Wildlife Encounters at Sea: From Puffins to Whales

One of the great pleasures of cruising is that you’re never far from nature. From seabirds following the wake of the ship to whales breaching in the distance, every voyage offers the chance to witness unforgettable wildlife moments. With Ambassador Cruise Line, you’ll have opportunities to explore regions rich in biodiversity — from the rugged coasts of the British Isles to the dramatic fjords of Norway and the vast Atlantic waters. Each sailing is like a moving wildlife platform, offering changing landscapes and habitats where the unexpected can happen at any moment. Spotting a pod of dolphins racing the ship or puffins nesting on a cliff is a reminder of the thrill of travelling by sea.

Puffins of the British Isles

Known affectionately as the “clowns of the sea,” puffins are a highlight of spring and summer sailings around the UK and Ireland. Their colourful beaks and quirky character make them a favourite among wildlife enthusiasts.

• Best Spots: The cliffs of the Farne Islands, Staffa in Scotland, and Iceland’s Latrabjarg cliffs.

• Season: May to early August, when puffins nest in their thousands.

• Experience: Watch them whirring through the air or bobbing on the water alongside your ship.

Part of what makes puffins so endearing is their life cycle. They spend most of the year at sea, only returning to land for the breeding season. Colonies can number in the thousands, and watching them return to their burrows with beaks full of sand eels is a sight to behold. Many guests describe puffins as a highlight of their cruise, proving that sometimes the smallest wildlife encounters leave the biggest impressions.

Whales and Dolphins in the Norwegian Fjords

The deep waters of Norway are home to an array of marine life, from orcas to humpback whales. Cruising here offers the chance to see these magnificent animals against a backdrop of snowy peaks and dramatic fjords.

• Best Spots: Tromsø, Andenes, and the Lofoten Islands.

• Season: Winter is prime time for orcas and humpbacks following herring shoals.

• Experience: Spot the spray of a whale’s blow or pods of dolphins racing alongside the bow.

Seeing whales in the wild is a humbling experience. The sheer size of a humpback as it lifts its tail before diving, or the dramatic black-and-white markings of an orca breaking the surface, are memories that last a lifetime. Dolphins, too, bring joy as they leap and play in the ship’s wake, often delighting guests with their acrobatics. These sightings are not guaranteed, but that makes them all the more special — a reminder that we are guests in their world.

Seals and Seabirds Around Scotland

Scotland’s rugged coastlines are teeming with life. As you cruise through the Hebrides or Orkney, you may spot grey seals lounging on rocks, gannets diving into the sea, and eagles soaring above.

• Best Spots: Orkney, Shetland, and the Hebrides.

• Season: Spring and summer for nesting seabirds, autumn for seal pups.

• Experience: Take a coastal excursion to get even closer to Scotland’s wild residents.

The variety of birdlife in Scotland is staggering. Gannets plunge into the sea at incredible speeds, puffins nest in burrows, and sea eagles with their vast wingspans patrol the skies. Grey and harbour seals haul out on sandy beaches or rocky islets, their curious eyes often following visitors. For those who join wildlife excursions ashore, the experience is even more intimate, with opportunities to see colonies in action and learn about conservation efforts that protect these fragile ecosystems.

Arctic Encounters: Reindeer and Beyond

Northern voyages don’t just bring marine life — they also reveal the unique land-based wildlife of the Arctic. From reindeer grazing on tundra to seabirds circling dramatic cliffs, every day offers something new.

• Best Spots: Alta and Tromsø in Norway, or Iceland’s remote coasts.

• Season: Late spring through summer, when Arctic wildlife thrives.

• Experience: Learn from local guides about the Sami people’s connection with reindeer and Arctic traditions.

Travelling further north brings the chance to connect with wildlife in a cultural context too. The reindeer herds are not only part of the natural landscape but also central to Sami traditions. Watching these animals graze against a snowy backdrop, or seeing seabirds nesting on remote cliffs, makes you feel far from the modern world. For many travellers, it’s these moments of stillness, surrounded by wildlife, that linger the longest.

Partnering with ORCA for Conservation

Ambassador is proud to partner with ORCA, the marine conservation charity. On selected sailings, ORCA wildlife officers join our voyages to help spot and record marine life. Guests can learn more about conservation efforts, attend talks on board, and take part in deck watches to help track whales, dolphins and porpoises.

This partnership not only enriches the cruise experience but also contributes to vital scientific research. By recording sightings, ORCA officers help build a clearer picture of marine populations and migration patterns, which in turn supports conservation policy. For guests, the opportunity to be part of this process is inspiring — transforming a wildlife sighting from a fleeting moment into a contribution to protecting our oceans.

Why Cruise with Ambassador?

Wildlife encounters are unforgettable, but they’re even better when combined with the comfort and community of life on board. Our ships provide the perfect base for adventure, while our carefully chosen destinations bring you closer to nature’s wonders — from whales in Norway to puffins in the British Isles. Guests often highlight in their reviews the unique mix of relaxation and discovery we offer, proving that with Ambassador, every voyage is about more than just the journey. Set sail with us and experience the natural world at its most awe-inspiring, all with Britain’s authentic cruise line.