The Marine Reserve is a great place to look out for marine mammals, and the coast path that runs the length of the Reserve is the best vantage point.

Grey seals can be seen almost anywhere along the coast at just about any time of year. Often they can be seen bottling, floating upright in the water, which is how they often snooze. Sometimes they may be seen hauled out on rocks and beaches. In the autumn and early winter, it is not uncommon to come across a seal pup looking deserted and forlorn on a beach. However, unless there is an obvious sign of injury this is just what seals do so do not approach them, as they can give a nasty bite!

Whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans) can be seen throughout the year but the summer is the time when there are the most sightings. The harbour porpoise is the species most commonly seen, but it is worth also looking out for bottle-nosed and white beaked dolphins and minke whales.

When searching for cetaceans the best things to look out for are large groups of seabirds gathering where the food is good, for instance large shoals of fish. Gannets are the easiest to spot as they are huge and brilliantly white and so can be seen from afar, diving at speed. Slowly scan the surface of the water, and remember that patience is a virtue. Do not expect to be wowed by creatures leaping clear of the water in front of your eyes as often, all you will see will be a brief glimpse of a fin, or spray from a blowhole.