Marseille
Navigation and observation of marine wildlife in the Calanques
5/5
(1 reviews)
Réf : UIXVMC
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationBouches-du-Rhône / Marseille
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions15.56 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages🇬🇧English🇫🇷French🇪🇸Spanish🇵🇹Portuguese
In a few words
Off the coast of Marseille , the Calanques National Park becomes the setting for a unique maritime adventure. This unusual trip combines learning to sail with exploring the local biodiversity. Under the guidance of a certified instructor , you'll learn to maneuver the sailboat while developing your observation skills.
The sea harbors an unsuspected array of wildlife that is difficult to spot without an expert eye. That's why a passionate ornithologist and illustrator will guide you through the art of observing marine life . From the open sea or near coastal cliffs, you'll learn to watch for and identify the seabirds, dolphins , turtles , and large cetaceans that cross your path.
Upon returning from your voyages, the experience continues ashore in a creative way. At the end of the day, dedicated workshops allow you to try your hand at illustration . You'll learn to draw the animals you've observed, faithfully capturing their details and movements. A truly eco-responsible and artistic immersion, ideal for wildlife lovers looking to disconnect and enhance their scientific knowledge.
The highlights
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An unusual and immersive stay at sea
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Nature observation with a passionate person
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A full-fledged sailing course
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Photos
Sport
Level
Snorkeling
Everyone can participate in this trip. The supervision, program, or group will be tailored to each person's level.
The expert's opinion
Whether you're a beginner sailor , already experienced, or a seasoned sailor, you'll find your place on this trip! Participation and sailing instruction will be tailored to each individual's goals. This personalized approach allows you to fully enjoy your stay.
In my way, you are welcome whether you have no idea about the animals present in the Mediterranean, or if you are already an enthusiast but want to know more!
In figures
Sailing
- Average duration/day: 10h
Snorkeling
- Average duration/day: 2h
Paddle
- Average duration/day: 1h
Management
During this stay, several supervisors will be present to guide and assist you, ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the trip.
Band :
1 supervisor for 1 to 4 people
Languages spoken:
🇬🇧
English
🇫🇷
French
🇪🇸
Spanish
🇵🇹
Portuguese
Solène
Solène
A certified sailing instructor with a passion for the sea, she guides you through your sailing and navigation journey. Her teaching method emphasizes hands-on practice and, above all, a supportive and encouraging relationship between students and between instructor and student. A few corny jokes are shared along the waterfront.
Philomène
Philomène
A professional illustrator, Philo is passionate about marine animals. It's because she observes them so meticulously that she draws them with such detail and grace. If you ask her a question about a bird or a dolphin, she'll tell you everything she knows about them and then digress into anecdotes from her cycling trips around the world, encountering the most beautiful birds.
Program
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Departure for the Calanques
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 10h
- Activity Snorkeling
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After a short tour of the boat, everyone settling into their cabin, and a final check of the weather, we cast off towards the Calanques .
We take advantage of our first sail to leave the harbor of Marseille ("the most beautiful harbor in the world!" - with the accent) heading towards the Riou archipelago. The first gulls and other shearwaters make their appearance!
We take advantage of a break at anchor to have lunch and go swimming with fins, mask and snorkel 🤿 with the intention of observing other fish and diving birds.
In the evening, we drop anchor in a Calanque sheltered from the wind and swell to listen to the birds.
Day 1 -
Step 2 - Immerse yourself in the marine environment
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 10h
- Activity Paddle
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A gentle awakening in the morning silence.
We share breakfast and everyone chooses their activity: visiting a large submarine in the Calanque, paddling around the spot, or participating in Philomène's drawing workshop.
We set off again late morning for a new anchorage. We learn to scan the horizon to spot the slightest ridge, the faintest breeze in the distance. It's meditative and scientific at the same time!
Day 2 -
The cetaceans of the open sea!
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We get up early. The lighter wind in the morning, and the early morning dolphins, give us a better chance of spotting them. We analyze the isobath lines on the nautical chart (depth lines) to head offshore, above the areas where they usually feed. This morning, far from the coast, is another opportunity to learn about the marine environment and observe them in different conditions.
In the afternoon, we head towards Marseille to review the trip, tidy up the boat and continue dreaming of dorsal fins until the next trip out to sea.
Be careful, you can quickly become addicted to sea spray!
Day 3
Note
The program is obviously dependent on the weather. Storm or calm (no wind), the region has no shortage of places to find shelter or to enjoy a cove where marine wildlife nests.
If the wind really prevented us from going out to sea for a day, observation can be done from land while living on board the boat.
Accommodation
🚢 Sailing cruise ship - Day 1
Boat with 3 cabins .
- 2 double cabins at the rear
- 1 single or double cabin at the front
- 2 seats in the square
--> 8 places to be shared between the 5 trainees and the instructor on the first day.
Access
Departure
Vieux Port de Marseille, Quai des ligures
Day 1
: 09h15
End of stay
Vieux Port de Marseille, Quai des ligures
Day 3
- 17h30
Go to the starting point
Take the train toMarseille Saint Charles
The Old Port is easily accessible from the train station by metro or bus.
The nearest airport isVitrolles
Accessible by shuttle or train to Marseille Saint Charles station
Travel to the place of stay
Find out about parking options nearby
Street parking is available a 15-minute walk away, and there is a paid parking lot at the Old Port.
Take the boat toGare Maritine de Marseille la Joliette
Accessible by metro or bus
Would you like to travel on other dates?
Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation on board
- Sailing instruction and training
- Introduction to marine wildlife observation
The price does not include
- Meals (shopping arranged by the group in advance via a WhatsApp group)
- Potential port berths
- Diesel fuel (but we'll mainly be sailing!)
- Transportation to the meeting point.
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Equipment
They traveled with us
Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers
5/5
(1 reviews)
Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order
Decathlon Travel Partner
The Solène team
5/5
(2 reviews)
• 5 stays
Our local expert, Solène, is a sailing instructor and independent skipper. She offers sailing courses for all levels, as well as sea trips focused on discovering and preserving marine biodiversity. An ideal opportunity to sail while learning.
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Subscriber benefit
save 5%
by joining
our community
Decathlon Travel Benefits
Best price guaranteed:
We offer twice the difference
Free cancellation more than 30 days in advance
Payment in 2 installments
Learn more