Scarborough in 2026 has become a premier destination for nature lovers. From the return of endangered seabirds to the opening of dedicated observation hubs, here is what you can see and where to find it this year.

A major highlight for 2026 is the opening of the Sea Watching Hub on Marine Drive. This repurposed Victorian-style shelter now serves as a free visitor attraction featuring:

High-Powered Telescopes: Free-to-use stations specifically positioned to help you spot harbour porpoise, bottlenose dolphins, and minke whales.

Artistic Education: The hub features floor and wall panels, including a mosaic installation by Turner Prize winner Jeremy Deller, to help visitors identify local species.

Pro Tip: For the best chance of a sighting, head to lamppost number 54 on Marine Drive, a known hotspot for harbour porpoises just beyond the sea wall.

Just a short trip south of Scarborough, RSPB Bempton Cliffs is currently hosting the UK's largest mainland seabird colony.

Spring Arrival: The first puffins of the year were officially spotted on 4 March 2026.

Peak Viewing: While birds are arriving now, the best time to see them nesting is between April and July.

Seabird Cruises: The RSPB has organised 30 special cruises aboard the Yorkshire Belle starting 6 May 2026, offering a unique view of the 500,000 birds from the water.

Scarborough's waters are teeming with activity this year:

Dolphins: Charismatic bottlenose dolphins are regularly seen in pods of up to 15, often performing acrobatic displays close to shore.

Whales: While harbour porpoises are year-round residents, minke whales are most common between June and October, following migrating herring.

Seals: You can spot seals lounging at Cayton Bay or the nearby Ravenscar colony.

Important: If a seal looks at you, you are too close. Visitors are urged to keep a significant distance to avoid disturbing resting mothers and pups.

For guaranteed sightings and conservation education, the SEA LIFE centre at North Bay remains a must-visit:

New Otter Enclosure: Unveiled in early 2026, this major investment allows visitors to watch playful otters in a specially designed habitat.

Resident Favorites: The centre continues to house Humboldt penguins, rescue seals, and the majestic sea turtle, Antiopi.

Scarborough 400 Deals: To celebrate the town's 400th anniversary as a resort, look out for special ticket giveaways and conservation events throughout the year.

Optimal Spotting: For the best views of the falcons, head to Marine Drive. A popular specific location is near lamp post 54; enthusiasts suggest sitting with your back to the sea and looking up at the high cliff ledges where the birds often perch.

Action & Speed: Visitors can witness these birds—the fastest in the world—reaching speeds over 200mph as they dive (stoop) from the headland to hunt.

Breeding Season: The most activity occurs between April and July. Females typically disappear from sight to lay eggs in late April or early May, with chicks appearing shortly after.

Kittiwake Interaction: The falcons nest amidst a large colony of kittiwakes. While they occasionally hunt them, the peregrines are sometimes seen using the kittiwakes as "teaching aids" for their young, dragging them through the air to help chicks learn hunting techniques.

At low tide, Scarborough’s rocky shores become a "mini-marine" world. The best spots are around the Castle Headland and North Bay. 

Crustaceans: Look for shore crabs, hermit crabs, and if you’re lucky, the more elusive velvet swimming crab.

Exotic Finds: Keep an eye out for beadlet anemones (deep red blobs when the tide is out) and snakelocks anemones with their long, wavy green tentacles.

Fish: Small, hardy fish like blennies (often called shannies) and butterfish can be found darting under rocks.