FAQ
The answers to the most frequently asked questions of our passengers.
The Zifio can reach a length of about 7 meters, the females are generally a little bigger than the males.
The color tends towards brown and lighter circular spots are visible.
They generally live in deep waters in small groups of 2-7 individuals and are therefore difficult to meet along the coast. It has always been considered a shy animal and difficult to spot, but in recent years, encounters have become increasingly frequent in the Ligurian Sea.
The caudal fin is not very high and is placed in the rear third of the back, for this reason from a distance it can sometimes be confused with the fin whale, but when approaching it is easily recognizable both for the color and for the particular shape of the head. Also, while fin whales are usually one or at most two, beaked whales live in small pods. Lives approximately 60 years.
Sightings of beaked whales made by the boats of the Liguria Via Mare Consortium:
2022: 63 sighted beaked whales in 77 outings
2021: 64 sighted beaked whales in 55 outings
2020: 29 sighted beaked whales in 35 outings
2019: 22 sighted beaked whales in 33 outings
2018: 27 sighted beaked whales in 50 outings
2017: 40 beaked whales sighted in 39 outings
2016: 34 sighted beaked whales in 53 outings
2015: 22 sighted beaked whales in 43 outings
2014: 18 beaked whales sighted in 48 outings
2013: 11 beaked whales sighted in 55 outings
2012: no beaked whale sighted in 47 outings
2011 (data referring to April-June period only): no beaked beaked whale sighted in 20 outings
2010: 6 sighted beaked whales in 83 outings
To view the complete list of sightings click here.
Look at the photos of the beaked whales spotted during our outings.