MAJESTIC CREATURES

Every year people flock to the islands in droves, in the hope that they will feel the exhilaration of catching a glimpse of some of the most awesome mammals to frequent the waters around Orkney.

These islands, nestled in the far north where the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean meet, are rich and teeming with spectacular marine life and cetaceans — specifically whales, dolphins and porpoises.

Orkney is undoubtedly one of the best spots in the UK for whale and dolphin watching.

Watching a distant fin on the horizon can be the result of many hours of observation — and sometimes that is all that can be seen in a day.

But a close encounter, although often over in a fleeting moment, can take your breath away. It is the ultimate reward for a whole community of cetacean enthusiasts who have made it their passion to capture these amazing scenes.

From the regular little harbour porpoise right up to the visiting fin whale, the second-largest in the world, Orkney’s waters and the creatures that roam them, whether residents or just passing by, have the ability to captivate, astonish and delight in equal measure.

Perhaps best known of all is the magnificent orca, or killer whale.

These awe-inspiring creatures have provided no end of jaw-dropping moments in recent years, and endless photographic and filming opportunities.

Orcas are much easier to spot, especially when there is a large male in the group. Orkney has been visited by up to six recognised pods of orca in recent years, as well as other non-documented pods.

They have also been observed in mixed groups, where members of up to three pods have combined to create one temporary, larger pod.

Pods hunting seals along the coastline have been the most fruitful for photographers.

Other pods can linger in deeper water, only passing the coastline as they move to better fishing grounds.

The rich tapestry of Orkney’s marine life does not just simply stop at orcas though — there is so much more to see.

Porpoises are regularly seen in and around Orkney as are Risso’s dolphins.

Other dolphins such as Atlantic white-sided dolphins and bottle-nosed dolphins have been spotted in more regular instances, while minke whales and humpback whales have also been sighted.

The summer season from May onwards is when most animals are seen, although they can visit many cetacean-watching hotspots throughout the islands year-round.

For more information, head to Orkney Cetacean Group on Facebook.