The ONLY way we should see seals in Cornwall

On Saturday, I published a post on my Facebook page which stated that this is a great time to see seals in Cornwall, as it’s pupping season. 

I didn’t think. In my head, I was recommending people look carefully from the clifftops, using binoculars or a camera zoom and keep very quiet – which is what I always do when looking for seals. But, while I said a couple of times to keep a distance, I didn’t specify all of this, plus I listed areas where you might see the creatures. 

I soon had dozens of comments mentioning how irresponsible this post was. Some explained why it was so problematic – because noises from a distance, even from clifftops, can affect seals negatively, causing them to panic and scatter. 

And, of course, listing locations leaves seals vulnerable to less responsible tourists, who will go right up to them to take photos and maybe even try to touch them. 

Upon reflection, I completely agreed with the comments. As a big supporter of the Cornish Seal Sanctuary and animal lover, I don’t want to be part of anything that negatively affects these gorgeous creatures. 

So, I’ve deleted my “where to see seals in Cornwall” post and changed it to this one. This is how to ethically see seals in Cornwall. 

First – how NOT to see seals in Cornwall

Here are some things to NOT do when you see seals in Cornwall. 

• Get too close to seals on beaches or rocks. If a seal looks up, moves away, or slips into the sea, disturbance has already happened.
• Take selfies or photos at close range. Seals are forced to abandon resting spots when people approach for images.
• Stand directly in a seal’s line of sight. Even still behaviour keeps seals alert rather than resting.
• Let dogs roam freely near seals. Dogs cause seals to panic and flee, even from a distance.
• Make noise to attract attention, including calling out or clapping. This interrupts essential rest and recovery time.
• Fly drones over or near seals. Aerial disturbance is highly stressful and can lead to injury or pups being separated.
• Feed seals or throw food into the water. This changes natural behaviour and increases risk from boats and people.
• Block access between seals and the sea. Seals need a clear escape route and may panic if they feel trapped.
• Stay close after a seal moves away or crashes into the water. Sudden splashing shows distress, not curiosity.
• Chase seals back into the water. Seals come ashore for a reason and should be left alone.

And here are some things to do if you spot a seal: 

• Stay far away. Preferably from a clifftop or the other side of the beach. Do not get any closer after you see it.
• If you have a dog, move further away.
• Use your binoculars or camera zoom to look at it. 
• Be silent, and make sure anyone with you is silent too.
• Report genuinely injured or entangled seals (British Divers Marine Life Rescue) to a local marine wildlife rescue rather than intervening yourself.

The right way to see seals

Cornish Seal Sanctuary

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary which is located in Gweek (not too far from Falmouth) is the best way to see Cornish seals. 

It houses injured, ill and orphaned seals, looking after them until they’re strong enough to survive in the wild. If they aren’t able to return to the wild, they can stay at the sanctuary for the rest of their life. 

The staff here are trained in seal behaviour, and have arranged the sanctuary to give each seal the space it needs at each time. There are plenty of chances to see social pups, but also seals who don’t love being in the limelight have their own space. 

You’ll also find sea lions and puffins here. 

The sanctuary is a charity (run by Sea Life Trust) and entrance goes directly into being able to rescue and rehabilitation efforts for more seals. 

Read my full post about the Cornish Seal Sanctuary here. 

Boat trips

My second recommendation would be to take a boat trip. Again, the skippers on the boats generally have an expert understanding of seals and their behaviour, and know how to spot them ethically and responsibly, keeping a distance and knowing when to move away. 

I have used Padstow Sea Life Safaris and can recommend them; they also have an excellent FAQ section about seals on their website, where they stress how they endeavour to keep a distance. 

I can’t personally recommend any others yet, but if you run boat trips elsewhere in Cornwall, feel free to get in contact and we can chat!

Seeing seals independently

I’m not going to recommend any spots to see seals independently now. 

If you do happen to spot them when on a coast path walk or in a harbour, please do the above and treat them with the respect and care they deserve. 

I apologise again for not speaking clearly enough about the protection of seals before. The care of animals and the preservation of South West nature is the most important thing on this channel and will always come before any views or profit.