Escursioni nel Santuario dei Cetacei in Liguria | Whalewatching nel Mediterraneo | Birdwatching nel Golfo Ligure Rules of behavior

In order to respect all the animals present in the International Sanctuary of Cetaceans, the first regulation that we have given is that of not disturbing them, following these fundamental rules:

1) do not hinder the normal movement of cetaceans, modify their behavior or commit actions that potentially cause a reaction

2) not chasing the cetaceans, or heading on them directly: once spotted, trace routes to let them approach our boat

3) not react to the presence of cetaceans with sudden changes of course or speed, which could confuse or disorient them

4) avoid moving close to cetaceans with calves unless they choose to approach our boat

There are also three small rules that we ask passengers to follow:

a) avoid sudden movements from one side of the ship to the other

b) do not make noises that may annoy or scare the animals (shout, whistle, run, clap, etc.)

c) do not throw anything into the sea and do not give food to cetaceans or birds: the sea is not a zoo nor a waste container

All rules of conduct are explained to passengers at the beginning of each excursion by our scientific staff, during an interesting lesson in marine biology also useful to begin to know the cetaceans and the birds of the Pelagos Sanctuary. Participants are also provided with information on how to report sightings, to allow everyone to become a whale watcher and therefore an "active part" of the research phase.

Whale Watching with us does not just mean spending an exciting day in the company of beautiful specimens of cetaceans and birds, but also taking part in a naturalistic trip with high scientific value because, during our excursions, the researchers and biologists on board they collect data and images that are used for the purposes pursued by the projects we collaborate with. Many theses and publications have been elaborated on board our boats.

For all these reasons our company has obtained the prestigious High Quality Whale Watching® Certificate, created to oversee this increasingly expanding business and ensure quality service. It is an ACCOBAMS registered trademark and it has been developed in collaboration with the Pelagos Agreement.

Operators who wish to obtain the HQWW® Certificate will have to:

undertake a training program

commit to comply with the Code of Good conduct to approach the cetaceans

commit to conduct educational/awareness activities during the trips

commit to contribute to research by sharing sighting data

guarantee the presence during the excursion of at least one member of the crew who successfully attended the training program

The following activities are not compatible with the HQWW® Certificate:

swimming with cetaceans

using airborne detection systems to locate cetaceans (e.g. planes or drones); combining any form of fishing with cetacean watching

feeding cetaceans

Being holders of this certificate we are subjected to surprise checks with auditors who participate incognito in our excursions.