Last week marked the end of ORCA’s Sea Safari season, with the final sailing of 2026 departing Plymouth aboard Brittany Ferries’ Pont-Aven for one last wildlife‑filled adventure across the Bay of Biscay. Throughout July and August, ORCA Wildlife Guides welcomed 270 guests across three return sailings to Santander, sharing the magic of the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay, two of Europe’s most important marine habitats.
The Bay of Biscay is one of the best places in the world to encounter whales and dolphins, offering guests the chance to see over one‑third of all global cetacean species. Meanwhile, the English Channel continues to surprise and delight with harbour porpoises, dolphins and dramatic tuna feeding frenzies. ORCA has been surveying these waters for many years, and this season’s team of ORCA Wildlife Guides were eager to get back on deck, sharing their expertise and helping guests spot and identify the incredible wildlife encountered along the way.
The last Sea Safari of the year certainly delivered. Over 440 individual animals were recorded from six different species, including, fin whales, minke whales, Cuvier’s beaked whales, striped dolphins and common dolphins. An impressive bird list was also compiled by guides and guests, featuring four species of shearwater and even a marsh harrier spotted in Santander.
But the standout wildlife encounter came on the final morning in the English Channel. With perfect sea conditions and glassy calm waters, guests were treated to sightings of over 100 common dolphins. A few hours outside of Plymouth, a fin whale mother and calf surfaced repeatedly, offering breathtaking views for everyone on deck of the second‑largest whale species on the planet.
This final sailing wasn’t just about wildlife; the weather put on a performance of its own. Guests witnessed spectacular lightning storms and dramatic water spouts sweeping across the Bay of Biscay, adding an unforgettable sense of excitement to the voyage. Early risers on the final day of the Sea Safari also caught a glimpse of a partial lunar eclipse before the sun rose.
Across all Sea Safaris this year, ORCA Wildlife Guides collected valuable data that will directly contribute to ongoing cetacean conservation efforts. Every sighting helps build a clearer picture of how whales and dolphins use these waters - and why protecting them matters. With such an incredible finale, we’re already looking forward to next year’s Sea Safari season and all the incredible wildlife encounters it will bring!
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