As we approach the end of the 2025 season on board Brittany Ferries, Ocean Conservationist's André and Sophie have been reflecting on a magical season...
Sophie:
If I were to find one word to describe my experience with ORCA, it would be magical. Having the privilege of living on the ocean, witnessing magnificent wildlife, and watching every sunset while working for this inspiring charity is something I’ll never take for granted.
After experiencing first hand the impact that ORCA has, I feel even more strongly about what we are trying to achieve. One of the best parts of this role is seeing that what we do creates an immediate impact. Whether it’s children asking the most imaginative questions about cetaceans and the ocean, questions that teach us as much as we teach them, or adults finally feeling encouraged enough to voice curiosities they’ve held for years, these moments are deeply rewarding. My favourite question from a child was, “Do whales get sunburnt?” The answer is yes, they can at the surface - a fact I might never have discovered without the privilege of work rooted in human connection. These conversations make us better conservationists.
And then there is the wildlife itself. Travelling through the Bay of Biscay feels like stepping into a living, ever-changing story. I’ll never forget the sight of a Cuvier’s beaked whale breaching at sunset, like a torpedo leaping from the deep. Or the evening when a pod of common dolphins arrived right on cue, seconds before a deck watch began, to the delight of 70 cheering guests.
Through these experiences, I’ve realised how central human connection is in conservation. Every question asked, every story shared, every spark of inspiration exchanged builds a collective passion for protecting the ocean. Without these connections, conservation would lose its greatest strength: our ability to inspire each other to create change. And that, to me, is pure magic.
Sophie’s experiences remind us that conservation is built on connection, a theme that also runs through Andres’ journey, where fleeting encounters with strangers became profound memories of inspiration and gratitude.
André:
Nature has a remarkable way of reminding us of the importance of wonder, of those fleeting, raw moments that are some of her most important gifts. Standing on deck, watching the pure joy of someone seeing a dolphin for the first time, I found myself smiling too, connected with their awe.
But what truly touched me, deeply, was the connection you are able to create with those who cross your path. Even as strangers, through lectures and small talks, you are able not only to raise awareness, inspire and be inspired, but to create a bond. A bond that grows not with time, but with the meaning of a brief exchange of words.
I like to believe that I left a mark on those who came across me. At least I know that I will not forget them. Even if names fade, the feelings remain in my heart. Some moments I will keep forever. Like the little girl who turned to her dad after a lecture and said she felt inspired. Or another young girl, non-verbal and facing health challenges, who, after one of my talks, ran up to me, gave me a hug, and ran back to her family. Without a doubt, it was one of the most genuine expressions of appreciation that I have ever received. A gesture that left me speechless, overcome with joy and gratitude. A gesture that gave rise to one of the most truthful smiles that I have ever shown.
Even a simple “thank you” has a way of grounding you. A reminder that what we do matters, that even the smallest effort can ripple outward in ways we may never see. There’s something beautiful in how we’re all drawn to nature, to connection, to something greater than ourselves. Maybe, in the end, it’s in simplicity that we can truly find what we seek.
Together, these experiences remind us that ORCA inspires these connections, whether it’s a child’s wonder-filled questions or a stranger’s heartfelt thank you, each moment becomes a powerful reminder of why conservation holds such deep and lasting meaning.
The only way we can create safe spaces for whales and dolphins is by monitoring them and that's where our amazing army of citizen scientists come in. If you want to help us to collect data that can be used to hold governments to account join one of our training courses