Ferry Operators DFDS have conducted research to provide travellers with the ultimate European sea life spotting guide for beginners to be shared with all the family whilst travelling by sea.
Travelling by sea gives you the most unique opportunity to spot some of the ocean’s most renowned inhabitants, and DFDS have provided detailed fact files that inform travellers on what animals they could spot, where to spot them and what time of year provides the best opportunity.
They have also provided information on how sea life spotting helps encourage sea life conservation, and what you can pack to make sure you’re prepared to spot all the sea life you can.
The sealife spotting guide is available to view here: https://www.dfds.com/en-gb/passenger-ferries/sealife-spotters
What animals can you spot?
The Fact files
DFDS researched sea life across four areas of the sea and compiled it all into fact files that can be used to help identify and provide the best opportunity to find these sea creatures.
English Channel – Fact file Example:
Other fact files include creatures such as the Beluga Whale found in the North Sea, Ringed Seals found in the Baltic Sea and Eider Ducks found in Skagerrak.
DFDS’ route between Newhaven to Dieppe has been labelled as the one where you’re most likely to spot Bottlenose Dolphins, in the English Channel. Same as the lucrative Ocean Sunfish. Whereas routes between Amsterdam and Newcastle across the North Sea as well as Frederikshavn to Copenhagen across Skagerrak have been pinpointed as the best place to potentially spot Sharks of varying species.
Dolphins and Seals also can be seen on routes across the Baltic Sea, including Klaipeda to Kiel and Kapellskär to Paldiski.
You can find all of the sea life spotting routes within the interactive fact files here: https://www.dfds.com/en-gb/passenger-ferries/sealife-spotters
Stephen House, Head of Campaign & Product Marketing at DFDS said:
“As DFDS ferries make the European seas their home for the majority of the year, it’s important that we look out for those we share it with! That’s why we work together with ORCA, as well as our passengers to ensure the conservation of sea life animals. Not only does sea life spotting provide a great activity for families and young couples alike, it also allows our passengers to contribute to the cause and kick off their holiday with something fun, educational and informative.”
DFDS partner with wildlife Charity ORCA. They observe various species of marine animals like dolphins, whales and gannets and use DFDS ferries to do so through sea life spotting. DFDS and ORCA work together, organising and promoting programmes and events to help take care of marine life and raise awareness of marine conservation.
DFDS spoke to ORCA on their view on the importance of sea life spotting when it comes to helping wildlife conservation:
Steve Jones – Director of Fundraising & Operations, ORCA says:
“Spending time out on deck gives you the chance to spot all sorts of amazing wildlife, including dolphins, porpoises, seabirds and seals. When you are out watching, just keep your eyes out for anything unusual in the water – dark shapes, splashes, diving seabirds or anything else out of the ordinary – and you could have the chance to spot something exciting!
Not only is it one of the most enjoyable ways to spend time, ORCA believes that the more people that get a glimpse into this world, the better our chances of protecting them for future generations.”
The full comment, as well as further information on the sealife spotters guide is available to view here: https://www.dfds.com/en-gb/passenger-ferries/sealife-spotters
