Pembrokeshire’s Grey Seals If you’re hoping to spot one on your visit, then you don’t have to go to an island to see the seals, for they inhabit almost every cove and beach along the entire 186-mile length of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Coastal Footpath from Amroth in the south to Poppit Sands in the north.
Where can I see seals in Pembrokeshire?
Where to find them: At the foot of the cliffs around Moylegrove, Strumble Head, St Davids and Cemaes Head is a good place to start. The secluded inaccessible beaches make the seals feel safe enough to ‘haul up’ to snooze and digested their latest catch but also to give birth to their fluffy white pups.
Can you see seals in Wales?
Approximately 5,000 grey seals live in the water around West Wales and can be seen all year round. Pups can be seen from September to December. The seal is one of the most charismatic mammals, and populates much of our coastline. They are a joy to watch due to their curious nature, often bobbing up in the water.
What time of year is best to see seals UK?
See them for yourself
The pupping season for grey seals starts as early as August in Cornwall, then September-October in Wales and November-December in Scotland and down the East coast of England.
Where can you see sea lions in Wales?
You can see them in the coastal waters of the country. They live on and around the beautiful sanctuary islands of Skomer, Skokholm, Ramsey, and Caldey in West Wales. But the largest resident colony is located on the headland at Porthdinllaen in North Wales.
When can you see seal pups in Pembrokeshire?
They come ashore to moult in the winter and early spring, and females come ashore to pup in the autumn. You may see them and their fluffy white pups on undisturbed beaches from August to November.
What time do seals come to shore?
Non-Pupping Season (May 16 to December 14)
When it’s hot and sunny, the seals typically leave the beach each morning by 7:00 or 8:00am at the latest. They’ll gradually return to the sand in the late afternoon or early evening, once the shade and/or tide has cooled off the sand.
Where can I see wildlife in Pembrokeshire?
Five Pembrokeshire wildlife highlights
- Llangloffan Fen, near Castlemorris. Th wonderful Llangloffan Fen wetland is part of a ‘valley mire’ which is very rich in wildlife.
- Skomer Island.
- Stack Rocks.
- Strumble Head.
- Slebech Reed Beds, from Minwear Woods.
Which UK beaches have seals?
Best seal-spotting locations in the UK
- Orkney Islands, Scotland.
- Blakeney, Norfolk.
- Various locations along the coast, West Cornwall.
- Donna Nook, Lincolnshire.
- Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire.
- Monach Isles in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland.
- Farne Islands, Northumberland.
- Horsey Gap, Norfolk.
Are there sea lions in Wales?
The adorable female, named Cali, is the first sea lion born at the National Zoo of Wales in 18 years.
Do seals sunbathe on the beach?
“Seals like to sunbathe just like people do. They come ashore to thermoregulate, digest a meal, and to rest. They are semi-aquatic animals and do not need to be wet,” confirms Niemeyer.
Where are the most seals in UK?
Common seals are found all around the coastline of the British Isles with the highest populations around Scotland and along the eastern coast of England.
Do seals sleep on the beach at night?
Seals can sleep both in the water and on land, making it easier for them to choose whatever’s best for their situation to avoid dangers. Seals tend to sleep on land when they’re searching for warmth or when they have pups.
Where can I see dolphins and seals in Wales?
Cardigan Island
It is a favourite spot for dolphins as well as nesting sea birds in the spring, early summer and seals all year round. Access to the island is limited, however the Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park overlooks the island and you can see dolphins and seals from the headland.
Can you see orcas in Wales?
Although we do have a small group of orca who live in British waters, you would be lucky to see them!
Are the seals still at Angel Bay?
Although it has been noted that the grey seals are visible all year round, and therefore tourists and locals regularly come to Angel Bay to spot them and their pups.
Can you pet a seal if it approaches you?
Seals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. It is against the law to touch, feed or otherwise harass seals. Harassment occurs whenever your behavior changes their behavior. The rule is to keep at least 50 yards, four car lengths, away — to give them their space.
Can you touch a seal pup?
Because disturbances by humans can cause newborn pups to be abandoned, people should always view pups from a distance and never move or touch them. To put it simply, leave them alone. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recommends people stay a minimum of 100 yards away. Young seal pups are vulnerable.
Where can I see dolphins in Pembrokeshire?
Porpoises and dolphins are often sighted from the coastal path between Poppit Sands and Strumble. The walk around Dinas Head is another great option for Pembrokeshire dolphin watching. Another well-loved walk in the area is around Ramsey Island, where you can walk along the coastal path from Caerfai bay on a clear day.
Do seals rest on the beach?
Seals are completely adapted to life under water. Nevertheless, you can spot them regularly on the surface. They like to lie in the sun while resting on a sandbar or beach.
Is a seal on the beach OK?
A healthy seal should be left alone. Do not approach a seal, or allow children or dogs near it. Seals are wild animals and although they look cute, they will defend themselves aggressively if necessary. After stormy weather and / or high tides, seals will haul out on beaches to rest and regain their strength.