Visitor Centres
WDCS runs two visitor centres in the Moray Firth where you can learn more about the dolphins and wildlife of this area. Entrance is free.
Wildlife Centre, Spey Bay
The centre is based at the mouth of the River Spey on the southern side of the Moray Firth on the east coast of Scotland. It is about an hour's drive from Inverness. The River Spey flows speedily into the sea after its 90-mile journey from the deep inside the Scottish mountains.
The WDCS Wildlife Centre continues to grow and develop. The centre includes a visitors' exhibition, cafe, shop and a developing series of education and public awareness initiatives. As well as being famed for the dolphins, the Centre's location is within a wildlife haven that is home to ospreys, grey and harbour seals, otters, wildfowl and waders. It is part of a 450ha nature reserve which forms part of the largest vegetated shingle habitat in Scotland.
Our contact details are as follows:
WDCS Wildlife Centre, Spey Bay, Moray, Scotland IV32 7PJ
Telephone: 01343 820339
Fax: 01343 829065
email: wildlifecentre@wdcs.org
Opening times for 2008
April 1st to October 31st: Seven days a week
November 1st to December 18th: weekends only
Opening times: 10.30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Dolphin and Seal Centre, North Kessock, Nr. Inverness
The centre in North Kessock is the perfect place to learn about the Moray Firth dolphins from the experts. There is a large viewing window looking across the Kessock channel, where the dolphins are often seen, and plans for hydrophones which will let you ‘listen in’ to the dolphins when they are communicating with each other. The centre is also close to Chanonry Point (see location on map) where the WDCS 'adopt a dolphins' (along with WDCS field officer Charlie Philips!) are often seen.
The Centre plays an important role in the charity’s education and campaigning work to protect the Moray Firth as vital habitat for marine mammals.
To get to the WDCS Dolphin and Seal Centre from Inverness, follow the main A9 road (northbound) for 2km. The centre is located in the Tourist Information car park at North Kessock, which is the first left turn after crossing the Kessock Bridge, and is clearly signposted.
Our contact details are as follows:
WDCS Dolphin and Seal Centre
Telephone: 01463 731866
email: wildlifecentre@wdcs.org
Opening times for 2008
Open daily between 1st June until September 30th
Opening times: 9.30 am. – 4.30 pm.