Gannet

Morus bassanus

These are large to very large seabirds, with long, tapered bodies, long, angular, pointed wings, pointed tails and dagger-like, pointed bills.

They feed by diving into the sea for fish. Only one species is regularly seen in the UK but a few other kinds are found, mostly in tropical seas, around the world.

Most are largely white, with black on the wings, but one species is mostly dark brown. They breed in colonies on cliffs and islands, some tropical species nesting in trees.

How to be responsible when watching wildlife >

Book your opportunity to see this wildlife

Orcadian Wildlife

Why tour Orkney with us? We pride ourselves on the attention given to you, our guests, in blending Orkney’s wildlife and culture. We live here, and...
Read more >

Seafari Adventures (Oban) Ltd.

Seafari Adventures are a 5* Visit Scotland marine wildlife tour operator. Based in the conservation area of Easdale, 16 miles south of Oban we have...
Read more >

Stravaigin Sailing

We are a small family-run business located on Scotland’s west coast in the heart of the best cruising and adventure arena our country has to offer....
Read more >

Basking Shark Scotland

For 10 years Basking Shark Scotland has been leading the way offering eco-conscious wildlife adventure tours in the Hebrides and beyond. Our passio...
Read more >

Edinburgh Boat Charters

Skippered yacht charters on the Firth of Forth and from Dunstaffnage Marina on the West Coast of Scotland. Edinburgh Boat Charters offer a number o...
Read more >

Days in the Wild

Whether you want to see otters in the wild or photograph a kingfisher dive, we are here to help.  We help you find the best of the wildlife and if...
Read more >

Islay Sea Adventures

Islay Sea Adventures offers a unique way to explore Islay through our wide variety of trips. • Wildlife and Sight-Seeing • Fishing • Luxury Day Tri...
Read more >

Scottish Seabird Centre

Get closer to nature and enjoy a great day out at the seaside at the Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick, just 35 minutes from Edinburgh.   The...
Read more >

St Hilda Sea Adventures

St Hilda Sea Adventures provides small ship cruising and wildlife holidays on the beautiful West Coast of Scotland.  Our cruises, among the breatht...
Read more >

SeatrekScotland

SeatrekScotland provides snorkelling, coasteering, seatrekking, wild swimming and coastal walking experiences.  Lochaber's coastline is brimming wi...
Read more >
1 2

discover more about gannet

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

They can be seen from February to October when they spend their time close to shore for raising chicks and gather in colonies.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

They can seen along the coasts nesting on cliffs in colonies. The East Coast and the Islands of Scotland are great viewing of Gannets.

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

Gannets are our largest sea birds.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Eider Duck Great Skua

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

They can be seen from February to October when they spend their time close to shore for raising chicks and gather in colonies.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

They can seen along the coasts nesting on cliffs in colonies. The East Coast and the Islands of Scotland are great viewing of Gannets.

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

Gannets are our largest sea birds.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Eider Duck Great Skua

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

They can be seen from February to October when they spend their time close to shore for raising chicks and gather in colonies.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

They can seen along the coasts nesting on cliffs in colonies. The East Coast and the Islands of Scotland are great viewing of Gannets.

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

Gannets are our largest sea birds.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Eider Duck Great Skua