A popular and iconic destination for many visiting Cornwall has been named the best to see marine wildlife.

Research from travel experts Planet Cruise has revealed Land’s End has topped the top ten list of places to see marine wildlife in the UK. 

Falmouth and Penzance have also been named in the top 20 list of best places across the country which suggests that Cornwall is a top spot within the UK for spotting marine animals.

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The study looked at interest and search volumes for specific marine wildlife in UK towns and cities to decipher the ranking.

A spokesperson for Planet Cruise said: “Many holiday goers are looking to blend their next getaway with a sense of adventure.

"With searches for ‘dolphin watching’ up by +43 per cent in the last 12 months, it’s obvious many are looking for the perfect location to observe and make a connection with the world’s most beloved marine animals.”

As well as this, Planet Cruise has also shared the best times to spot marine wildlife in the UK, as well as some do’s and don’t when observing marine wildlife.

The top UK locations for seeing marine wildlife including the number of searches and most popular marine animal:

Lands’ End

14,800

Grey Seal

Angel Bay, Llandudno, North Wales

6,660

Blue shark

Isle of Man

5,650

Blue shark 

Clyde, Scotland

3,270

Orca

Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire

2,920

Puffin

Shetland Islands, Scotland

1,920

Blue shark

Cardigan Bay, Wales

1,830

Bottlenose dolphin

Orkney, Scotland

1,830

Puffin

Labrador Bay, Devon

1,620

Grey seal

The Farne Islands, Northumberland 

1,380

Puffin

According to the research, people search for marine life in Land’s End an average of 14,800 times a month, meaning there’s plenty of interest in spotting sea life in the area.

The travel experts at Planet Cruise spoke to Danny Groves from Whale and Dolphin Conservation to share the top tips on how to respectfully observe marine wildlife.

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Danny said:  “As more people are visiting the coast and enjoying taking to the water, the potential of harm to whales and dolphins is growing, especially at peak holiday times.

"People should be aware that it is illegal to disturb whales and dolphins in the UK and some other countries and could result in a hefty fine.” 

The top DO’s and DON’TS when observing marine wildlife 

DO

• Keep your distance. Avoid getting too close, especially if calves are present.

• Approach carefully from behind and to the side, make sure you are aware of best practice.

• Three is a crowd – there should never be more than two boats within the 300 metre ‘caution zone’

• Don’t overstay your welcome – 15 minutes is enough.

• Avoid repeated disturbance; consider staying away if the wildlife has already spent a prolonged period with vessels nearby.

DON'T

• Make sudden changes to speed and direction.

• Approach from directly in front or behind.

• Drive between or scatter groups, especially mothers and calves.

• Chase or repeatedly approach individuals.

• Box them in – take care not to trap individuals between your vessel and other vessels or the shore.

• Swim with them or try to touch or feed them.

For more information about the top marine wildlife locations to visit, please visit  https://www.planetcruise.com/en/best-marine-wildlife-hotspots-worldwide.