Whales on the Horizon: Saga Cruises with ORCA Bring Nature’s Giants Up Close
From dolphin splashes in the Bay of Biscay to blue whales off Africa, Saga’s partnership with ORCA turns every voyage into a marine adventure—while helping protect our oceans for the future.
Ahoy happy sailors!
If the idea of sipping a drink on deck while a dolphin leaps out of the waves beside you sounds like a dream, Saga’s partnership with ORCA makes it a reality—and then some. For over a decade, the marine conservation charity has been sailing with Saga ORCA, bringing not just their expertise but also a chance for guests to become part of something bigger: protecting our oceans.
Discover Our Ocean’s Marine Life
Every ORCA team comes with a Wildlife Officer, a Team Leader, and two Wildlife Guides. While you enjoy the open sea, they’re collecting essential data on whales, dolphins, and porpoises—data that scientists use worldwide to better understand populations and create protected areas. The best part? You’re invited along for the adventure. From thrilling whale and dolphin spotting sessions to engaging onboard talks, ORCA specialists ensure your cruise is filled with wildlife moments you’ll never forget.
Life on Board with ORCA
No two cruises are the same, because when it comes to the ocean, the cast list changes daily. Over the years, ORCA has recorded tens of thousands of animals on Saga voyages, including orcas, belugas, and even the mighty blue whale. In 2024 alone, more than 6,000 sightings were logged—from the rare Mediterranean monk seal to John Coe, the legendary UK orca. Add to that encounters with bowhead whales in the Arctic, fin whales in the Mediterranean, and dolphins dancing through the Bay of Biscay, and it’s safe to say that life on deck is never dull. With binoculars in hand and experts at your side, you’ll soon be spotting fins and splashes like a seasoned pro.
A Shared Commitment to Conservation
But it’s not just about breathtaking views and unforgettable memories. Saga’s collaboration with ORCA is also about protecting the future. The oceans face real threats—shipping, fishing, marine litter, and noise pollution among them. By welcoming ORCA’s trained volunteers on board, Saga helps collect the vital data that turns holidays into hope: local solutions feeding into global change. Every sighting, every record, every cruise becomes part of the bigger picture of safeguarding marine life for generations to come.
So whether you’re watching the sunset over the horizon or spotting a whale tail breaking the surface, an ORCA cruise with Saga is more than just a journey—it’s a chance to connect, to discover, and to protect. Ready to plan your adventure? The ocean is waiting.