Whale & dolphin watching cruises from £199

Once you have boarded Pont-Aven, make yourself comfortable for departure and then please join us at 16:00hrs in the main bar (Le Grand Pavois) for a presentation and a chance to meet your guides before heading out on deck for an evening wildlife watch.

This is the big one! You’ll wake up in the middle of the Bay of Biscay, one of the richest places in the world for whales and dolphins, and so our guides will be on the top deck from first light scouring the deep ocean for giant whales, large groups of dolphins and a host of other species!

Once we reach Santander, you’ll have some time to explore and stroll along the beach or enjoy the wonderful food and drink before you board to return to the UK. Once the ship has departed, the guides will be back out on our platform on deck 10, helping you to spot more wildlife on the northbound crossing, until the sun goes down in the evening.

On the final day, we have a little time to get in a final session on deck in the morning before our arrival in Plymouth, looking out for dolphins, porpoises and even minke whales as we approach the end of our journey.

After arriving at Portsmouth International Port and checking in, you will be able to get on board and get settled down in your cabin for a good night's sleep, ready for an exciting whale and dolphin adventure!

This is the big one, so make sure you set an alarm to get up early. You will be able to meet our team outside on deck 10 at first light - just look for the blue ORCA high-vis jackets!

During the day we will be crossing some of the most productive waters in Europe, with different species on show ranging from playful common dolphins to giant fin whales. Make sure you spend as much time as possible out on deck with our guides - having a full day in such productive waters is a real treat so be sure to take advantage!

You'll arrive in Santander in the morning. You’ll have some time to explore and stroll along the beach or enjoy the wonderful food and drink before you board to return to the UK. Once the ship has departed, the guides will be back out on our platform on deck 10, helping you to spot more wildlife on the northbound crossing. Until the sun goes down in the evening, we'll be sailing over undersea canyons thousands of metres deep, making it the perfect place to look out for elusive beaked whales and sperm whales. As you head north, you'll be travelling back out over the Bay of Biscay and will have another opportunity to spot a myriad of species as you enjoy your last evening onboard.

The final day still allows plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife as you sail past the north Brittany Coastline and through the English Channel to Portsmouth. Risso's dolphins, minke whales, harbour porpoises and an array of seabirds are just some of the many different species you might see as you spend your last day on board, before bidding each other a fond farewell after exploring the amazing world of whales and dolphins.

Over a third of the world's whale and dolphin species can be found in the Bay of Biscay as well as many bird species. Our route 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.

Shallow waters fall away rapidly to depths of over 4000 metres - an ideal habitat for species such as fin whales, the second largest animal on the planet. Deep underwater canyons attract mysterious creatures such as beaked whales and the enigmatic sperm whale closer to the shores of northern Spain.

We have had close encounters with many of these and have been lucky enough to see orca and even blue whales in the Bay

With nature, anything can happen at any time. We frequently see a good number of animals and a wide range of species.

June/July - Trips have often produced a high number of different species. Dolphins are regularly seen in very good numbers, with larger whale species, such as fin and sei whales, also being seen at this time of year.

August - Fin whales are usually present and Cuvier's beaked whales are often encountered, we have even seen blue whales at this time of year!

September - 'We have enjoyed numerous whale and dolphin species during this month. Bird migration is also in full swing now so bird enthusiasts often choose this month to venture with us into the Bay.

October - Numerous whale and dolphin species can still be seen during this month. Large numbers of common dolphins and bluefin tuna are often present in the English Channel - making for an exciting approach back into Plymouth!

Despite it being the summer, you should be prepared for all weather types! We advise windproof and warm layers as well as waterproofs and sun protection. Don't forget your binoculars! Suggested magnifications are 8 X 40 or 10 x 40. Of course, you'll want to bring your camera and remember your passport too!

• Passport (essential)

• Binoculars (essential). For sea-watching 8 or 10 X magnification are ideal but not higher

• Telescopes and tripods can be useful for the identification of mammals and seabirds in very calm seas, however, these are not essential for good viewing and in reality conditions (weather and boat vibration) often negate the benefits of the additional magnification these provide

• Recommended footwear are non-slip deck shoes. If the weather is wet then slippery decks can be a hazard so bear this in mind when you are running around the deck which may happen if a big whale is sighted on one side or the other

• Sun hat, sun cream and lip balm. (Don't underestimate the power of the sun at sea! You can become sunburnt quite quickly. Factor 30+ is probably best but then that's down to your own preference and experience.)

• Waterproof jacket and over-trousers just in case of inclement weather

• Appropriate clothing for both warm & cold weather and that includes a warm hat and a hat to protect you from the sun. Remember though that you could easily lose your hat on a windy deck

• A container to carry drinking water

• A mobile phone or camera (Don't forget your battery charger and a European electrical adaptor)

• Notebook and pen (or pencil)

Plymouth is easy to reach from Wales and the West Country with fast access to the ferry port from the A38 motorway. Going south from Exeter, head southwest on the A38 to Plymouth. Exit the A38 at the A374 and follow signs to the 'continental ferry port'. Frequent trains run from London's Paddington Station to Plymouth taking 3 to 4 hours. For rail information visit www.nationalrail.co.uk. Plymouth Citybus operates buses from the train station into the city centre but there is no direct bus to the ferry terminal. Local bus information can be found at www.plymouthbus.co.uk

Less than 2 hours from London by car and with great motorway links and rail connections, Portsmouth is a great choice for travelling to France from the Midlands and South England.

From London, take the M3 or A3. From the Midlands take the A34 to the M3. From Bristol and South Wales take the A36. From the South West take the A31. These roads all lead to the M275, which takes you directly to the port.

Train services between Portsmouth and London Waterloo take 85 minutes. There are also services from London Victoria and Cardiff. It takes approximately 20 minutes to walk to the ferry terminal from the town centre and 30 minutes from Portsmouth & Southsea train station.

For more information including car parking options visit our Portsmouth port guide.

Santander, the capital of Cantabria, is an elegant city stretched across a wide bay with many stunning beaches.

Surrounded by mountains and countryside, the streets wind up through the hilly landscape to afford fantastic views of the Cantabrian Sea, which supplies the city's restaurants with the fantastic seafood for which Cantabria is renowned. A shopping hub, the best shopping can be found on Alameda de Oviedo Boulevard, bustling with street vendors, and the stylish and completely pedestrianised Calle Burgos. For more information visit our Santander travel guide.