Where to watch cetaceans in the Mediterranean?

87,500km² of the Pelagos Sanctuary
8regularly observable species
100 mminimum HQWW distance
3signatory countries (FR, IT, MC)

Why the Mediterranean is rich in cetaceans

The western Mediterranean is a deep sea, the Algerian basin exceeding 2,800 m and the Tyrrhenian basin reaching 3,700 m, with high seasonal productivity. The krill blooms of spring and summer attract the large mysticetes. The submarine canyons cutting into the continental slope concentrate the cephalopods on which sperm whales, Cuvier’s beaked whales and pilot whales feed.

The Pelagos Sanctuary

An international marine protected area created in 1999 by a trilateral agreement between France, Italy and the Principality of Monaco. The Ligurian-Provençal basin is one of the richest in cetaceans in the whole Mediterranean.

The 8 regularly observable species

SpeciesFrequencyMain season
Fin whaleRegularMay to September
Sperm whaleRegularAll year round (summer peak)
Striped dolphinVery frequentAll year round
Common bottlenose dolphinRegular (coastal)All year round
Risso’s dolphinRegular (slope)All year round
Long-finned pilot whaleRegularAll year round
Cuvier’s beaked whaleInconspicuous but regularAll year round
Common dolphinRare (becoming scarcer)Seasonal

More exceptionally: the humpback whale (rare migratory passages), the killer whale (very rare) or the common minke whale (rare).

When to watch?

The best period runs from June to September, peaking in July and August. The sea is calm, the weather settled, and fin whales are in the basin on their feeding migration.

  • Spring (March to May): arrival of the fin whales, first large groups of striped dolphins
  • Summer (June to September): the optimal period, calm sea, all species accessible
  • Autumn (October to November): fin whales gradually leave, sperm whales and dolphins still present
  • Winter (December to February): difficult weather, few commercial trips, watching from ferries

The best French sites

Côte d’Azur (Nice, Antibes, Cannes, Saint-Raphaël)

From these ports, trips head offshore to reach the continental slope quickly, less than 15 nautical miles out. The Ligurian-Provençal basin is one of the richest areas of the Pelagos Sanctuary.

Likely species: fin whale, sperm whale, striped dolphin, Risso’s dolphin, Cuvier’s beaked whale.

Toulon, Hyères, Porquerolles, Port-Cros

The southern Var and the Hyères islands offer an excellent compromise between quick access offshore and ecological richness. The Port-Cros national park and the Calanques are sites associated with the sanctuary.

Frequent species: fin whale, striped dolphins in large groups, long-finned pilot whales.

Marseille and the Côte Bleue

Several HQWW certified operators leave the Vieux-Port for half-day trips. The proximity of the Calanques National Park adds to the ecological quality of the area.

Regular species: common bottlenose dolphin, striped dolphin, fin whale in summer.

Corsica (Gulf of Ajaccio, Bonifacio, Cap Corse)

Corsica offers exceptional conditions with rapid access offshore. The Gulf of Ajaccio and the Strait of Bonifacio are prime watching grounds.

Frequent species: sperm whale, fin whale, striped dolphin, Risso’s dolphin, pilot whales.

And among our neighbours…

Italy (Liguria: Imperia, Savona, Genoa)

The Italian Ligurian coast offers the same watching opportunities as the Côte d’Azur. The port of Genoa is in particular a departure point for scientific trips run in partnership with the Acquario di Genova.

Monaco

The Principality is one of the three signatory states of Pelagos. The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco regularly offers educational and scientific trips at sea.

Spain (Catalonia, Costa Brava)

To the south-west of the sanctuary, Spanish waters hold the same species. Southern Catalonia and the Ebro delta offer good watching conditions.

Choosing a responsible operator: the HQWW label

The High Quality Whale Watching label is awarded by the ACCOBAMS agreement, in partnership with the Pelagos Sanctuary. It guarantees that the operator observes:

  • A minimum approach distance of 100 metres between boat and cetaceans
  • A maximum watching time of 15 minutes per group
  • Reduced speed (5 knots maximum) when close by
  • No head-on approach, no cutting across the animals’ course
  • No more than 3 boats at once around a single group
  • An awareness-raising role and scientific recording of sightings

Always give preference to HQWW certified operators. See our dedicated page: Whale watching labels.

Practical advice for a successful trip

  • Book ahead in summer. Prefer a trip in the middle or at the end of the morning (calmer sea)
  • Check the weather: a sea state of force 3 or less is needed
  • Seasickness: a suitable medicine 30 minutes before boarding if necessary
  • Equipment: sunscreen, polarising sunglasses (essential), a cap, windproof clothing
  • Photography: a 70-200 mm telephoto lens at least, fast settings (1/1000th of a second at least)
  • Patience: cetaceans move about, and a trip may involve 1 to 3 hours of searching

What to do when watching from your own boat

  • Keep at least 100 metres away
  • Cut the engine or reduce to 5 knots maximum
  • Approach from behind or from the side, never by cutting across their course
  • Do not force the encounter: if the cetaceans move away, let them
  • Report your sighting to Pelagos or to the Observatoire Pelagis
  • Take photographs: photo-identification makes it possible to follow individuals over time

Want to take it further?

  • Scientific trips: Souffleurs d’Écume (a naturalist association based in La Croix-Valmer)
  • International cruises: WWF, EcoOcean Institute and Cybelle Méditerranée organise scientific weeks
  • Observatories: Pelagis (CNRS, La Rochelle) collects the national data on cetaceans

Going further

Preparing your whale watching trip HQWW labels When to watch? How to identify a cetacean? Watching quiz Recognising them by ear