The sea is not just a place to cross. It is a complex, fragile, living ecosystem.
Since 2025, Katabasis has been integrating whale watching activities into its educational and nautical program in a structured way, offering marine animal observation experiences by motorboat or on sailboats focused on knowledge, respect and data collection.
This is not just a simple outing to “see dolphins and sperm whales”, but a conscious, guided and in-depth activity that combines sailing, environmental education and scientific monitoring.
The activities are coordinated by Carlo Boscia, a skipper and whale watching guide certified by the WWF and EIIS, with an approach that combines nautical expertise, technical training and environmental awareness.
Whale watching: conscious observation of dolphins and whales on navigation
Whale watching is an activity that involves observing cetaceans in their natural environment. At Katabasis, it takes on an educational and scientific dimension, as the following topics are explored in depth during the excursions:
- recognition of the main Mediterranean species
- the distinction between odontocetes and mysticetes
- behavioural habits
- the environmental issues that threaten their survival
- the correct ways to approach them in compliance with regulations
Observation is carried out in accordance with responsible behaviour protocols, avoiding interference and maintaining appropriate distances. Sailing, which is silent and non-invasive, is an ideal way to reduce the impact on the marine environment.
Species observed in the Mediterranean
Activities focus in particular on resident species found in the northern Tyrrhenian Sea and western Mediterranean:
- Striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba)
- Common dolphin (Delphinus delphis)
- Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
- Rough-toothed dolphin (Grampus griseus)
- Long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas)
- Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris)
- Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus)
- Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus)
The Pelagos Cetacean Sanctuary and the Tuscan headquarters
The Katabasis headquarters in Tuscany, in the Gulf of Baratti, overlooks the northern Tyrrhenian Sea and is located within the Pelagos International Cetacean Sanctuary, an international marine protected area established by Italy, France and the Principality of Monaco for the protection of cetaceans and their habitat.
Explore in this area means operating in one of the most important contexts in the Mediterranean in terms of biodiversity. Seminars, campuses and workshops are organized regularly to explore issues related to marine ecology, cetacean biology and monitoring techniques.
Do Whale watching in the right way!
Regardless of the means of transport used for navigation, it is always essential to observe the following guidelines when watching cetaceans:
- reduced noise and vibrations
- greater integration with the environment
- more natural observation times
- active involvement of the crew
Whale watching activities can be carried out on a permanent basis from April to October in the Gulf of Baratti and Capraia, or integrated into freediving and sailing cruises in the Mediterranean and the Ocean. In the future, activities may also be organized with targeted dinghy trips, departing from the Tuscan coast or the island of Capraia, maintaining the same responsible approach focused on monitoring and conscious observation.
The itineraries in the Tuscan Archipelago and Corsica offer concrete opportunities for sightings, as do voyages to the Azores and other foreign destinations.
Monitoring and data collection
Activities include an introduction to monitoring techniques, visual identification of species and participation in data collection for scientific research and awareness-raising projects. The aim is not only to observe, but to understand and contribute.
Participants acquire practical tools for recognising species, interpreting behaviour and understanding the ecological dynamics that regulate the pelagic environment.
Useful information: how to book
Whale watching activities are planned according to the season, weather and sea conditions, and the type of experience chosen. Daily trips by dinghy, workshops and camps are organized, departing from Baratti or Capraia, or during freediving and sailing cruises.
To participate, you can:
- consult the updated calendar on the official website
- request information directly by this form, indicating the period, number of participants and level of experience even for dedicated event
- By taking part in a Katabasis freediving and sailing cruise
The trips are aimed at members, students and sea enthusiasts interested in a conscious, non-invasive observation experience.
Places on board are limited to ensure educational quality, safety and respect for the environment. For this reason, it is advisable to express your interest in advance, especially for the period between April and October.
