A sperm whale was observed from Brora beach in 1994. Minke whales are regular visitors to the Moray Firth between August and October and have been observed from Brora beach. Pilot and Killer Whales are both occasionally seen in the Moray Firth. Around 500 can be seen in the Moray Firth outside the breeding season when large groups of several hundred congregate at isolated haul out sites. Individual Grey Seals are often seen mixed in with Common Seals, which often haul out in more accessible places.
Breeding takes place on remote islands and beaches in the Autumn when single pups are born.
The nearest breeding site is north of Helmsdale and is only visible from boats. The pups remain for about three weeks. There are around 1200 in the Moray Firth. They are best seen at low tide, but please do not approach too close and disturb them. The pups are born in the last two weeks of June and swim out to their mothers on the next tide.