In the Mediterranean: the Pelagos Sanctuary
The Pelagos area extends over 87,500 km² between Toulon, Sardinia and the Italian coast. It holds an exceptional range of biodiversity, in particular in summer.
- Sanary-sur-Mer, Bandol, Hyères: main departure ports
- Frequent species: fin whale, striped dolphin, sperm whale, long-finned pilot whale
- Certified operators: trips carrying the High Quality Whale Watching® label
On the Atlantic side: the Bay of Biscay
The Capbreton Canyon, a canyon 4000 metres deep, attracts many species.
- Departures from: Biarritz, Bayonne, Saint-Jean-de-Luz
- Species to be seen: common dolphins, sperm whales, beaked whales
- Distinctive feature: up to 20 observable species in one and the same area depending on the season
In Brittany: dolphins, porpoises and seabirds
- Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel: a stable colony of 400 common bottlenose dolphins
- Parc marin d’Iroise: trips from Le Conquet and Penmarc’h
- Concarneau, Gulf of Morbihan: naturalist cruises with specialist guides
In the English Channel: discretion and patience
- Mainly the harbour porpoise, visible off the Cotentin or off the Normandy beaches
When to watch cetaceans?
| Region |
Best period |
Main features |
| Mediterranean |
May to September |
Summer concentration, calm sea, strong sunshine |
| Basque coast |
April to November |
Intense activity in the Capbreton Canyon |
| Brittany |
March to October |
Ideal in spring and summer for dolphins |
| English Channel |
April to October |
Porpoises visible all year round, often a choppy sea |
🕒 Best moment of the day: early in the morning or late in the afternoon, in a calm sea, with the engine off.
How to watch cetaceans without disturbing them?
Regulations in force
Since 1 January 2021, strict rules have governed interactions with cetaceans:
- Minimum approach distance:
- 100 m in protected areas
- 300 m in the Agoa Sanctuary (the Antilles)
- Absolute prohibitions:
- Swimming with dolphins
- Touching or feeding the animals
- Using drones or aerial detection devices
- Approaching groups that include newborns
Three zones to respect
| Zone |
Distance |
Behaviour to adopt |
| Vigilance zone |
500 m |
Speed < 5 knots, steady course, no direct approach |
| Observation zone |
300 m |
Parallel course, reduced speed, no pursuit |
| Exclusion zone |
100 m |
Engine in neutral, no entry without authorisation |
Whale watching labels
The High Quality Whale Watching® label
This label guarantees a respectful and instructive experience, supervised by trained professionals. In particular it requires:
- A limited duration (15 to 30 minutes)
- A briefed crew and sorted waste
- Participation in scientific programmes
