Not only Icelandic whale watching, in fact even in Italy you can admire whales and dolphins in the sea. In fact, there are Italian regions where guided boat trips are planned, in order to see cetaceans in their own environment. If we are lucky we will also be able to observe them up close, with quick passages overlooking the water, or with dives and splashes to admire and photograph.
Il whale watchingthe art of admiring dolphins and whales in their natural habitat, is a naturalistic activity that can also be done in Italy. If it is true that in Iceland you can see almost all species of cetaceans and boat excursions are possible all year round, in our country we also find regions that offer excellent services.
Certainly here the most suitable months for whale watching are late spring and summer, but in some cases you can go as late as October and November for a boat trip in search of the inhabitants of the sea. It should also be remembered that in these periods the uncertain climate can make navigation less peaceful and sightings more uncertain.
The upper Tyrrhenian Sea is a long stretch of sea where whale watching is appreciated by locals and tourists from the rest of Italy. But even some foreigners give in to the temptation of eco-tourism travel. From 2 to 5 hours, depending on the package chosen, to come face to face with dolphins, fin whales and even sperm whales.
If instead we wanted to focus on the Ionian coast, in Taranto, in Puglia, there are other tourist projects to set sail in search of dolphins. In this case there are associations that also offer half days to go by boat and experience maritime safaris, complete with filling out sighting cards.
Whale watching: the cetacean sanctuary
Is called Santuario Pelagos and a jewel set in the Mediterranean Sea, which concerns the waters collected between the Italian regions of Liguria, Sardinia and Tuscany, but also Southern France, Corsica and the Principality of Monaco. In this international sea polygon, where the currents are favourable, sightings of cetaceans are commonplace.
Certainly the Ligurian coast in Italy is the one that most offers boat excursions for whale watching, with the provinces of Genoa and Imperia being most active in this field. The tour is followed by a team of professionals able to explain to the public what is needed.
Whale watching expeditions are normally accompanied by researchers, marine biologists and experts from the Cetacean Sanctuary, to provide information and answer questions. Not only that, as the presence of qualified personnel is also synonymous with attention and care for the environment and marine species, to which respect is paid during the trips.
Departures are from Imperia, Andora, Sanremo and Bordighera on the western coast, while from Genoa, Recco and Camogli you take the boat from the eastern Ligurian part. In this case, in April and May we depart only from Genoa Porto Antico, while from June and until October, we also embark from other local ports.
From Taranto with Jonian Dolphin Conservation
If we move to Puglia, the Jonian Dolphin Conservation it is among the associations that most encourage ethical and sustainable whale watching. In fact, the organization has within it biologists and nature guides, but also experts in sea crossings. In this way the trips of tourist groups will be accompanied by boat by qualified personnel.
The JDC is a reality that since 2009 has carried out a dual function of research and protection of cetaceans of the Gulf of Taranto, but also a respectful tourist activity. In this way the association allows simple enthusiasts to better understand the sea and its inhabitants, in order to subsidize their scientific projects.
In this sense, it is worth getting to know Citizen Science, which allows the public to participate in research in a fun and active way. The organization has considered, among the various proposals, the creation of the maritime safari “Researcher for a day”, 5 hours of navigation with professionals in support, to spot, recognize species and store data.
If we are lucky we will be able to see striped dolphins and bottlenose dolphins, two of the most common dolphins in these waters, but also Risso’s dolphins and sperm whales. Visits are scheduled on weekends, from spring until the first week of November.
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Source: www.greenstyle.it
