Cetacean Sanctuary Research

Book a cruise!!

Cetacean Sanctuary Research

Book a cruise!!

Contribute to marine mammals’ conservation by watching and studying whales and dolphins in northern Italy, in the Mediterranean Whale Sanctuary

An opportunity of a lifetime to meet eight species in the sunny Mediterranean

Observe whales and dolphins in their natural environment and make a contribution towards their survival and conservation; it’s so much more than whale watching! The Cetacean Sanctuary Research (CSR) program is an exciting opportunity to meet whales and dolphins in the wild together with expert biologists.
Research cruises in Italy, north western Mediterranean, are aimed at the study of eight cetacean species, including fin whales, sperm whales and several dolphins.

The study area lies within the Pelagos Sanctuary, the world’s first transnational protected area, home to one of the highest concentrations of whales and dolphins in the Mediterranean.

Book a CSR cruise

What you will do

The 6-day cruises take place from May to October, during the warm and sunny Mediterranean summer. Led by an experienced team of biologists, Tethys expeditions are perfect for anyone passionate about wildlife and marine conservation. English is the official language on board.

Science students seeking hands-on experience in fieldwork and applied methodologies (such as photo-identification, behavioral sampling, and remote tracking) will receive special attention. Discounts are available for students.

Discover more on the life aboard

Where

Participants are hosted on board the 68 ft (21 m) motor-sailer “Pelagos”, which accommodates a maximum of 11 participants, 4 researchers and a skipper. The spacious and very comfortable boat is managed according to the rules of responsible tourism; it is equipped with sophisticated instrumentation both for navigation and for the collection of scientific data.

Discover more on our boat

Info

  • Informative brochure

    Download the CSR Expedition Briefing, where you will find any information needed to join us in the field (and much more). Please read it carefully before proceeding with booking and payment

  • Booking forms

    When you place your order and pay for your cruise you will receive an email with the links needed for downloading the Booking Forms. The forms must be filled and signed and sent back to the Tethys office via email (istituto.tethys@gmail.com) or via fax (+39 02 39 29 05 25).

  • Participation of minors (<18 yrs)

    Participants are usually adults, but the participation of minors (13-17) is considered on a case-by-case basis.

    As a general rule, young people, between 13 and 15, are allowed if accompanied. Participants aged 16-17 may be unaccompanied, but parents must sign a co-responsibility agreement and specific booking forms for minors. In any case, please contact our office at istituto.tethys@gmail.com before booking.

  • Student discounts

    Student discounts (10% of the full fee) are available during specific periods. To apply for a university student discount (for under 26), a copy of a valid student ID must be submitted via fax or email along with the fully signed booking form.

Selling conditions

Refunding

In case of cancellation a written notification must be sent to Tethys  not less than 30 days in advance, in order to be entitled to a reimbursement of 80% of the entire participation fee.

Cancellation

1) for those expeditions not reaching the minimum number of 5 participants, the Tethys Research Institute will reserve the right to cancel that expedition team (at least 10 days before its scheduled start); in this event the applicants affected will be fully reimbursed;

2) in case of a cancellation originating from any technical/logistical problem attributed to the Tethys Research Institute, the organisation will reimburse the applicants with the full amount of the participation fee (no additional reimbursements are foreseen) or, upon request, will try to place applicants in other expedition teams, depending on availability.

Read all our Terms & Conditions