Wildlife Deck Watches

Step onto Deck 11 (Sun Deck) for open-access marine wildlife watches guided by marine wildlife specialist and Linnean Society Fellow, Jon Dunn.
Located towards the front of the ship near the putting green and shuffleboard court, this dedicated vantage point provides an elevated, unobstructed view across the open water.
Late August is a prime period in the North Sea for observing migrating seabirds, with Arctic-breeding species such as Long-tailed and Pomarine Skuas beginning their southerly journeys alongside dispersing Norwegian seabirds.
Jon will be on hand throughout our sea days to help you scan the horizon, identify fast-flying species, and spot larger marine life, from resident Harbour Porpoises and playful dolphins to Minke Whales breaching the surface.

Wildlife to Watch For

  • Marine Mammals at Sea: Keep an eye out from Deck 11 alongside Jon Dunn for breaching Minke Whales, Harbour Porpoises, and playful dolphin pods navigating the North Sea and narrow fjord channels.

  • Migratory Pelagic Seabirds: Watch the open water for Arctic-breeding Long-tailed and Pomarine Skuas heading south, alongside Northern Gannets and Shearwaters skimming the wave crests along the ship's bow.

  • Coastal Birds of Prey: Scan the sky above sheer fjord cliffs near Måløy and Haugesund for soaring White-tailed Eagles catching thermal updrafts.

  • Highland Villsau Sheep: Observe hardy, thick-fleeced native Villsau sheep roaming the heather-clad upland slopes and rocky trails surrounding Kringsjå Mountain Farm.

Top Shots to Capture

  • Freezing Action at Sea: Set your camera to shutter priority (1/1000s or faster) with continuous tracking autofocus to capture crisp, high-speed wing beats of skuas or a breaching whale's dorsal fin.

  • Silky Waterfall Motion: Work with Sarah Cuttle at Hatterbergfossen Waterfall to experiment with slower shutter speeds, transforming thunderous glacial meltwater into smooth, flowing ribbons.

  • Botanical Macro Portraits: Use a wide aperture (shallow depth of field) at Stavanger Botanic Garden or Rosendal to isolate delicate petals, dew drops, and intricate textures against soft backgrounds.

  • Environmental Wildlife Framing: Compose contextual shots at Kringsjå Mountain Farm by framing native Villsau sheep against sweeping mountain valleys and traditional timber cabins.