Spring & Autumn Tour: Dolphin watching
There is a special way to discover the Gulf of Alghero: letting yourself be guided by the sea and by its most fascinating inhabitants. This excursion is designed for those who wish to experience the marine environment in an authentic, unhurried and respectful way, where the beauty of the landscape blends with the emotion of encountering wildlife.
For three hours we will navigate along one of the most striking coastlines in Sardinia, accompanied by the scientists of MareTerra. As we explore the gulf, they will explain how dolphins are studied in the wild and reveal the secrets hidden in these waters. Our sighting rate exceeds 80%, an exceptional result for animals that are naturally discreet and unpredictable.
When we locate a group of dolphins, we will approach them with great care and in full respect of their natural behaviour, following High Quality Whale-Watching® (HQWW®) code of conduct, which we adopt to minimise any disturbance caused by our presence. It will be a moment of quiet, attentive observation, during which you will learn who the individuals are through photo‑identification and gain insight into their movements and social interactions. Meanwhile, you will also see our researchers at work during data collection.
On board, you will have the chance to listen to the sounds dolphins use to communicate, recorded with a hydrophone during bioacoustic research activities — a unique way to step, even for a moment, into their world of sound.
Spring, in particular, may offer a rare and unforgettable surprise: the presence of the fin whale, which occasionally uses the waters of the gulf as a temporary feeding ground. This is an occasional and unpredictable event, dependent on sea conditions, but when it happens, it creates an encounter that stays with you.
And then nature will do the rest: the deep‑blue sea, the rugged Sardinian coastline, the cliffs that frame the Capo Caccia – Isola Piana Marine Protected Area.
An experience where science, nature and wonder come together.
Useful information:
- ◊ Period: from 1st of April to the 31st of May and from the 1st to the 31st October.
- ◊ Departure - Arrival: 10.00 am - 1.00 pm.
- ◊ Prices: Adult 50€ - Children (under 12) 30€. This tour is suitable for kids from 5 years old.
- ◊ Point of departure: in Banchina Rafael Catardi, in front of Ciclo Express rental bikes, one of the crew waits for you (go to the map).
- ◊ What's included: entrance to the Marine Protected Area of Capo Caccia and Isola Piana, marine biologists on board, certified interpretive nature guides, booklets for species identification and other information material.
- ◊ Restrictions: this activity is not suitable for children under 5 years old, people with heart conditions, respiratory problems or other serious medical issues, pregnant women, guests over 75, and people with back problems.
- ◊ Suggested equipment: warm clothes, waterproof jacket, water.
- ◊ Behaviour on board: We strongly respect the environment thus animal feeding and any behaviours that disturb the dolphins and other wildlife are not allowed. The crew explain the safety rules before departure.
- ◊ The tour can be cancelled in case of bad weather, strong wind and rough sea.
- ◊ Nature offers no guarantees: no refund is given in case of no sightings.
Do you need more information? Please, contact us!
