Bay of Bicay whale and dolphin cruise

20/06/2006 00:00:00 Ultimate Pelagics Ltd was formed in March 2004 with the aim of enabling people to experience the natural environment in a manner consistent with the principles of sustainable development. In order to achieve this Ultimate Pelagics is working together with the Biscay Dolphin Research Programme. We at Ultimate Pelagics want you to have an active role in contributing to the protection and enhancement of the quality of our marine life and in turn we will deliver you the ultimate experience by bringing you closer to nature.

To most people, whales and dolphins live in distant oceans. They have an image of the great whales in cold waters and of dolphins that leap and play in warm, tropical climates. Come with us to discover some of the ‘hot spots’ for cetaceans and seabirds just off the British and Irish coasts. MV Athena
Our ship is a stylish, elegant and well appointed cruise ship that provides an exceptional platform to view the many wonders of the sea and skies. The MV Athena provides a welcoming friendly haven with exceptional service standards provided by an experienced and attentive crew. On-board facilities include ample all-round viewing opportunities, a complete PA system enabling all sightings to be reported throughout the ship at all times; On board experts strategically positioned throughout the ship, in contact with the bridge to report sightings; and for your extra enjoyment there are the full facilities of this luxury cruise ship including swimming pool, several bars, cinema, library, card room, sauna, gymnasium and beauty salon.

All cabins are tastefully decorated with private facilities, air-conditioning, TV and mini bar. This fully dedicated sea watching pelagic cruise will take us down to the continental shelf from Northern to Southern Biscay, taking in the deep water canyons that lie off Spain, some of the richest known feeding grounds for cetaceans and seabirds in the world. On our return we will head towards the coast of Southern Ireland and past the bird rich isles of Scilly before heading back to Falmouth for the next morning

The Bay of Biscay forms a gentle ‘u’ between the southwest shores of France and the Iberian Peninsula. The cold water rushing up from the ocean depths carries with it nutrients that have settled on the ocean floor, perhaps explaining why this nutrient rich area has produced sightings of over 20 different whale and dolphin species (more than a quarter of the worlds total). On our 2006 trip 13 different species were recorded and a staggering 2500 animals seen in total, including Fin whale, the second largest whale, Cuvier’s Beaked whale, Pilot and Minke Whale and a distant sighting of a Blue Whale. The birds found in this area include Cory’s, Great, Sooty, Little, Balearic and Manx Shearwaters. By ‘chumming’ off the ship we can also look to attract Wilson's and European Storm Petrels, all 4 northern Skuas, Sabines Gulls, Gannets, Common, Arctic, Sandwich, Little, Black and possibly Roseate Terns.

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