Whale and Dolphin Spotting
on our Plymouth to Santander Service

Many types of marine life can be observed from any of our crossings to France and Spain but the most productive is the Plymouth to Santander route. From the comparatively shallow English Channel to the 4000m deep Bay of Biscay and the submarine valleys of the northern Spanish coast, marine wildlife is abundant. Crossing the English Channel often produces sightings of Harbour Porpoises and dolphins as well as seabirds like the spectacular Gannet and seasonal species such as the Manx Shearwater and Bonxies, the Great Skua.

The thought of crossing the Bay of Biscay can sometimes produce a feeling of apprehension but its reputation is more often than not belied by being calm and tranquil. There is always the expectation of a whale or dolphin sighting at any time but the southern area of the Bay of Biscay has the most potential.

Dolphins

Common Dolphins are the most numerous species likely to be seen with their yellowish figure of eight side markings, followed by Striped Dolphins, a similarly sized but a more active animal with grey/ blue striping.

Whales

Also quite frequently seen are Pilot Whales, usually in relatively small groups, who appear black, are slow moving and with a distinctive rounded dorsal fin. During the mid summer period larger whales can often be seen. These consist mainly of Rorquals, a group of baleen whales including Fin, Sie and Minke Whales. The 'blows' of these animals are quite obvious and in calm conditions can be seen for miles. White, vapour-like, tall and thin and sometimes low and bushy, these blows are very distinctive. They can be diagnostic, as in the case of Sperm Whales where the blow is at an angle and from the left side of the animal. In the southern Bay of Biscay area the speciality species which frequent deeper waters between the 4000 and 200metre depth are species of beaked whales. These animals are deep diving and feed on squid and shoaling fish and on occasions multiple breaches. The most frequently seen beaked whale is the Cuvier's Beaked Whale which has a greyish/ brownish body, paler head and who tends to move rapidly away from the ship.

Whale and Dolphin Spotting Tips

Seeing whales and dolphins, or cetaceans, to use their collective name, is normally more successful in the southern Bay of Biscay area. The best time for observation is from first light to arriving at Santander and from leaving Santander to dusk. Binoculars are a considerable help, particularly 7 x 50`s, which are particularly suited to marine use.

Like all wildlife watching, there is no substitute for patience and spending time scanning. It states the obvious – the longer you watch the greater the chance of a sighting.

A good identification book is also very useful with 'Whales, Dolphins & Porpoises' by Mark Carwardine being a long time favourite. A more recent publication is 'Whales, Dolphins & Seals' by Hadoram Shirihai which is packed with excellent illustrations and very good photographs – a positive mine of information. There is also a pictorial guide by 'Ocean Guides, Whales & Dolphins of the European Atlantic / The Bay of Biscay and the English Channel'.

Brittany Ferries Commitment to Marine Life

Brittany Ferries support marine life surveys and particularly the Plymouth to Santander survey which has been operating for well over eleven years. The information collected is combined with other UK ferry based surveys under the heading, Atlantic Research Coalition, with the data being available to conservation organisations and Government bodies etc.