From Puffins to Porpoises: A Guide to Welsh Wildlife

Wales is truly a beautiful country, with a wealth of wildlife just waiting to be discovered. The Welsh coast has some of the most diverse and remarkable species in Europe, making it the perfect holiday destination if wildlife spotting is your thing. This guide will introduce you to some of the most fascinating and unique creatures that call the stunning ocean scapes and forests of Wales their home.

One of the best things about Wales is its wildlife

One of the best things about Wales is its wildlife. The country’s varied landscape means it’s home to all kinds of creatures from puffins on Pembrokeshire’s Skomer Island to porpoises that swim off Anglesey's west coast. Most of the landscapes are incredibly accessible too: meaning you won’t have to trek very far to have the privilege of seeing these beautiful animals in their natural habitats.

Red Kites and Ospreys

Thanks to successful conservation efforts over the past couple of decades, red kites are now somewhat common throughout Wales. You’ll be able to find the in a variety of spectacular habitats, such in the Brecon Beacons and on the Isle of Anglesey.

If you’re very lucky, you might spot an osprey – a beautiful bird of prey that was almost extinct in Britain until being reintroduced to some areas by conservation groups working with local landowners. 

If you’re visiting Wales and fancy doing a bit of bird watching, then the best places to look for birds of prey in general would be along the west coast, around Aberystwyth, Cardigan Bay and the Llyn Peninsula. 

Puffins

Puffins are seabirds that live on islands off the coast of Wales. They’ve become one of the world’s most beloved birds due to their cute orange beaks and comical appearance. They have a colourful appearance and resemble parrots, with their distinctive orange beaks.

You’ll find an abundance of puffins nesting on islands off the Welsh coast, as well as the cliff line of Wales itself. Skomer island, just off the Pembrokeshire coast, is one such place home to these cute little birds – and thanks to a ferry that runs to the island, you’ll be able to pay them a visit. 

Dolphins and Porpoises

You can find both dolphins and porpoises around Wales in Cardigan Bay, the Bristol Channel and Pembrokeshire's Milford Haven Waterway. In fact, Cardigan Bay is home to the UK’s biggest population of bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises in the UK.

If you’re staying in Aberystwyth, New Quay, or anywhere else in Cardigan Bay, We highly recommend taking a walk along the Welsh coastal Path. There’s a good chance you’ll be able to spot these beautiful creatures gliding through the waves of the Welsh sea.

Grey Seals

You're likely to see grey seals on coastal beaches in Wales, especially near the Pembrokeshire coast. They like to rest on sand dunes and rocky shorelines, which makes them easy to spot!

Ramsey Island, situated just off the Pembrokeshire coast, is home to a large colony of Atlantic grey seals – with boat trip available so you can see them up close in their habitat.

Wales is rich in wildlife, and you don’t have to go far to see it – you’re often just a short walk away from finding yourself in beautiful landscapes, home to a variety of amazing animals. If you’re planning on visiting Wales and want the perfect setting to spot all of the wildlife on offer, we’d recommend you stay in and around Cardigan bay. There are a number of seaside towns such as New Quay and Aberystwyth, that provide the perfect base of operations for exploring the surrounding areas.

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