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Respectful whale watching

Our base in Cadaqués is a special and fascinating destination, as we sail through the Cap de Creus canyon, a unique eco-system.

The animals here are rarer and more discreet than on our other bases, as this area is not frequented by humans, which makes sightings more difficult and rarer, but more authentic and emotional too.

Photograph by Pierre Lavagne de Castellan, head of the Shelltone Whale Project

A word from Pierre

Cadaqués is our experimental research base.

For us, it's the ideal setting in which to study respectful, non-intrusive approach techniques.

Because cetacean watching can be done in a respectful way and these techniques can be improved, it's our mission, our passion.

The Cap de Creus Natural Park offers an exceptional field of study. This unspoilt area, both wild and unpredictable, is home to an underwater canyon that stretches from the cliffs to more than 30 miles offshore, reaching a depth of 2,000 metres. A veritable ecological corridor, it forms a unique ecosystem where hundreds of marine, plant and animal species live side by side.

For us, it's the ideal setting in which to study respectful, non-intrusive approach techniques. Cetacean watching can - and must - be done with total respect for their freedom and their habitat. These practices can be perfected, shared and passed on. This is our mission. It's also what drives us deeply.

This canyon is a unique eco-system, home to hundreds of species of marine plants and animals.

Among the many marine species present in the canyon, two families of dolphins are resident there: the Tursiops truncatusclose to the coast, and Stenella coeruleoalbawhich can be seen further offshore. This underwater corridor is also a regular stopover for fin whalesthe sperm whales and other large deep-sea cetaceans.

To date, no other scientific or tourist organisation has visited this canyon as regularly or as actively as we have. For the last five years, our continuous presence has enabled us to gain a better understanding of the richness of this ecosystem and to monitor its evolution with total respect for living things.

This canyon has become our veritable open-air laboratory. The cetaceans we encounter here are entirely wild, living far from any human interaction. Human activity is extremely limited, reduced to a few trawlers that the animals instinctively avoid.

Our outings at sea enable us to test, evaluate and refine ethical, respectful and non-intrusive approach techniques. These experiments feed our expertise and enable us to pass on our methods to partner whale watching bases that we select in other parts of the world.

The Cadaqués base embodies the heart of our mission: a place for observation, innovation and sharing.

 

 

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Dolphin and whale watching trip to Cadaqués (Costa Brava)

A more intimate, gentler approach, with greater awareness of the environment.e on a large Zodiac, see photo gallery below.

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...

As soon as you board, we'll give you information about the sea and the animals to maximise your experience. As we enter cetacean territory, we'll be sailing in silence, which allows us to be fully connected to nature. Cetaceans, which are sensitive to our individual and collective energies, approach a silent boat more easily.

On the way back, once we've left the cetaceans' territory, we'll be able to share our emotions and observations. Your guide will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Participation: 85€/person

Description of the activity 

From May to November, daily departure at 8.30 am (3-hour outing)
Age: no minimum age
Capacity: 10 people maximum
Species to watch: dolphins, whales, etc!

Additional information: 

  • Our unique approach allows you to experience these special moments in small groups
  • Departure from Cadaqués

Photo gallery

IMPORTANT TO KNOW

Unlike our other bases, where the sea is calmer and cetacean sightings more frequent, Cadaqués is a special place. Here we sail the Cap de Creus canyon in a large zodiac, designed primarily for scientific research rather than leisurely tourism. Visit conditions can be sportingand the frequent spray. It's a great experience for lovers of the sea but not recommended for those who are not used to sea outings.

The animals we are looking to observe live in total freedom in their natural environment. natural environment. Thanks to our in-depth knowledge of their habitat and the observation techniques we use, we're doing everything we can to meet them.

Research itself is an integral part of the adventure Every trip out to sea is a unique and rewarding experience. That said, these encounters always depend on the will of the animals and many factors over which we have no control.

If you find the uncertainty of seeing them too frustrating, it may be that the experience is not what you were hoping for.

We prefer to be transparent so that everyone can experience this outing in the best possible light. good spirit.

Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to welcoming you on board!

Book your sea outing in Cadaqués (Costa Brava)

1 – Click on the date of your choiceThe person to whom you are giving the gift voucher chooses the dates online.
2 - Confirm the number of adults and children.
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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Wear the colours of the Shelltone Whale Project base in Cadaqués

and support our actions 🙂

100 % of the profits from the sale of our clothing is donated to the Shelltone Whale Project, enabling us to continue protecting cetaceans by selecting animal-friendly whale-watching operators around the world.

Frequently asked questions

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

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Whale songs - 43 min.

Recorded 10 miles off Baille Argent on 26 April 2016. We are convinced that there is a message in this song. Good listening!

Read more...