Bay of Biscay – The End of an Era Our last ever departure to commemorate the final season of the vessel and route In conjunction with Birdwatch Magazine

WildWings, 577 Fishponds Road, Fishponds, Bristol. BS16 3AF.UK
\| Tel: 0117 9658 333 \| Fax: 0117 9375 681 \| Email: wildinfo@wildwings.co.uk \|

With the recent announcement by the vessel’s operator that 2010 will be the last summer the Pride of Bilbao plies these seabird and cetacean rich waters, we are pleased to offer our ever last departure, led by two of our most popular Biscay leaders. This ‘mere’ car ferry has enabled hundreds if not thousands of people to enjoy seeing whales and dolphins in the wild for the first time and enjoy some superb seabirding too boot. At times, it can be as exciting on deck 11 as on any vessel on any ocean in the world with seabird and cetaceans going in all directions! The action is always fast, you need to be out on deck to score. This departure is timed for peak summer Fin Whale and dolphin numbers plus is also one of the best period for Little Shearwaters.

There are few locations in the world able to offer such an extraordinary diversity of whales and dolphins and so close to home. The enormous variation in sea depth as we cross two continental shelves, accounts for the wonderful variety of encounters. In fact, at least 16 species are recorded in the Bay during a typical year. We are likely to see good numbers of Fin (the second largest whale) and Pilot Whales, also Common, Striped and Bottlenose Dolphins. One of our 2002 trips yielded over 5000 dolphins alone! However, an amazing variety of species can be seen including Sei Whales, Risso's Dolphins and Orcas. On some of our trips we have even seen Blue and Humpback Whale and on several of our trips we have had some fantastic encounters with groups of Sperm Whales. The Bay is also one of the best regions of the world for rare beaked whales and we regularly see Cuvier's Beaked Whales and sometimes Northern Bottlenose Whales. One of our 2003 trips enjoyed a True’s Beaked Whale breaching by the ship. Recent claims include False Killer Whale too. We regularly see Basking Sharks and Sunfish and occasionally encounter turtles. 2008 highlights included over 100 Fin Whales, 11 Cuvier’s Beaked Whales, Pilot Whales, hundreds of dolphins of three species with Little Shearwater being the star seabird.

Likely seabirds include Cory's, Great, Sooty, Manx and Balaeric Shearwaters, storm- petrels, skuas, terns and Sabine's gulls. Little Shearwater is a rarity that we may see in the Southern Bay with up to five seen on some early August trips. The first Fea’s Petrel was claimed in 2007. With recent advances in seabird identification, Cape Verde, Scopoli’s and Yelkouan Shearwaters could be added soon. The ship also attracts land bird migrants too.

The sea crossings are approximately 36 hours each way, with four hours ashore in Spain. We offer walk in the Spanish foothills in search of local birds, butterflies and plants provides a great change of scenery. Alternatively, you may prefer to take one of the ship's optional organised coach tours (exploring Bilbao Old Town or Castro Urdiales and Cantabrian the coastline).

This trip is a must for beginners and experienced whale and seabird watchers alike. Caroline Still was one of the original Biscay leaders and has led many whale and dolphin watching departures over the years. Mike Scott-Ham has also travelled the world’ s oceans in search of seabirds and cetaceans and both look forward to sharing their infectious enthusiasm with you. All past WildOceans clients are especially welcome on this trip, wherever you have travelled in the world with us.

Please note: binoculars are essential. Our leaders will have radios to maximise the group’s sightings aboard the vessel.

Holiday Information

Duration: 3 nights / 4 days

Dates: 5^th – 8^th August 2010

Guides: Caroline Still & Mike Scott-Ham.

Deposit: £50 per person

Cost: £239 per person sharing a cabin.

(Outside Cabin with window £50 per cabin. Single supplement £50)

Max number of participants: 28

We travel across the Bay of Biscay and back on a comfortable ferry with large open decks and good stability. Facilities are excellent and include various restaurants and bars, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, saunas, gym, cinema and a night club.

Price includes: sharing an inside twin cabin with private facilities (Portsmouth – Portsmouth), services of WildOceans naturalists, daily sea-watching sessions on deck at sea, optional bird and nature walk in Spain. WildOceans marine mammal and bird checklist and free colour cetacean ID cards.

Price excludes: travel to Portsmouth, meals, drinks, travel insurance and other items of a personal nature.

NB: The services of our guides are not available to other passengers on these ferries

Previous trip reports are available on our website or from us.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Evening departure from Portsmouth. Welcome briefing and introductory talk.

Day 2: At sea, Brittany Coast and south into the Bay of Biscay, sea watching.

Day 3: Arrive early morning at fishing town of Santurtzi. Nature walk in the Spanish foothills (Taxi fare £5). Optional coach tours (approx. £10.00 per person). Sail 1200 and head back north across the Bay of Biscay, sea watching.

Day 4: At sea, south-western approaches and into the English Channel. Group trip log. Disembark at Portsmouth late afternoon.

Previous WildOceans sightings in Biscay

Cetaceans

Fin Whale

Sei Whale

Blue Whale

Minke Whale,

Humpback Whale

Sperm Whale

Dwarf/Pygmy Sperm Whale

Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

Northern Bottlenose Whale