Written by Robyn Pound-Woods
Winter in Cornwall is a magical time for wildlife enthusiasts, with a wealth of fascinating creatures making their presence known along the rugged coastline and out at sea. From the haunting calls of curlews echoing over the estuaries to the sight of Atlantic grey seals lounging on secluded beaches, there’s no shortage of awe-inspiring encounters to experience during a stay at Scarlet Hotel.
Seabirds such as razorbills, guillemots, and fulmars soar above the cliffs, while common dolphins and harbour porpoises can often be spotted gliding through the waves. For those with a keen eye, winter offers a front-row seat to some of the most extraordinary natural spectacles Cornwall has to offer.
Among these incredible sights, one of the most thrilling has been the recent appearance of humpback whales just off the shores of Mawgan Porth. Guests at Scarlet Hotel have been lucky enough to witness these gentle giants in action, with one particularly famous visitor, nicknamed ‘Surf-Rider’ by locals, making a splash along the coast. Some even speculate that there may be not one, but two whales gracing our waters this season.
Humpback whales are increasingly common winter visitors, embarking on lengthy migration routes from the Arctic to tropical waters. These majestic creatures feast on shoals of bait fish, creating spectacular displays for those fortunate enough to see them.
Dan, head of marine conservation at Cornwall Wildlife Trust, beautifully captures the significance of these sightings:
"The recent humpback whale sightings off Cornwall’s coast have been truly spectacular and a reminder of how rich and dynamic our marine environment is. These incredible animals are now increasingly common winter visitors to our waters, as they hunt shoals of bait fish on their long migration routes southwards from the Arctic to the tropics. Their presence is simultaneously hopeful, with populations recovering from historic whaling, and a warning, with climate change implicated in changing bait fish abundance in our waters."
— Daniel Barrios-O'Neill, Head of Marine Conservation, Cornwall Wildlife Trust
While the humpback whale is a breathtaking sight, winter in Cornwall offers an abundance of other wildlife encounters for nature lovers/
Atlantic Grey Seals – Often seen resting on secluded beaches or bobbing in the water, particularly at places like Godrevy and St Agnes.
Seabirds – Razorbills, guillemots, gannets, fulmars, and great black-backed gulls patrol the cliffs and open sea, offering a spectacular display of aerial acrobatics.
Wintering Waders & Wildfowl – Curlews, oystercatchers, turnstones, and sanderlings forage along the shorelines and estuaries, with the Camel Estuary being a prime spot to witness these elegant birds.
Dolphins & Porpoises – Common dolphins and harbour porpoises can still be seen offshore, especially in calmer seas, adding to the magic of Cornwall’s winter waters.
If you’re planning a stay with us, keep your eyes peeled for these awe-inspiring visitors. For more updates and breathtaking visuals, we recommend joining the 'Whale Sightings around Newquay' Facebook group, a vibrant community sharing photos and videos of these incredible marine mammals.
Come experience the wonders of the Cornish coast and perhaps catch a glimpse of ‘Surf-Rider’ in action, along with the many other fascinating creatures that call this coastline home.
