Marine Life

The Moray Firth is recognised as an area of outstanding natural beauty and internationally important for the population of Bottlenose Dolphins resident in the Firth, estimated to number about 130. Harbour Porpoises are also regularly encountered and Minke Whales occasionally seen during summer months. Grey and Common Seals may be spotted basking on rocks. Birdwatching opportunities include Guillemots, Razorbills, Gannets, Fulmars ,Kittiwakes and occasional Red Throated Divers and Puffins.

Wildlife Marine Tours

Based at Buckie Harbour about 4 miles from the hotel. Sailing up to three times daily during the season with groups of twelve on 2½ hr cruises, Gemini Explorer is a 72 ft former RNLI lifeboat and has an on-board Marine Biologist, underwater video cameras, Olex Sea Scan System, flatscreen display and a fully equipped galley. Gemini Explorer is also available for charter. For further details please visit www.geminiexplorer.co.uk .

The Wildlife Centre

Beautifully situated at the mouth of the River Spey about 10 minutes from the hotel, is housed in an 18th century salmon fishing station. Visit the Centre for the free exhibition of local wildlife, café and gift shop. Osprey can frequently be seen feeding near the Centre during summer months and many other exciting bird species including the enigmatic oystercatcher. Otters may be seen on the river banks. For further details please visit www.wdcs.org/wildlifecentre .

Sailingwild

Situated at Lossiemouth Harbour, about 25 mins from the hotel. SY Dolphinicity, their 36 ft ketch sails daily taking visitors on 2 to 2½ hr cruises of the Moray Firth, a marine wildlife adventure. Private charter is available by arrangement. For further details please visit www.sailingwild.com .

Macduff Marine Aquarium

This aquarium, on the coast about half an hour east of the hotel, displays hundreds of local sea creatures. Wolf fish, rays, conger eels, lumpsuckers, octopus, lobsters, corals and many more. There are interactive exhibits and divers feed fish in the deep kelp tank, the only one of its kind in Britain. For further details please visit www.marine-aquarium.com .