For a ferry ride that combines convenience and conservation, hop aboard the Brittany Ferries service from Plymouth to Santander in Spain.

The firm promises "marine life is abundant" on the route and it even includes periodic dolphin and whale sightings.

Harbour porpoises are frequent visitors to the English Channel while the Bay of Biscay offers good whale watching potential.

Among the latter, pilot whales are the most likely breed to be spotted but during mid-summer larger Rorqual whales can often be seen too.

The best time to catch a glimpse of cetaceans is from first light to arriving at Santander and from leaving Santander to dusk. Bringing a pair of binoculars will significantly increase observation chances.

In related news, a luxury cruise-ferry service from Brittany Ferries will sail between Portsmouth and Santander from next April. The ship will complete the journey in just 24 hours - eight hours faster than other ferries - and boasts a swimming pool and two cinemas.