There are few locations in the world able to offer such an extraordinary diversity of whales and dolphins and so close to home. The enormous variation in sea depth as we cross two continental shelves, accounts for the wonderful variety of encounters. In fact, at least 16 species are recorded in the Bay during a typical year. We are likely to see good numbers of Fin (the second largest whale) and Pilot Whales, also Common, Striped and Bottlenose Dolphins. One of our 2002 trips yielded over 5000 dolphins alone! However, an amazing variety of species can be seen including Sei Whales, Risso's Dolphins and Orcas. On some of our trips we have even seen Blue and Humpback Whale and on several of our trips we have had some fantastic encounters with groups of Sperm Whales. The Bay is also one of the best regions of the world for rare beaked whales and we regularly see Cuvier's Beaked Whales and sometimes Northern Bottlenose Whales. One of our 2003 trips enjoyed a True’s Beaked Whale breaching by the ship. Recent claims include False Killer Whale too. We regularly see Basking Sharks and Sunfish and occasionally encounter turtles.

Likely seabirds include Cory's, Great, Sooty, Manx and Mediterranean Shearwaters, Storm Petrels, Long-tailed Skuas and Sabine's gulls. Little Shearwater is a rarity that we may see in the Southern Bay with more than 5 seen on some 2002 trips. With recent advances in seabird identification, Cape Verde, Scopoli’s and Yelkouan Shearwaters could be added soon! With more Fea’s Petrels being claimed in UK waters, the Bay’s first must be due too.

The sea crossings are approximately 36 hours each way, with four hours ashore in Spain. A walk in the Spanish foothills in search of local birds, butterflies and plants provides a great change of scenery. Alternatively, you may prefer to take one of the ship's organised coach tours (exploring Bilbao Old Town or Castro Urdiales and Cantabrian the coastline).

This trip is a must for beginners and experienced whale and seabird watchers alike.

Please note: binoculars are essential. Our leaders will have radios to maximise the group’s sightings aboard the vessel.

Holiday Information

Duration: 3 nights / 4 days

Dates: 3^rd – 6^th and 9^th – 12th August 2007

WildOceans naturalists/guides include: Mike Scott-Ham, Graham Tucker, Kevin Morgan, Derek Barber and Colin Wood.

Deposit: £50 per person

Cost: £229 per person sharing a cabin.

(Outside Cabin with window £50 per person. Single supplement £69)

No of participants: 15-20

Accommodation:  We travel across the Bay of Biscay on a comfortable ferry with large decks, good stability. Facilities are excellent and include various restaurants and bars, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, saunas, gym, cinema and a night club.  Price is based on sharing an inside cabin with private facilities.

Meals: No meals are included.

Insurance:            from £20.95 per person

NB: The services of our guide are not available to other passengers on these ferries

Previous trip reports are available on our website or from us. 2006 reports will be available from September onwards.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Evening departure from Portsmouth. Welcome briefing and introductory talk.

Day 2: Brittany Coast and south into the Bay of Biscay, sea watching.

Day 3: Arrive early morning at fishing town of Santurtzi. Nature walk in the Spanish foothills (Taxi fare £5). Optional coach tours (approx. £10.00 per person). Sail north across the Bay of Biscay, sea watching.

Day 4: South-western approaches and into the Channel. Group trip log. Disembark at Portsmouth late afternoon.

PREVIOUS TRIP ENCOUNTERS

Fin Whale

Sei Whale

Blue Whale 

Minke Whale,

Humpback Whale 

Sperm Whale

Dwarf/Pygmy Sperm Whale

Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

Northern Bottlenose Whale

Soweby’s Beaked Whale

True’s Beaked Whale

Orca

Pilot Whale

White-beaked Dolphin

Risso's Dolphin

Common Dolphin

Striped Dolphin

Bottlenose Dolphin

Harbour Porpoise