Dolphin Spotting at Berry Head

Just around the coast from Kingswear, at the southern tip of Tor Bay, the limestone headland of Berry Head juts out into the sea. It's a National Nature Reserve, and on a calm day it's one of the best places in South Devon to watch for dolphins.

Who you might see

Pods of bottlenose dolphins are regularly spotted off Berry Head and across Tor Bay, sometimes close enough to watch them leaping and feeding. Harbour porpoises are here too. They're smaller and shyer, and you'll usually just see a little dark fin rolling through the water. In summer and autumn you may even be lucky enough to spot common dolphins further out.

Tips for spotting

• Pick a calm day. A flat sea makes fins much easier to see.
• Bring binoculars and be patient. Scan the water slowly, and look for splashes or diving seabirds, which often mean fish (and dolphins) below.
• Early morning and evening tend to be quieter, and the light on the water is beautiful.
• If you'd rather get closer, boat trips run from Brixham and Dartmouth in season. Please choose one that follows the marine wildlife code and keeps a respectful distance.

More than dolphins

The cliffs at Berry Head are home to the largest guillemot colony on England's south coast, and in spring the ledges are packed with nesting birds. The headland also has the remains of two Napoleonic forts, built to guard against a French invasion that never came. The little lighthouse is famous for being one of the shortest in Britain, yet one of the highest above sea level, because it sits right on top of the cliff.

When you've had your fill of sea-watching, the café in the old Guardhouse is the perfect place for a cup of tea.

Getting there from Kingswear

Berry Head is a short drive from the apartment, just beyond Brixham. Keen walkers can follow the South West Coast Path from Kingswear all the way round. It's a tough but spectacular day's hike over some of the wildest cliffs in Devon.

There's nothing quite like the moment someone shouts "Dolphins!" and everyone rushes to the edge to look.

Caroline & Dave