Our volunteer surveyors are the backbone of ORCA’s research - passionate individuals who give their time to help us monitor and protect vital marine habitats. By boarding ferries across the UK and Europe, they record whales, dolphins, and porpoises, noting where they are and what they’re doing!

Looking for an easy and affordable way to learn more and whales and dolphins? The Introduction to Whales and Dolphin Identification could be the perfect option! Take a look here 👉 learn.orca.org.uk/courses/intr... #ORCA #WhalesandDolphins #OnlineCourses

Thank you Mark for leaving us this great feedback - we're proud to have you onboard! @markcarwardine1 #ORCA #MarineConservation #MarkCarwardine

Atlantic white-sided dolphins are sleek, energetic, and instantly recognisable by their yellow-tan flank stripe, dark back, and tall curved dorsal fin. Known for their acrobatics, they often leap, tail-slap, and ride the bow waves of whales! Photo credit: HWDT

In 2024, we reached a major milestone - surveying every ocean on the planet! From the icy Arctic and Southern Oceans to the vast Pacific and Atlantic, ORCA’s network of citizen scientists now monitors all major seas, expanding far beyond the Northeast Atlantic!

In 2024 alone, our citizen scientists covered an incredible 377,613km, spending over 13,000 hours searching for whales and dolphins - that’s the equivalent of a year and a half at sea! Their dedication led to 51,514 individual animals being recorded, representing 46 different cetacean species!

Discover the incredible world of whales, dolphins, and porpoises with our Introduction to Whale and Dolphin Identification course! Learn more today 👉 learn.orca.org.uk/courses/intr...

Vessel strike risks are rising. Speed is the key factor - but high-speed ferries pose a new challenge - their quieter engines give whales less warning! Recent incidents highlight why slow-downs and vigilant watchkeeping are vital to keeping our oceans safe.

Humpback whales are the ocean’s great performers. With 5m-long white fins and unique tail markings, each whale is one of a kind. Known for their dramatic breaches and haunting songs, they’re as expressive as they are intelligent!

ORCA work with schools to teach children about the amazing world of whales and dolphins and inspire young minds to be the conservationists of the future. By connecting with future generations we can make sure that we can keep these amazing animals safe for years to come.

In the eighth edition of The State of Cetaceans, we dive beneath the surface to reveal fascinating insights gathered from vessels across the world - uncovering what these incredible creatures can teach us about the changing health of our seas. See more 👉 orca.org.uk/

Happy Halloween 🌟 👻

For over three decades, ORCA’s survey data has helped drive stronger protection for whales and dolphins across key ocean hotspots. Our expertise ensures ORCA’s voice is heard at high-level global forums, shaping policies that safeguard marine mammals and the oceans they call home.

Let us know which dolphin you'd like to learn more about in the comments! 🐬 #DolphinFacts #ORCA

Ever wanted to tell the difference between a minke whale and a common dolphin? This course will teach you how! You’ll gain the skills to confidently identify whales, dolphins, and porpoises found in the northeast Atlantic! Sign up now learn.orca.org.uk/courses/intr...

We're proud to chair the Antarctic Ambassadorship Committee, part of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators! This initiative brings together those who’ve witnessed the awe-inspiring beauty of Antarctica and want to play an active role in protecting it for generations to come.

At ORCA, every carefully logged whale and dolphin sighting helps shape global conservation policy. Our survey work goes far beyond the decks of ships, informing discussions at key international forums and driving meaningful change for marine life worldwide!

Pilot whales are actually part of the dolphin family! These striking animals are recognised by their rounded bulbous head and broad dorsal fin – often said to look like a witch’s nose. Key features include: • Bulbous head and blunt beak • Broad, rounded dorsal fin • Often seen spy-hopping

We’re kicking off an incredible new season with an epic voyage from the Chilean Fjords all the way to Antarctica! This year, our work with HX continues as we monitor and educate in South Georgia, the Falklands, and across the iconic Antarctic Peninsula. Three ships, one shared mission!

ORCA volunteers play play an vital role in helping whale and dolphin conservation around Scotland. By collecting data on the Scottish ferries they are directly supporting NatureScot and Marine Scotland efforts to monitor Marine Protected Areas. Learn more 👉 orca.org.uk/our-impact/p...

Every company is different; and so are the programmes we create together. From ship strike training and route planning to onboard data collection and responsible whale watching, we work with partners to embed whale and dolphin conservation into all aspects of marine operations!

Did you know Southern right whales were once hunted to the brink of extinction? 🐋 These gentle giants still face serious threats today - from pollution and ship strikes to entanglement in fishing gear. Their numbers remain low, and protecting them is more important than ever!

Ready to become a member like Elfyn? Head over to our website! 👉 orca.org.uk/support-orca... #ORCA #ORCAMember #MarineConservation

Today, our Marine Mammal Surveyors are boarding the MV Loch Seaforth for the final survey of the season with our partners at Caledonian MacBrayne. Traveling from Ullapool to Stornoway, the team will be collecting valuable data on whales, dolphins, and porpoises spotted along the way!

Enjoyed a sea safari trip this year? 🌊 We’d love to see your best moments! Whether it was a dolphin sighting, a stunning sunset, or your favourite onboard memory - share your pictures and tag us! Don’t forget to mention @brittanyferries.bsky.social too! #SeaSafari #ORCAWildlife #BrittanyFerries

We’re proud to be backed by experts. Chris Packham – ORCA Patron, TV presenter, wildlife expert, and passionate conservationist – is just one expert who shares our mission to protect whales and dolphins.

Once pushed to the edge of extinction by commercial whaling, southern right whales still face serious challenges today. Their population remains low and they are now threatened by pollution, ship strikes, and entanglement in fishing gear — all of which put their slow recovery at risk.

Supporting ORCA isn’t just about volunteering - even a one-off donation makes a real difference. Every £10 adds up to real-world impact: Your donation helps fund research, education, and conservation - giving whales and dolphins a louder voice where it matters most!

Meet the northern bottlenose whale! With its distinctive bulbous melon, curved dorsal fin, and unique W-shaped tail fluke, it’s a truly unmistakable species. Often seen logging or swimming slowly at the surface, these fascinating whales are a special sight in northern waters.

By overlaying our sightings data with factors like bathymetry, sea-surface temperature, and chlorophyll levels, we can identify the preferred habitats of marine mammals - even in uncharted areas. This data-driven approach helps pinpoint Important Marine Mammal Areas, supporting stronger protection.

Today is World Animal Day! A global reminder to respect, protect, and celebrate all animals, from wildlife in our oceans to the pets in our homes! ✨

Just one month to go until our final Marine Mammal Surveyor course of 2025 — and it's fully booked! We can't wait to welcome our next cohort of passionate conservationists and future marine mammal experts. Dates for 2026 are now available to be booked! 👉 orca.org.uk/training/mar...

It's the final Sea Safari of the season with @brittanyferries.bsky.social aboard the Pont-Aven, sailing from Plymouth to Santander across the Bay of Biscay! Since June, our amazing ORCA Wildlife Guides and excited guests have been spotting fin whales, leaping dolphins, and elusive beaked whales.

At ORCA, we believe everyone who cares about whales and dolphins can play a hands-on role in protecting their future. Whether you're a beginner or a passionate ocean lover, our OceanWatchers programme and species ID training are the perfect way to get started. tinyurl.com/3wpanf4e

Meet the Southern Right Whale! These large baleen whales are easily recognised by their highly arched jawline, lack of dorsal fin, and a V-shaped blow up to 5 metres high. Have you seen one before?

ORCA Ocean Conservationist Maud was delighted to bump into her former lecturers and students from the University of Exeter - on their way to a field trip in Spain. Not only did she gain some extra trained eyes scanning the sea, but it turned out the students were also recording sightings for ORCA!

It’s the last Newcastle–Amsterdam survey of the year with DFDS marking the end of another incredible season of marine conservation work! Every sighting contributes to a better understanding of these incredible species and the marine environment they call home.

Although the summer season is finishing, our work doesn't stop! We will be continuing our work over the winter months, helping to make a difference across the ocean 🐋 #ORCA #MarineConservation #CitizenScience

Tragically, vessel strike is pushing local populations of large whale species toward extinction. That’s why one of our core missions is to better understand this devastating issue and work towards effective solutions to prevent vessel strikes! #ProtectWhales #VesselStrikeAwareness

Becoming an ORCA member is a great way to support nearly 30 years of vital marine conservation work. Your membership helps us monitor and protect whales, dolphins, and porpoises — and the ocean they call home. From just £5 a month! Join us today 👉 orca.org.uk/support-orca...

With 50,000 ships at sea right now, and maritime traffic set to triple by 2050, our oceans are becoming increasingly dangerous for whales and dolphins. Vessel strikes are a growing threat, as shipping lanes overlap with vital migration routes, feeding areas, and breeding grounds.

By becoming a member of ORCA, you’re actively helping to protect whales, dolphins, and the wider marine environment. For nearly 30 years, we’ve worked to safeguard our oceans - and with your support, we can continue that vital mission!

Our Ocean Conservationist season in the English Channel with @DFDS has officially come to a close; and what an incredible year it’s been! From Dieppe to Newhaven, our conservationists recorded unforgettable encounters with common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and more.

This week, we’ll be attending London International Shipping event! LISW is one of the most significant global events in the maritime calendar; bringing together thousands of international industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers for a week packed with insight, collaboration, and progress.

Our experts don’t just follow the conversation - they help guide it! By actively participating in high-level global forums, they help shape policies and initiatives that spark real, lasting change around the world. Because we know that creating impact starts with having a voice at the table!

Our Introduction to Whale and Dolphin Identification course is your gateway into the world of whales, dolphins and porpoises. 🐋 Whether you're a complete beginner or just curious to know more, this course is the perfect first step into the world of marine mammals. 👉 orca.org.uk/

We know so many of our wonderful followers have spent the summer seeing some incredible orca's! We'd love to see your pictures so remember to tag us 🐋 #ORCA #SummerPics #WhaleWatching

This Tuesday marks the last marine mammal survey of the year aboard @northlink_ferries Since April, our dedicated Marine Mammal Surveyors have been onboard monthly! Throughout the season, sightings have included harbour porpoise, bottlenose dolphins, minke whales, and even killer whales! 🐬

ORCA OceanWatchers is our citizen science programme designed to empower everyone to help monitor whales, dolphins, and porpoises - anytime, anywhere you can see the sea! No matter where you are, your observations help support vital marine conservation work across the globe!

Today is National Wildlife Day! As a charity, our mission is clear; to safeguard marine wildlife for future generations through education, science and advocacy. Thank you to all our supporters who make this vital work possible! 🐬 #NationalWildlifeDay #ORCA #MarineConservation