Sailing into the Season: Wildlife Watching in the Bay of Biscay

I’ve been lucky enough to spend the past few weeks as an ocean conservationist with ORCA, working on board Brittany Ferries. Now after four weeks at sea, it's safe to say the 2025 season is off to a brilliant start - full of fresh sea air, and some unforgettable encounters with wildlife.

Stretching between the French and Spanish coastlines, the Bay of Biscay is one of Europe’s richest areas for marine wildlife. Beneath the surface lies a dramatic underwater landscape of canyons and slopes, creating a perfect habitat for whales, dolphins, and porpoises.

Common dolphins have been regular visitors, often racing alongside the ship, and we’ve even been lucky enough to spot the distant blows of mighty fin whales.

One of the best parts of my job is being out on deck with passengers. Whether it’s your first time on board or you’re a seasoned spotter, there’s always something new to discover out here.

Spotting Tips

You don’t need to be a marine biologist to enjoy Biscay’s incredible wildlife, you just need to know how to look.

There’s no guaranteed time for sightings, but the more time you spend outside, the better your chances. Some of the best opportunities come when we’re sailing over the continental shelf. This nutrient-rich area of the bay attracts a variety of cetaceans!

Don’t try to watch all of the sea at once - scan just below the horizon and use your peripheral vision for movement closer to the ship.

When you’re out spotting there are four key signs to watch for:

• Bird activity: If you spot several seabirds circling and diving in one concentrated area, it’s worth keeping a close eye on the water below.
• Splashes: Could be a pod of dolphins leaping, a tail slap or even a breach!
• Blows: The visible spout of water vapour when a whale exhales, it looks like a puff of mist rising from the surface.
• Dark Shapes: Look for subtle changes in shade or movement or any kind of body part breaking the surface!

Join a Sea Safari

One of the most exciting ways to experience the Bay of Biscay and put your spotting skills to the test is by joining an ORCA Sea Safari – a dedicated mini-cruise designed especially for watching whales and dolphins. Trips depart from Portsmouth, Plymouth or Rosslare in Ireland.

Sea Safaris are perfect for beginners and wildlife lovers alike. Stay two nights on board, enjoy engaging talks about the species we might see and spend time on deck learning how to spot like a pro with a team of ORCA experts to guide you and answer your questions. There’s even a stop in either Santander or Bilbao before heading back. And best of all? £55 from your ticket goes directly to ORCA, supporting our work to protect the very animals you’ve just seen in the wild!

Learn more and book your Sea Safari here:https://orca.org.uk/get-involved/book-a-whale-dolphin-sea-safari

Whether you're joining us for a Sea Safari or simply enjoying the view from the deck, the Bay of Biscay offers an unforgettable window into the world of whales and dolphins. Every sighting, no matter how big or small, is a reminder of the incredible wildlife that calls this ocean home - and why it’s so important to protect it. We hope to see you out on deck soon, eyes on the horizon and ready for whatever might appear next.