Post lockdown visitor numbers boost for Spey Bay dolphin centre
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VISITORS have been returning in their droves to the Scottish Dolphin Centre at Spey Bay.
Run by Whale and Dolphin Conservation, the attraction has received over 60,000 visitors so far in 2021, marking an important step in its recovery from the pandemic.
After visitor numbers plummeted from over 94,000 in 2019 to just under 25,000 in 2020, the centre was keen to see visitors returning to secure its long-term future.
Centre manager Ali Rose said: "We are so grateful to the local community and holidaymakers for continuing to support the Scottish Dolphin Centre this year.
"We know Spey Bay is very special to many people and we are enjoying seeing them return in a safe environment.
"Many people from across the UK discovered Moray for the first time this year, as part of the staycation boom. This certainly helped us at a time we were dealing with the challenges of rising prices and staff shortages in hospitality.
"Spending time in nature has played an important role in relieving some of the stress caused by lockdowns and restrictions. It’s been wonderful to see people of all ages enjoying the wide open spaces and beautiful views over the Spey. Many enjoyed great views of the resident population of bottlenose dolphins, with over eighty sightings in the months of June to August alone,.
"As part of a wider strategy to attract visitors back, the Centre launched a series of activities that were designed to be Covid safe but also great fun for families after a time of increased stress for many. These included a private Explore the Bones Box activity where children could discover all about dolphin skulls, whale baleen and a huge orca tooth. An Escape Room activity that allowed families to solve a series of puzzles to free the orca from captivity proved popular in the tattie holidays.’
After such a successful year, the Scottish Dolphin Centre will remain open longer this season, until December 12. It will be open from Thursday to Monday each week (closed Tuesday and Wednesday), from 10.30am to 3.30pm. The café offers a selection of home made soup and lunches, cakes and hot drinks.
Entrance to the centre is free.
