Seals in Cornwall
Wavehunter Sea Safaris often spot seals
swimming, floating in an upright position or just resting on land.
What is a seal?
Seals, also known as Pinnipedia, are common marine mammals that inhabit both land and sea. They are a part of the marine mammal family called Pinnipeds – translating to fin or flipper-footed, their fin shaped feet make them supreme swimmers. There are on average 33 species of Pinnipeds, with most of them seals. They prefer colder waters, with thick layers of fat, also known as blubber, keeping them warm.
What seal species live in Cornwall?
In Cornwall, we have two main species of seal, the Common Seal (Phoca Vitulina) and the Grey Seal (Halichoerus Grypus). However, despite what their names suggest, the Grey seal is more frequently spotted along the Cornish Coast.
Fun facts about seals
Seals are nicknamed “dogs of the sea” which you can easily see why when spotting one for the first time. With a nice thick layer of fat, ‘blubber’, to keep them warm, Seals prefer colder waters, but are often spotted sunbathing on cliffs and rocks. Alongside this high body fat percentage, female milk can be up to 50% fat, allowing their pups to easily gain several pounds a day! Females also on average live 5 years longer than the males who make it to 25 years at most.
Where can you see seals in Cornwall?
Often spotted along the whole Cornish coast, Seals are spotted swimming, floating in an upright position or just resting on land. On our Sea Safaris we spot multiple seals a day from the harbour in Port Isaac where they often shelter during stormy days or on the smaller islands just off the coast from Polzeath resting waiting for the high tide to collect them off the rock. Not only that, seals can be spotted close to shore while surfing! Especially during pup season in which they stick closer to shore, you may spot a seal or two while paddling out for a wave.
Seal FAQs
What time of year are seals in Cornwall?
In Cornwall, Seals can be spotted all year round, be it swimming and playing in the waters around the coast or on land. In winter and spring you will find them on land where they moult, with Autumn time the season to spot newly born seal pups. Giving you the months of July, August and September the perfect chance to see them in sea or young fluffy pups on private undisturbed beaches.
What is the best time to see seals?
All day! Seals are out and about all day every day with only 2 hours a day in which they rest. We find Seals are active throughout the day in Cornwall, with their playful nature and active lifestyle, no matter the time you take a trip, you are very likely to see them.
Do seals come close to shore?
Seals are known as aquatic mammals, living a life both onshore and in the sea. They will often shelter in the winter ashore and give birth on land too, away from any potential predators. Seals will come ashore on quiet beaches or private islands, favouring a solitary lifestyle away from humans.
Are we guaranteed to see seals?
Like all wildlife, we aren’t guaranteed to see seals. However these marine animals are incredibly common in our Cornish waters giving you a much higher chance to spot one, especially the Grey Seal!
Where do seals sleep?
Seals sleep both on land as well as in the water. In the water, they can either sleep horizontally or sleep in a ‘standing position’ like a fishing float. In the water, they can sleep up to 2 hours by expelling less energy, they require less oxygen and can stay underwater.
What’s a baby seal called?
Alongside the nickname ‘dogs of the sea’, due to their dog-like facial features, their young are also known as ‘Pups’. With their cute, fluffy body, seal pups are sure to steal anyone’s hearts, with their small size an easy way to tell them apart from adults. You will be able to tell a seal pup apart from an adult as they look very cute.
What do seals eat?
Varying from species to species, seals are typical carnivores, with a diet of mainly fish, squid, octopus, lobsters etc. While bigger seal species such as lion seals will eat other seals, the Common and Grey seal feed off of fish.
How long until a baby seal grows into an adult seal?
Female Seals reach maturity from the young age of around 3 years, where as males are not mature until around 5. Older males around 10 years of age will often compete for the newly mature females meaning that even though the males are mature at 5, they may not be able to mate until 6 or 7.
How long can seals stay underwater?
The time a seal spends underwater is dependent on the species and whether they are awake or asleep. However, on average their underwater dives can last 3-8 mins in shallow waters, but can stay underwater up to 30 minutes or if sleeping sometimes hours!
How do seals sleep?
Depending on species, or if they’re on land or water, the way that seals sleep can vary. In the sea, they sleep in upright standing positions, or horizontally on their backs. On land, they sleep on their sides, dozing for hours at a time.
Are seals dangerous?
Seals aren’t aggressive, but have been known to exhibit aggression when protecting their young or when they feel threatened. Seals are naturally cautious of humans, as they see us as predators. So, it’s best to be wary and keep your distance if you come close to one.
If I swim in the sea will seals come near me?
In Cornwall, especially during the winter months ( breeding season), Seals can mistake humans as other seals and get fairly close. However typically Seals see us as predators and won’t initially get too close. If it’s during mating season, Seals will only approach if becoming territorial, in which you should back off the area and if possible leave their territory.
What to do if I see an injured seal?
If you see an injured seal in Cornwall call the Seal Sanctuary 01326 221361 for advice. For stranded Seals, you can call British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) 01825 765 546 – this is a 24 hours service. Do not approach the Seal and if possible aim to keep all dogs and other people away from it.