Frequently Asked Questions

Updated Health and Safety Procedures

As trips resume on the 15th of July we want to share with you our updated procedures. We have arranged a ‘new normal’ and set out below what you can expect from arrival to departure to reduce anxiety for you and your family. Please message us any questions you might have. We want to reassure you that everything has been thought of and taken into consideration.

Pre-Arrival

1. Pre-booking is recommended although not necessary. Due to social distancing measures, the capacity of the boat is massively reduced, and we don’t want anyone to miss out!
2. To reach us this year you can catch the Hop On – Hop Off Bus from Inverness bus station, or take a taxi directly to us. Inverness taxis run cars from the town centre for a fixed fee from £6 each way, £8 for a minibus.They are extremely reliable and have high hygiene standards.
3. On the days running up to or the day of your trip if you experience any COVID symptoms please stay at home and request a test. We will refund you the full cost.

Arrival

4. At the entrance to the office there will be a hand cleaning station. We will ask one person from each party to approach the desk to collect or purchase your tickets.
5. A one-way system will also be in operation in the reception area.
6. As part of our own track and trace system you will be asked for a contact number in case someone who was on your trip was to later fall ill.

Boat – Dolphin Spirit

7. The Dolphin Spirit will be thoroughly cleaned between every sailing.
8. We are operating at reduced capacity in line with Government guidelines.
9. Before passengers jump on board there will be a had cleaning station and another cleaning station on board.

Dolphin Mischief

10. We can take 4 family groups on any boat to allow for social distancing. Call or email the office for available dates.

Toilets

11. Toilets will be open and will be cleaned between every single sailing.

This is a difficult time for us all and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we strive to keep everyone safe whilst having fun.
The Dolphin Spirit Team

Sometimes the behaviour of the dolphins in the Inner Moray Firth is dictated by the weather conditions or whether the tide is coming in or going out.

An incoming tide can often bring a fresh supply of food for the dolphins. Whilst heavy rain the night before can sweep fish from the rivers into the waters of the firth.

To check the tidal conditions predicted for the dates you’re planning to visit Inverness, check out this page:

Inverness Tide Times

One hour and twenty minutes.

Dolphins are wild animals so sightings are not guaranteed. Our experienced skippers run through dolphin hotspots to increase the chance of a sighting.

Adult Ticket: £19.50 per person

65, over 3 deck areas, one indoor heated space, a lower and an upper deck.

During COVID-19 restrictions this is reduced to 30 persons per sailing.

4 trips daily: 10am, 12noon, 2pm and 4pm departures. Private charters can be pre-booked.

The season runs from the beginning of April to the end of October. All trips are weather permitting.

The vessel is fully accessible and can accommodate groups of all ages from the youngest babies to wheelchair users.

We travel up the Beauly Firth towards the Caledonian Canal then turn and head out to the Inverness Firth under the Kessock bridge out as far as Munlochy Bay before returning to the marina.

Yes. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on board in the outside areas only.

The Moray Firth is home to a delightful array of wildlife, from seals and otters to an abundance of birdlife. Dolphins too, and their smaller cousin the harbour porpoise, have all been seen on our trips.

All our trips have a guide on board to tell you about the dolphins and other wildlife. Your guide can also tell you about the surrounding area and folklore to enhance the passenger experience.

We are voluntary members of the Dolphin Space Programme code of conduct and follow strict criteria with regard to our interactions with the dolphins and other wildlife.

Yes. There is ramp access to the Marina jetty and a boarding ramp suitable for wheelchair use.

Dolphin Mischief is a 9-meter-long RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat), with 12 seats.

The boat leaves from Inverness Marina, which is located on Longman Drive. There are signposts just outside of the entrance for Dolphin Spirit Inverness and the marina itself. The postcode we use is IV1 1FF.

There is parking available just outside of the marina office and further up at the marina wall. There should be plenty of space for all kinds of vehicles.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the departure time of your trip to allow us to sort your payment, tickets, and guide you down to the boat. If you think you will be late, please call in to alert the office, who will advise on what will happen next.

Adverse weather may result in the cancellation or postponement of a trip. In this event, you will be offered a space on the next available trip (where possible) or a full refund.

The marina office is equipped for all, and disabled toilets and baby changing facilities are available. The cruiser also has toilets on board, but these are not disabled-friendly.

You are welcome to bring cameras on board, but you do so at your own risk. It is recommended that you bring waterproof coverings for any equipment you bring in the event of adverse weather or spray.

There is no real “best time.” The dolphins are resident to the Moray Firth and can be seen all year round. The peak season for dolphin activity is between May and August, during the summer salmon run. Some people also swear by a rising tide, which is said to affect sightings. If you wish to make an enquiry about the tides before you book, you can call the office who will advise you on the best times regarding the tides. Despite all of this we can never 100% guarantee sightings.

The Moray Firth is home to a wonderful array of wildlife including seals, otters, and porpoise. Seabirds like cormorants, terns, and guillemots are common sights. Shorebirds like herons, curlews, and oystercatchers can also be seen at various points throughout the year. Birds of prey including red kites and osprey are also in the area.

Booking ahead is essential for the RIB; during the COVID-19 restrictions, bookings for the RIB can be made over the phone with our office staff.

Trips are scheduled to go out 4 times a day, at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. Trips may be subject to weather conditions.

You are free to dress as you please. Be aware that it may get cold and wet out on the boat should the weather turn, so you may wish to bring a jacket with you.

The Dolphin Spirit is very stable in all kinds of weather conditions so it is unlikely. In strong winds, there may be a small amount of rocking, so in this case, those who feel sensitive to movement may wish to take seasickness tablets.