The Ythan Estuary is an internationally designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The seal colony often numbers between 400 and 1,000 individuals depending on the season.
The shifting dunes of the Forvie Nature Reserve are some of the largest and most active in Britain.
The site hosts a significant population of Eider ducks, which are the heaviest of all the duck species.
The sandbars visible at the river mouth are tidal and can be completely submerged during high spring tides.
Newburgh Seal Beach, located at the mouth of the River Ythan in Aberdeenshire, is one of the premier locations in the UK for observing wild common and grey seal colonies. The beach features a vast expanse of shifting sand dunes that separate the North Sea from the Ythan Estuary. Hundreds of seals regularly haul out on the sandbanks across the river mouth, providing year-round viewing opportunities. The site is part of the Forvie National Nature Reserve, a protected area of coastal dunes and heathland. Visitors typically view the seals from the beach on the south side of the Ythan, separated by the water channel. The area is also an internationally important site for wintering wildfowl and wading birds. Erosion constantly reshapes the sandbars, meaning the proximity of the seals can vary significantly with tide and time of year. There is no commercial development on the beach itself, maintaining a raw, natural landscape.
From the elevated sandy ridge overlooking the Ythan river mouth facing north toward the sandbars.
Bring high-quality binoculars or a camera with a telephoto lens to see the seals clearly across the estuary.
Check the tide charts before visiting, as the seals are most active and visible on the sandbars during lower tides.
Wear waterproof footwear as the sand near the water line can be soft and the dunes can be muddy after rain.
Attempting to cross the water channel to reach the sandbanks, as the tides and currents are extremely dangerous and unpredictable.
Maintain a significant distance from the seals to avoid disturbing them; keep dogs on a lead at all times to protect both wildlife and pets.
