Looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure? Brixham isn’t just a charming Devon fishing town, it’s a wonderland for wildlife lovers of all ages! Whether you’re a family with curious kids, a nature enthusiast, or just someone who loves the great outdoors, Brixham’s stunning coastline is the perfect place to spot seabirds, seals, and even dolphins!
So, grab your binoculars, pull out your camera, and get ready to explore the wild side of Brixham!
Seabirds: Brixham’s Cliffside Aviators
If you love birdwatching, Brixham will not disappoint. Perched at the top of the town is Berry Head Nature Reserve, home to one of the UK’s largest colonies of guillemots. Imagine the sight (and sound!) of thousands of these black-and-white birds clinging to the cliffs, their calls echoing over the waves.
Other seabirds to watch for:
- Gannets – These skydiving daredevils dive from great heights, hitting the water like missiles to catch fish.
- Cormorants & Shags – Watch them drying their wings along the harbour walls, looking prehistoric.
- Puffins (if you’re lucky!) – These bright-beaked beauties are rare but sometimes spotted offshore in early spring.
Best time to see them: March to July, when seabirds nest and raise their young. Be sure to keep a respectful distance from the nests to avoid disturbing them.
Best spots: Berry Head Cliffs, Shoalstone Beach, and along the South West Coast Path.
Seals: Brixham’s Playful Fishermen
Ever dreamed of spotting a seal up close? Brixham’s harbour is home to a few cheeky regulars, including Bob and Not Bob (yes, that’s really what the locals call them!). These playful grey, common seals love to pop up near the fishing boats, hoping for an easy snack and posing for photos.
For a real seal-watching experience, take a boat trip into the bay. You’ll often see them lounging on the jetties, around the many boats, or swimming just below the surface. See our ‘Boat Trips’ page for more information.
Local’s Top: If you decide to go for a swim and come across a seal, don’t get too close. They have a habit of nudging people in a playful way, but they don’t quite realise their strength, so it’s best to steer clear!
Best time to see them: Year-round, but they’re most active in summer.
Best spots: Brixham Harbour, Breakwater Beach, and near Fishcombe Cove.
Dolphins: The English Riviera’s Secret Superstars
Yes, you read that right—Brixham has dolphins! These incredible creatures regularly visit Torbay, delighting lucky boaters and coastal walkers. The most common sightings are of common and bottlenose dolphins, which often travel in pods. If you see them, expect plenty of jumping and splashing. They are sometimes even spotted right in the harbour itself!
For the best chance to see dolphins, hop on a wildlife boat tour. Companies like Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boat Company and FunFish Trips run special dolphin-watching cruises, and sightings are more common than you’d think. Again, visit our ‘Boat Trips’ page to get the best recommendations!
Best time to see them: Late Spring to early Autumn (May to September).
Best spots: Offshore near Berry Head, from a boat in Torbay, or even from the cliffs on a calm day.
Marine Life: An Underwater Wonderland
The waters around Brixham are teeming with marine life, making them a dream for snorkelers and divers. In the rockpools around Shoalstone Beach and St. Mary’s Bay, you can find crabs, anemones, starfish, and even tiny fish darting between the seaweed.
If you’re a diver, Brixham is home to some of Devon’s best dive sites. The Breakwater and nearby wrecks are hotspots for lobsters, cuttlefish, and even the occasional seahorse!
Best times for rock pooling & snorkelling: Low tide in summer (June–August).
Best spots: Shoalstone Beach, St. Mary’s Bay, and the Brixham Breakwater.
Brixham is more than just a seaside town—it’s a wildlife wonderland waiting to be explored. Whether you’re spotting seabirds on the cliffs, seals in the harbour, or dolphins leaping through the waves, there’s always something magical to see, so book your stay today and come and experience it for yourself!