June saw the beginning of ORCA’s 2025 Sea Safari season, with our teams of ORCA Wildlife Guides and guests departing from both Plymouth and Portsmouth crossing the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay towards Santander aboard Brittany Ferries ships. The Bay of Biscay is one of the top five places in the world to see whales and dolphins.
With the chance of seeing ocean giants such as the fin whale, pods of acrobatic dolphins, and elusive beaked whales, our Sea Safaris run throughout the summer. Every trip is a unique experience for ORCA Wildlife Guides and guests alike.
Whether departing from Plymouth or Portsmouth, the route of every Sea Safari takes us through the English Channel and down into the Bay of Biscay, a rich feeding ground and an important migration route for many species. ORCA Wildlife Guides are on hand throughout the trips to help guests spot the incredible wildlife and learn more about these fascinating animals.
The first Sea Safari of 2025 departed from Portsmouth on the 09th June on board the Santoña. A total of 233 animals were sighted during the trip. Highlights included three Northern bottlenose whales (two adults and a calf) and a pod of 12 playful bottlenose dolphins with calves seen whilst crossing over the continental shelf edge.
The first Sea Safari from Plymouth this year departed on the 25th June. Shortly after boarding a presentation on the wildlife that could be seen during the trip was delivered by the ORCA Ocean Conservationist on board. Excited guests and ORCA Wildlife Guides then headed up to deck 10 to start looking out for wildlife - they didn’t have to wait long before they were treated to sightings of common dolphins.
Other highlights from this Sea Safari included Cuvier’s beaked whales in the Bay of Biscay, which were seen shortly after leaving Santander, and a fin whale in the English Channel on the approach to Plymouth.
In July, excellent sea conditions meant some fantastic sightings of common and striped dolphins during the second Sea Safari of the year from Plymouth. ORCA Wildlife Guides and guests were also thrilled to see Risso’s dolphins and nine minke whales during the trip!
Our Sea Safaris are designed for everyone, from complete beginners to wildlife enthusiasts. ORCA Wildlife Guides are on hand to help you spot all the wildlife, answer any questions, and deliver mini presentations out on deck about the incredible wildlife seen.
Spaces are still available for our Sea Safaris departing from Plymouth in August, and October 2025. Book now to experience the incredible sight of whales and dolphins in their natural habitats and on our doorstep!