ORCA: observe whales during your holiday

For many years, from the end of March to September, we welcome ORCA volunteers aboard our ferries. What is their mission? These Ocean Conservationists look after the animals that inhabit the North Sea and English Channel. One of their missions on board is to observe the different marine animals, like dolphins, whales and gannets. By listing the areas where these species live, volunteers can, in collaboration with the relevant authorities, take measures to protect them.

Meet Marthe, naturalist guide of the ORCA association, from Wednesday to Sunday from May 11 to September 12 on our Dieppe-Newhaven ferries.

Presentations, animations, discussions and observations: she is eager to share her knowledge with you!

Come and join us on a Dieppe-Newhaven or Newcastle-Amsterdam ferry and take part in our observation workshops or even join us for a wildlife mini cruise to Amsterdam. Hop onboard to join in with whale & dolphin watching among many more species, and see the magic of the sea for yourself!

In addition to Ocean Conservationists, we have Marine Surveyors onboard our Amsterdam-Newcastle, Dieppe-Newhaven and Dover-Calais routes from March until November. These volunteer surveyors do essential work which helps protect the marine wildlife inhabiting the North Sea and the English Channel. They observe the sealife and obtain essential data which contributes to maintaining safe habitats for whales and dolphins.

ORCA have now made their data collection app OceanWatchers available to everyone! Explore the app's I-Spy at sea function, learn about the wildlife across our DFDS routes, and record your own sightings while onboard. At the end of your sailing, you might find yourself wanting to become a trained OceanWatcher yourself. Find out more about I-Spy at sea!

We did it! After being crowned ‘Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator 2024’ at the World Travel Awards earlier this year, we are delighted to announce we have retained our title as the World’s Leading Ferry Operator.

We were also once again recognised as having the best website in our industry – scooping both the European and World awards in 2024.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who voted, and to our passengers, colleagues and partners who contribute to our continued success – we couldn’t do it without you all.