What you might not expect is a front-row seat to the largest animals on earth, all without leaving the sun deck. And thanks to a brilliant partnership between DFDS and marine conservation charity ORCA, that’s exactly what’s on offer.
A surprisingly rich stretch of sea
This isn’t some novelty dolphin-spotting sideshow. DFDS’s daily crossings take you right through some of Europe’s richest marine habitats, where whales, dolphins and porpoises roam the North Sea as if it’s their own private playground. Which, to be fair, it is.
To help you spot them (and not confuse a rogue ripple for a bonafide rare sighting), ORCA’s trained wildlife guides are onboard select sailings between April and September. You’ll find them up on the observation deck leading free wildlife-watching sessions and sharing surprising facts, like how the white-beaked dolphin can reach motorway speeds when it’s in a hurry, or why minke whales are sometimes referred to as “the silent stalkers” of the sea.
A free experience for all ages
It’s partly an educational experience, partly pure excitement, and a very good reason to spend some time up on deck in the sunshine with a coffee and a pair of binoculars.
The ORCA experience is designed for all ages. Kids (and adults) will love learning about the creatures they’re spotting, while more seasoned wildlife enthusiasts can take part in research, helping to support conservation efforts, and feel quietly smug about ticking a rare species or two off their bucket lists.
Even if you don’t spot a thing…
Wildlife doesn’t work to a schedule, of course, and some days the sea is a little quieter. But even if the animals decide to be camera-shy, there’s something quietly wonderful about standing at the railing, watching the horizon and learning about the lives just beneath the surface.
So next time you sail with DFDS, don’t just treat it as a way to get from A to B. Spend a little time with ORCA, and you might come away with a deeper appreciation of the journey, and maybe a minke whale memory to match your mini-break.
Find out more about ORCA’s work on board at dfds.com.