It’s ordinary people like you who make what we do possible. Our mission is simple: oceans alive with whales and dolphins. And anyone can help make that happen. ORCA gives people the chance to turn care into action. Our work is global, and our evidence drives real change!

The Introduction to Whale and Dolphin Identification course! It gives you the core skills to recognise species in the Northeast Atlantic , plus expert tips from professional whale watchers – so you can confidently tell your harbour porpoise from your humpback whale. 👉 orca.org.uk/training/int...

Get all the latest updates, reports, and findings direct your inbox! You can sign up here 👉 orca.org.uk/newsletter

A new report has shown that England is falling behind on its legally binding environmental targets, with 2030 fast approaching. Right now, UK seas meet just 2 of 15 measures of good environmental health, so stronger protection in Marine Protected Areas is essential!

The harbour porpoise is the smallest cetacean and the only porpoise found in European waters! Sadly, numbers have fallen across Europe due to pollution, noise, heavy boat traffic and overfishing - but the biggest threat is getting caught in fishing nets.

Our team are committed to protecting whales and dolphins by focusing on key “hotspot” areas. These areas are often difficult to study but as human activity expands to new parts of the ocean, monitoring these remote areas of the ocean is more important than ever.

Whilst we started out with a focus on the Northeast Atlantic, our citizen scientists citizen scientists are now having an impact globally. This worldwide reach means we can track, research and protect whales and dolphins everywhere - from polar waters to tropical seas, and across every major ocean ✨

In 2024, 46 species were recorded, with eight of them appearing in ORCA’s dataset for the very first time! This is down to the hard work of our incredible army of citizen scientists and the global growth of our monitoring work, helping to protect whales and dolphins around the world.

Want to get onboard as a volunteer Marine Mammal Surveyor? Our one-day, live online training courses are interactive and give you all the skills you need to identify and record whales, dolphins and porpoises during offshore surveys. Take a look 👉 orca.org.uk/training/mar...

What more would you like to know about the false killer whale? 🐋 #ORCA #FalseKillerWhale

ORCA’s data plays a vital role in influencing policy and driving real change for whales and dolphins worldwide. Beyond surveys at sea, we use this evidence in key international conservation forums to push for stronger protection where it’s most needed!

Is reading more on your 2026 to-do list? Our online store is packed with fascinating reads for every level of ocean curiosity - whether you’re just starting out or already obsessed with marine life! Take a look 👉 orca.org.uk/shop

Book your place on our Marine Mammal Surveyor Course! Join us for an interactive, one-day live online training course and take your first step into marine conservation. - Saturday 18th April 2026 - Online via Zoom Visit orca.org.uk/training to learn more!

Around 50,000 ships are currently travelling the globe, and maritime traffic is expected to triple by 2050! Protecting cetaceans means understanding risks and pushing for smarter routes, better technology and greater awareness at sea!

Humpback whales are large baleen whales! They have a flat rostrum with rounded tubercles, dark colouring with a lighter underside, and very long pectoral fins, that can reach up to 5 metres! Plus, each whale has unique markings on the underside of its tail flukes!

Our work doesn’t stop in the UK - we’re proud to be making a difference across the globe. 🌍 Our Ocean Conservationists work not only in UK waters and the wider North East Atlantic, but increasingly worldwide! #GlobalConservation #OceanConservationists #ProtectOurOceans

Our Ocean Conservationists educate and inspire passengers throughout their voyage, sharing expert knowledge and engaging stories that bring the marine wildlife around them to life. 🌟

Sowerby’s beaked whales are sleek, slender cetaceans with a long beak and a small, rounded melon, giving them a more dolphin-like shape than other beaked whales. Their curved dorsal fin sits well back on the body, and when they surface, the beak often breaks the water first!

ORCA is looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our incredible team of Ocean Conservationists, working at sea in the Bay of Biscay from Rosslare, Portsmouth or Plymouth. If you’re ready to play a key role this could be the perfect opportunity for you! @brittanyferries

White-beaked dolphins are large, powerful animals with distinctive markings that make them a favourite to spot at sea. They have a short, noticeable beak (not always fully white), a tall curved dorsal fin, and striking white and pale grey patterns along their sides. Have you seen one?

Our team are back to work, and we can't wait to get started on what's set to be a very busy year 🌟 We can't wait to bring you with us on the journey throughout 2026! #ORCA #DolphinsandWhales #MarineConservation

New year challenge to confidently identify the most common whales, dolphins and porpoises? The Introduction to Whale and Dolphin Identification course gives you the skills and knowledge to recognise a wide range of species found across the northeast Atlantic! Learn more on our website!

Happy New Year everyone! 🌟 We can't wait to continue our work throughout 2026, and share our journey with you across our social media! Stay tuned! #ORCA #MarineConservation #NewYear

2025! What an incredible busy year ! Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our conservation work over the past year, we could not have done this without you. #ORCA #NewYear

Merry Christmas everyone! We hope you all have a wonderful day 🌟 ✨ #MerryChristmas

Whales, dolphins and porpoises are facing greater threats than ever! That’s why we’re taking action through dedicated conservation work, research and education, helping to protect these incredible animals and the oceans they depend on. Every effort plays a part in safeguarding their future!

Forgot to pick up a Christmas present? How about something a little different.... The Introduction to Whale and Dolphin Identification course gives the recipient the skills and knowledge to identify a wide range of whales, dolphins and porpoises found across the North East Atlantic!

Our team are off on their Christmas break now, but don't worry - we'll be back in January ready for another impactful year 🌟 Have a wonderful break everyone 🐬 #ChristmasBreak #HappyChristmas

Whales, dolphins and porpoises are under more pressure than ever. From plastic pollution to overfishing, habitat destruction to the hunting of these amazing creatures - our ocean friends are facing huge threats. We want oceans full of whales and dolphins. And you can make a difference.

Our Introduction to Whale and Dolphin Identification course gives you the skills to spot and identify a wide range of whales, dolphins and porpoises found in the Northeast Atlantic. A fun, meaningful gift for any ocean lover! Take a look learn.orca.org.uk/courses/intr...

Our guidelines are there to keep both whales and people safe! If you’re ever unsure, just ask two simple questions: - “Do you follow RWW guidelines?” - “Can you tell me what they are?” If they can’t answer… chances are, they’re not following them!

Gray whales look a little different from most baleen whales - no rorqual pleats here. Instead, they’ve got a rigid, triangular snout and a long, slightly arched mouth line that works perfectly with their baleen plates to filter tiny crustaceans from the seabed. #OceanWildlife #GrayWhaleFacts #ORCA

Learn how to spot marine mammals, understand key differences between species groups, and recognise the features needed to identify them at sea with this course! 👉 learn.orca.org.uk/courses/sout...

Have you checked out the ORCA online shop yet? From books to binoculars, you might just find the perfect Christmas giftl whether it’s for someone you love or a little treat for yourself! 👉 orca.org.uk/shop #ORCA #ChristmasGifts #ORCAGifts

Interested to learn more about Dwarf Sperm Whales? Click here 👉 orca.org.uk/species-sigh... #WhaleFacts #SpermWhales #ORCA

We're proud to say that we have created specialist training programmes to help seafarers and shore-based teams understand the risks of ship strikes and how to prevent them; protecting vulnerable whale species. We also work with corporate organisations to deliver this training!

From a training course, to a donation, why not give a different type of gift this Christmas? Something that makes a difference, not something that will get shoved in a drawer! Head over to our website to learn more. orca.org.uk/ #ORCA #ChristmasGifts #GiftIdeas

The northern bottlenose whale is the largest beaked whale in the European Atlantic, known for its distinctive bulbous melon, short beak, and unique W-shaped tail fluke. Often seen slow-swimming or logging at the surface, it’s one of the most easily recognisable species in our waters!

Did you know the waters around the UK and Europe are home to over a third of the world’s whale, dolphin, and porpoise species? Our seas are far richer in marine life than many people realise; and every sighting helps us understand and protect these incredible animals!

In 2024, an incredible 23,909 common dolphins were recorded by our teams - making them the most frequently sighted species of the year! Their high numbers highlight just how important ongoing monitoring is for understanding population trends and protecting these remarkable animals.

We’re often asked why ORCA continues visiting countries where whaling still occurs. By staying present in places like Iceland, Norway, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, the Caribbean, the USA, and Japan, we can gather vital data, monitor populations, and push for conservation from within.

Our team of Marine Mammal Surveyors is preparing to board the Saga Spirit of Discovery for our final Saga Cruise Survey of 2025, travelling through Norway, Denmark, and Germany. Stayed tuned for updates!

This week, our team of Research Scientists are travelling from Punta Arenas to the Southern Ocean! The data they collect on board will feed into an exciting project focused on understanding the abundance and distribution of recovering whale populations in the Southern Ocean!

Curious to see what we’ve been up to? On our website, we share weekly snapshots highlighting where ORCA has been - and, most importantly, what we’ve seen. It’s the perfect way to keep up with our latest sightings, surveys, and adventures at sea! #ORCA #WeeklyHighlights #LatestSightings

Thanks to the dedication of our incredible network of citizen scientists, an amazing 51,514 individual animals were recorded in 2024! Every sighting adds to our understanding of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, helping us protect these species and the oceans they depend on!

Leaving a gift to ORCA is simple - but its impact can be truly profound. Below, we’ve highlighted the key details you may need! Simply include: • Our charity number: 1141728 • Our name: ORCA in your Will.

These dolphins are large, powerful and known for their energetic swimming and distinctive markings. They have a short beak (not always fully white), a pale grey 'saddle patch' that sweeps from behind the tall, curved dorsal fin towards the tail, and a pale blaze that stretches from the tail!

Today’s the last survey of the 2025 ORCA ferry season! @dfdsukire Our amazing team of Marine Mammal Surveyors are sailing from Newhaven to Dieppe with DFDS, gathering important data on whales, dolphins, and porpoises in the English Channel. Then let's get ready for 2026! #MarineMammalSurveyor

The data we collect isn’t just numbers; it’s evidence. For over 30 years, ORCA’s survey work has helped secure better protection for whales and dolphins in ocean hotspots and our experts use that knowledge on the global stage to influence policy and protect marine life for the future!

The latest report in our State of Cetaceans series offers fascinating insights! Thanks to our long-running datasets, we’ve been able to produce population estimates for five commonly seen species: harbour porpoise, bottlenose dolphin, common dolphin, white-beaked dolphin, and minke whale.