Overview
The Pelagos Sanctuary for Mediterranean Marine Mammals is a vast sea area between Italy, France and the Principality of Monaco. It was established in 1999 to protect the marine mammals of the Mediterranean that frequent these waters. This vast ecosystem is a true marine treasure waiting to be discovered.
The biodiversity of this stretch of sea attracts marine mammals, who find food and a pleasant habitat here. The area between the Tuscan Archipelago, Liguria and Sardinia is so rich in nutrients that it can be compared to the Atlantic waters, thanks to a system of currents and winds that enhance their distribution.
Because of these special characteristics, whales, dolphins, sperm whales and beaked whales pass through here every summer to feed ahead of winter. It is estimated that a thousand whales and at least 40,000 dolphins and bottlenose dolphins pass through here each year. It is not hard to spot them.
You can go whale watching along the coasts. From spring to autumn, boat trips are organised to spot cetaceans in their natural habitat. And if the whales don't show up, you can always enjoy a nice dip in the sea.
Via Giovanni Sordini, 35, 58019 Porto Santo Stefano GR, Italia
