Perhaps less well known is the abundant wildlife to be seen en route. Now the company has joined forces with leading marine conservation charity ORCA to offer passengers a fascinating insight into the whales and dolphins of the Bay of Biscay - one of the world’s most important habitats for these amazing animals.

This new partnership will see ORCA’s wildlife education officers living and working on board Brittany Ferries’ flagship Pont Aven right through the summer and autumn. Not only are they on hand to help passengers make sightings of whales and dolphins and identify any animals encountered, but they will also give fun and informative presentations about these highly complex and intelligent mammals, and the delicate ecosytems they inhabit.

With extensive promenade decks and observation areas as well as a range of comfortable restaurants and lounges with panoramic windows, Pont Aven offers a prime vantage point across the spectacular seascapes of the Bay of Biscay. This mysterious area of ocean plunges to depths of up to 4000m, and is home to over twenty different species of cetacean, ranging in size from the harbour porpoise to the mighty fin whale, the second largest animal on earth.

David Longden, Brittany Ferries’ Managing Director explained the philosophy behind the venture; “Being a maritime company we’re ever-conscious of the marine environment in which we operate, as well as the responsibilities which come with that. By working with ORCA we can raise people’s awareness of the wildlife of the Channel and Bay of Biscay, and in turn promote its protection.”

He continued, “We’ve always believed that travel by ferry is about far more than just getting from A to B. With this new partnership we can further enhance the on-board experience by allowing our passengers to enjoy a wildlife adventure before they even arrive at their holiday destination.”

Dylan Walker, Project Development Manager at ORCA commented, “Travel by Ferry is one of the very best and most accessible ways of seeing cetaceans in European waters. It is absolutely fantastic to see such a large company as Brittany Ferries taking a real and genuine interest in whales and dolphins. This is a great opportunity for us to help people connect with the sea and encounter some of the most amazing animals on the planet.”

For up-to-date news and stories about the project please visit the wildlife officers’ blog at www.brittanywildlifeofficer.wordpress.com.  More information on Brittany Ferries’ services to Spain can be found at www.brittanyferries.com/spain.