Orkney’s stunning wildlife in the air, land and sea is a major draw for visitors and locals.
Seabird populations in summer are huge and many people have their first glimpse of puffins while in Orkney.
Porpoises and dolphins are commonly seen while whales usually pass by our shores every year. Basking shark sightings are rising in number too.
You are guaranteed to see some of our many seals, lounging on skerries at low tide or swimming near the shore, bobbing their heads up and down, simply trying to get your attention you sometimes feel. Seals, or selkies, often feature in Orkney folk tales, which regularly involve them shedding their skins and taking human form.
On the shore, exploring the rockpools is exciting for all ages - you'll find mussels, crabs, sea urchins, anenomes and starfish in the clear water, and limpets and barnacles clinging to the rocks.
Orkney Sealife photos from flickr
