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Dolphin-watching from Cadaqués, Costa Brava.

Label for cetacean watching that respects the marine environment
Dolphin and whale watching in Deshaies, Guadeloupe with Shelltone Whale Project

Many more photos at the bottom of the page, so don't hesitate to have a look...

Dolphin watching from Cadaqués in the Cap de Creus canyon.

Departure is from Cadaqués, in small groups (10 passengers max).

A more intimate, softer approach, in consciousness, share the experience!

Take a moment to browse our site "Mission & Team and "Our actions it will help you understand who we are and why our observations are important and exciting.

From Cadaqués, Costa BravaOn the Lacaze-Duthiers canyon in French territorial waters, we encounter cetaceans, dolphins, but also, more rarely, fin whales, sperm whales, pilot whales, Risso's dolphins, common bottlenose dolphins, striped dolphins, beaked whales and minke whales, among others...

From May to November, we go out every day at 8.30am from Cadaqués, and the trip lasts around 3 hours.

Our field trip: 

Please note: Unlike our other bases, where the sea is calm, Cadaqués is a special place. We are sailing in the canyon of Cap de Creus on a large zodiac, which is not a boat suited to leisurely tourism, but above all a scientific research vessel. It can be a bit sporty, and you can get spray - yes, the sea does get wet... It's great and very pleasant for those who love the sea, but for those who aren't used to going on boats at sea, it's best to abstain.

Please note: Unlike our other bases, Cadaqués is not a cetacean tourist hotspot. Of course, we do our utmost to find and observe dolphins, but nature can decide to be discreet, so we cannot guarantee the presence of animals during our outings. If you think you can't handle your frustration if we don't see any, then it's best not to join us on our outing, thank you for your understanding.

That said: 

The experience we offer you in Cadaqués is unique ... As soon as you board, we'll give you plenty of information about the sea and the animals, so you can make the most of your excursion.

Then, when we enter the territory of the cetaceans, we will move in silence, in awareness, In fact, our association under the law of 1901, recognised as being of general interest for its scientific research on cetaceans and its environmental actions in the marine environment, has enabled us to develop our respectful approach techniques.

So we are totally connected to nature and the animals feel it. Cetaceans are constantly communicating in different ways. extremely sensitive to what we emit as individuals and as a group.

Decades of research into interspecies communication have shown that cetaceans approached much more easily a boat whose passengers were in silence.

On the return journey, once we've left the cetaceans' territory, we'll be able to talk again and share our emotions and observations, Your guide will be able to answer any questions you may have.

 

Participation in the costs of a half-day sea trip:

  • 85 Euro per person

Book your sea trip from Cadaqués, Spain

1 - Click on the date of your choice
2 - Confirm the number of passengers.
3 - Payment is made online by credit card.
4 - You will immediately receive your boarding ticket by e-mail.

Any questions? Read our FAQ below. Thank you and see you soon

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Before you embark, please consult this page to learn more about conscientious navigation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Haven't found the answer to your question? Don't hesitate to contact us by e-mail on this page CONTACT.

THE GUIDE THAT ACCOMPANIES YOU AT SEA

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Your guide, Pierre Lavagne de Castellan, marine bio-acoustician, specialist in inter-species communication between humans and cetaceans, ethologist, specialist in cetacean behaviour. Founder and research director of the Shelltone Whale Project. Speaks French, Spanish and English.

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Dolphins often come near the boat and play with us... SWP photo taken on the Lacaze-Duthiers canyon, in French waters.

OUR BOAT

Welcome aboard our boat. Stable and comfortable, it offers great proximity to the animals. And you'll never be crowded on our boat 🙂

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A spacious and comfortable boat so that the 10 passengers (maximum) can closely observe the animals.

The Shelltone Whale Project has implemented a cetacean approach protocol, which is applied on each sea trip among sperm whales, fin whales, pilot whales, Risso's dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, striped dolphins, beaked whales and minke whales.

Our observation protocol is governed by simple principles:

  • Our daily sea trips, to conduct our research, have allowed us to establish a climate of trust with cetaceans, who alone decide whether to interact with humans, in a calm, serene atmosphere.

  • A unique experience, a scientific, ecological and educational approach, based on the principles of non-intrusion and mutual respect for dolphins, sperm whales and whales off the coast of Catalonia.

PHOTOS TAKEN FROM THE BOAT

Dolphins swim alongside the Shelltone Whale Project boat

Dolphins at rest... SWP photo taken on the Lacaze-Duthiers canyon, in French waters.

PHOTOS TAKEN FROM THE BOAT

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A group of dolphins swimming quietly off Cerbères. SWP photo taken in the Lacaze-Duthiers canyon in French waters.

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A sperm whale swims calmly around our boat... SWP photo taken on the Lacaze-Duthiers canyon, in French waters.

Dolphins jump out of the water with Shelltone Whale Project

A group of dolphins in a very playful mood! SWP photo taken in the Lacaze-Duthiers canyon in French waters.