoises and ocean sunfish. The island is accessible by boat, and the best time to spot seals is during low tide.
4. Land's End, West Cornwall
At the southwestern tip of Cornwall, Land's End features rugged cliffs and coastal waters teeming with marine life. The best spots to see seals include Goose Slade Point, and a little further south at Gwennap Head.
5. St Ives Bay, West Cornwall
St Ives Bay is home to a significant grey seal population, making it an excellent place for seal spotting. Seals can often be seen from the coastal walks on either side of the town, resting on rocky outcrops, and swimming in the bay.
6. Lizard Point, South Cornwall
Lizard Point is the southernmost point of the British mainland and a fantastic spot to see grey seal pups, particularly during the pupping season in autumn.
7. St Mawes
Located near the coastal village of St Mawes, the National Trust Car Park at St Anthony's beach offers good views of seals frolicking in the water. This great spot is best visited during low tide when seals come closer to the shore to feed on sand eels and other marine creatures.
8. Padstow Sealife Safaris
Padstow is another fantastic location for seal-watching in Cornwall. Padstow Sealife Safaris offer seal-watching boat trips from the harbour, led by experienced guides. You'll need to book these trips in advance.
9. Trevose Head
The South West Coast Path provides numerous opportunities for seal watching along the Cornish coast including the cliff tops near Trevose Head (owned by the National Trust). The headland at Trevose is located 5 miles west of Padstow and is a popular place to spot dolphins too.
10. Polurrian Beach, Mullion
Polurrian Beach is situated between Poldhu Beach and Mullion Cove, and can be accessed by the cliff paths on either side. Although it's a popular spot for dog walking, the beach is also home to common seals during the summer months, most likely due to its sheltered location. Once a small number of seals have arrived and hauled up on the beach, it is typically closed to the public, which in turn attracts more seals. Visitors can view the seals from the cliffs above the beach.
11. Pendennis Point, Falmouth
Unlike other areas with high cliffs and nesting birds, Pendennis Point is relatively flat, making it a great spot for seal-watching. Visitors can often observe seals hauled up at the mouth of the river.
12. Porthgwarra and Gwennap Head
The area's Coastwatch station overlooks a large number of rocks beneath the cliffs, which attract grey seals to haul out. Visitors can often spot the seals at the base of the cliffs, and with the aid of binoculars, even out at sea.
Frequently asked questions
Mutton Cove at Godrevy Point in West Cornwall is a great spot to observe wild seals, especially during low tide when they bask on the beach. The cove is a protected, sheltered bay where a resident colony of grey seals can be viewed from the cliff tops.
There are several seals that are famous in Cornwall, but one that stands out is a grey seal named Sammy who became a popular attraction at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek. Sammy was rescued as a pup in 2013 and was hand-reared by the sanctuary staff. He gained fame for his playful antics and friendly personality, and visitors often come to see him during their visit to the sanctuary. Another was Nelson the Seal, a well-known presence at Looe harbour for more than 25 years. This one-eyed grey seal made his home on Looe Island but would often swim over to the harbour to entertain the tourists and locals.
Seals are present in Cornwall year-round, but the best time to see them is during the breeding season, which typically runs from August to December, with the peak months in October and November. During this time, many seal pups are born, and it's common to see large haul-outs of seals on the beaches
The best time to spot them is during low tide when they haul out of the water and bask on the beaches or rocky outcrops. Early morning or late afternoon/sunset when the tide is low can be good times to see seals.
If you're looking for a chance to swim with seals in the wild, two recommended spots are Mount's Bay and St Ives Bay. While seals are known to pass through or feed in these areas, they are not near their haul-out locations, so there is less risk of disturbing them during their resting time.
1. Mutton Cove, Godrevy Point
2. Seal Island, St Ives Bay
3. Looe Island
4. Land's End
5. St Ives Bay
6. Lizard Point
7. St Mawes
8. Padstow Sealife Safaris
9. Trevose Head
10. Polurrian Beach, Mullion
11. Pendennis Point
12. Porthgwarra and Gwennap Head
Seal Watching: A Recap
There are plenty of seal spotting opportunities along the coastline of Cornwall, especially during the pupping season which typically begins in August. While this article highlights the top 12 spots, it's worth noting that seals can also be seen in other locations if you're lucky. So, keep your eyes peeled!
You might also like
7 Best Places To See Dolphins in Cornwall
Best Boat Trips from Newquay Cornwall
7 Best Theme Parks in Cornwall
Top 8 Must Visit Zoos in Cornwall
17 Best Places To Stay in Cornwall with a Hot Tub
21+ Best Places to Eat in Bude
Best Carp Fishing Lakes in Cornwall
Don't forget to subscribe to the newsletter to stay up to date with what's happening in Cornwall!
