Observing and studying Mediterranean cetaceans by sailboat
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration8 days
-
LevelAll levels
-
DestinationProvence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur / Var
-
AgeFrom 14 - 90 years
-
CO₂-Emissions105.32 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIn a group
-
Languages
French
English
In a few words
What if you became a scientific explorer for a week at sea?
Embark on an 8-day sailing adventure to encounter dolphins, whales and sperm whales in the Mediterranean! Departing from the Var, explore the open waters near the Pelagos Sanctuary, one of the hotspots of Mediterranean marine biodiversity.
On board a sailboat, in a small group of 6 to 8 participants, live to the rhythm of the wind, the sea and wild animals.
Much more than an observation cruise, take part in a real scientific expedition! Accompanied by a naturalist scientist and a professional skipper, learn to spot cetaceans, identify species, decipher their behavior and collect data: photo-identification, hydrophone listening, plankton study and environmental measurements.
Between two observations, discover sailing, share life on board and enjoy nights at anchor or in the open sea, under the stars.
No scientific knowledge or nautical experience is necessary: your curiosity and desire to learn are enough!
A human, scientific and responsible adventure, where every encounter with wildlife is a privilege and every observation a discovery.
The highlights
-
Become part of a real scientific expedition dedicated to cetaceans.
-
Experience the adventure of sailing, in rhythm with marine wildlife, the sea and the wind.
-
Observe wildlife with an ethical, respectful and non-intrusive approach.
Photos
Sport
Level
Snorkeling
The expert's opinion
A true maritime and scientific adventure, accessible to beginners!
No sailing experience or scientific knowledge is required to embark! This trip is suitable for both curious novices and those passionate about sailing and nature.
You'll be in good hands: our experienced skipper has completed several Atlantic crossings, participated in numerous regattas, and competed in the prestigious Ocean Globe Race, a crewed round-the-world sailing race. Alongside her, a naturalist scientist will introduce you to the techniques of observing and studying cetaceans.
Everyone participates at their own pace in navigation, scientific observations and life on board.
But be warned, accessible doesn't mean without adventure! We sail on the open sea, sometimes far from the coast, in varying weather conditions. Sailing trips can last several hours and extend into the night.
Good mobility, sufficient balance to move around on a moving boat and the ability to adapt to life as part of a crew are necessary.
Living as a crew also involves sharing confined spaces and participating in daily tasks.
An ideal experience for those who wish to get off the beaten track, discover scientific field research and live a true maritime adventure!
In figures
Sailing
- Average duration/day: 12h
Management
French
English
Stéphanie – Naturalist scientist, passionate about the oceans and their inhabitants
Passionate about the marine world and biodiversity, Stéphanie is the founder of Wild Seas Explorer, an agency specializing in scientific and naturalist expeditions.
Holding a master's degree in coastal management and a research master's degree in biodiversity, she has dedicated her career to the study of ecosystems and the understanding of living things.
Convinced that knowledge is essential to the protection of the oceans, she conceived expeditions allowing everyone to discover the work of scientists in the field, while contributing to the collection of data on cetaceans.
On board, she introduces you to species identification, behavior observation, photo-identification, underwater acoustics and scientific monitoring methods.
A passionate educator, she loves to share her knowledge, awaken curiosity and convey a respectful approach to wildlife.
His philosophy: not simply to observe cetaceans, but to learn to understand them in order to better protect them.
Valérie – Professional skipper, sailing instructor and navigator
The sea and sailing have been a part of Valérie's life since childhood. After her first sailing trips with her family, she discovered regattas in 420s, then in Moth Europes, before embarking on numerous adventures on cruising and racing sailboats.
Valérie, an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certified professional skipper, sailing instructor, and catamaran owner coach, has completed several Atlantic crossings and participated in the 2023 Ocean Globe Race, the legendary round-the-world race, as part of the L'Esprit d'Équipe crew.
Her extensive experience at sea is complemented by a genuine passion for sharing her knowledge. Calm, attentive, and a natural teacher, she enjoys introducing beginners to sailing as much as guiding experienced sailors. With her by their side, everyone can learn maneuvers, participate in navigation, and gain confidence at their own pace.
During our expedition, Valérie is in charge of sailing the boat and ensuring the safety of the crew, adapting the navigation to the weather and sea conditions.
With her, sailing becomes much more than a means of transport: a human adventure and a privileged and respectful way to explore the marine world.
Program
-
All aboard: your scientific adventure begins!
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 12h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at the port of Hyères at 4:00 PM.
Welcome aboard Folie Douce, your exploration sailboat for the next eight days!
After settling into your cabins, get to know Stéphanie, your scientific naturalist guide, Valérie, your skipper, and the other crew members.
A briefing will allow you to discover how the sailboat works, the safety instructions and the basics of life on board.
Stéphanie will then present the cetacean species likely to be encountered, the scientific objectives of the expedition and the initial observation techniques.
If conditions permit, we will cast off for an initial sail to our anchorage.
First dinner shared on board, first conversations and first sensations of freedom: the adventure begins!
Day 1 -
Heading out to sea: learning how to search for cetaceans
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 12h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Upon waking, the Mediterranean stretches as far as the eye can see. After breakfast, we define our route according to the weather, the wind and the observation conditions.
Time for the first real scientific missions!
You learn how to organize a naturalist watch, to scan the horizon, spot blows and dorsal fins and recognize signs of animal presence.
We introduce you to data collection protocols: GPS position, weather conditions, observation effort and species identification.
Between two searches, Valérie introduces you to sailing and invites you, if you wish, to participate in the maneuvers.
A first day of exploration, where everyone gradually learns to look at the sea with the eyes of a naturalist.
Day 2 -
Meeting the giants of the Mediterranean
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 12h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Our exploration continues towards the deep waters of the western Mediterranean, near or within the Pelagos Sanctuary, depending on conditions.
These areas, marked by underwater slopes and canyons, constitute important habitats for several species of cetaceans.
Blue and white dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, and majestic fin whales frequent these waters. With a bit of luck, we might cross paths with them!
During the encounters, you participate in the identification of species, the observation of behaviours and the collection of data.
You will also discover photo-identification: how to recognize an individual thanks to the natural markings on its dorsal or caudal fin?
In the evening, we review the observations and share our findings.
Every encounter is unpredictable, and that's the magic of this expedition!
Day 3 -
Listening to the Ocean: Immersion in the Acoustic World of Cetaceans
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 12h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, we are discovering another dimension of the ocean: its soundscape!
When conditions permit, we deploy our hydrophone to listen to underwater sounds.
Clicks, whistles, possible vocalizations of cetaceans, but also sounds produced by boats and human activities: the ocean has a fascinating soundscape.
Stéphanie explains how cetaceans use sound to communicate, orient themselves or search for their prey, and why noise pollution poses a threat to some species.
Navigation and naturalist monitoring continue throughout the day, with new observation opportunities.
An exciting experience to discover this invisible world hidden beneath the surface!
Day 4 -
The secrets of the marine ecosystem: from plankton to whales
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 12h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Why are there more cetaceans in certain areas? What role do currents, temperature, underwater topography, and prey availability play?
This day celebrates oceanography and the links between species.
Depending on the conditions, you will participate in environmental measurements: water temperature, salinity and transparency using a Secchi disk.
We will also be able to collect plankton samples and observe these fascinating organisms under a microscope, organisms that form the basis of many marine food webs.
These activities complement our daily cetacean research, while also allowing us to better understand the habitats we traverse.
A day to discover that the study of whales and dolphins also begins with the study of their environment!
Day 5 -
A true naturalist expedition, in rhythm with life
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 12h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Our exploration continues, guided by sea conditions and opportunities for encounters.
You have now acquired the first reflexes of naturalist observers: spotting a breath, identifying a silhouette, describing a behavior and recording an observation.
Each meeting becomes an opportunity to deepen your knowledge and contribute to data collection.
But the Mediterranean is not just about cetaceans! Loggerhead turtles, sunfish, tuna, seabirds and other inhabitants of the open sea may also cross our path.
Between observations, enjoy sailing, learn to read nautical charts or simply take the time to contemplate the horizon.
Here, we do not chase the animals: we adapt our behavior to observe them without disturbing them.
An authentic immersion in wildlife.
A night at sea allows you to practice night navigation, the day before, but also to be in an area conducive to observations from daybreak.
Day 6 -
Latest explorations and scientific assessment of the adventure
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 12h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Our last full day at sea already!
We are continuing our research in the areas chosen based on weather conditions and observations made during the week.
Depending on the route and anchoring possibilities, we may also discover Mediterranean coastal habitats, notably through a naturalist exploration of the coastline or a snorkeling excursion.
Time is devoted to the scientific review of the expedition: sorting photographs, reviewing the species encountered, examining the data collected and exchanging information on everyone's discoveries.
You better understand how observations can be archived, verified and possibly contribute to knowledge and conservation programs.
A final convivial evening on board to share memories, emotions and discoveries from this collective adventure.
Day 7 -
Back on land, head full of memories
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 12h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Last awakening on board Folie Douce, with the sound of the waves and the sunlight on the Mediterranean.
After breakfast, we gradually head towards our port of disembarkation, following the route defined by Valérie.
An opportunity to enjoy sailing one last time, to share the highlights of the trip and to take stock of this scientific and human adventure.
After seven nights at sea, it's time to return to dry land and say goodbye to the crew.
The sailboat must be moored and our luggage unloaded by 10:00 AM.
You will leave with unforgettable memories, new knowledge about cetaceans and marine ecosystems, but above all a different perspective on the ocean.
The expedition is over, but your naturalist adventure may only just be beginning!
Day 8
Note
A suggested itinerary, a true adventure of exploration!
The activities listed are indicative only. Unlike a traditional cruise, our itinerary is not fixed in advance: sailing, anchoring and scientific activities are adapted daily to weather conditions, sea state and observation opportunities.
Cetaceans are wild animals and free to roam: no encounter can be guaranteed. It is precisely this element of the unexpected that makes a naturalist expedition so authentic!
Accommodation
A modern, spacious sailboat, perfectly equipped for adventure!
Built in 2023, Folie Douce is a Bénéteau Oceanis 46.1, a cruising sailboat of nearly 14.60 meters, combining comfort, space and nautical performance.
On board, you will enjoy numerous amenities:
- 5 cabins offering 10 berths, plus 2 berths in the convertible saloon.
- 3 bathrooms with showers and electric toilets.
- A large, bright and welcoming square.
- A fully equipped kitchen with a 130-litre refrigerator, 3-burner hob and oven.
- A spacious cockpit with outdoor table, bimini and protective sprayhood.
- A cockpit refrigerator and additional storage space.
- A heater for cooler nights.
- An audio system with indoor and outdoor speakers.
The boat also has modern navigation equipment: GPS plotter, autopilot, VHF with AIS receiver, bow thruster and electric winch.
With its large living spaces and equipment adapted for offshore navigation, Folie Douce offers an ideal setting to share a scientific adventure at sea, without sacrificing essential comfort.
Access
Join the sailboat
Boarding takes place at a port in the Var region. You can reach the area by train, then use public transport or a taxi to get to the port. If you are coming by car, remember to check parking options nearby.
Transportation to the sailboat and transfers are not included in the trip. The final port of call and boarding instructions will be provided before departure. We recommend waiting for confirmation of your trip before booking non-refundable transportation.
How to get to the port of Hyères?
Our expedition departs from the port of Saint-Pierre in Hyères, in the Var region, easily accessible by train, car or public transport.
Go to the starting point
By train: Hyères SNCF train station is the closest to the port, approximately 5 km away. It is served by TER regional trains from Toulon. For travelers coming from further afield, connections are available via Toulon or Marseille-Saint-Charles train stations.
From the train station to the port: you can take bus line 67 of the Mistral network, which serves Hyères train station and the port (stop "Port La Gavine"). A taxi is also a convenient option with your luggage. Remember to check bus schedules at www.reseaumistral.com .
Practical information:
The exact meeting point on the port and the coordinates of the sailboat will be communicated to you before departure.
Allow sufficient time in your travel schedule to reach the crew without stress.
Transfers between the train station and the port are not included in the price of the stay.
Join our expedition by plane
Two airports provide easy access to the port of Saint-Pierre in Hyères, the starting point of our scientific sailing expedition.
✈️ Toulon-Hyères Airport (TLN) – The closest
Located less than 2 km from the port, it's the most convenient option!
- By bus: line 63 of the Mistral network directly connects the airport to the port of Saint-Pierre.
- By taxi: it only takes a few minutes to reach the port.
- On foot: approximately 20 to 25 minutes walk, for travelers with light luggage.
✈️ Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) – Marignane
Located approximately 110 km from Hyères, this airport offers a wider choice of national and international connections.
Recommended route by public transport:
- Take the A1 shuttle between the airport and Marseille-Saint-Charles train station.
- Take a train towards Hyères, either direct or with a connection in Toulon.
- From Hyères train station, reach the port of Saint-Pierre by bus (line 67, stop “Port La Gavine”) or by taxi.
Our advice:
Allow sufficient time between landing and boarding time, especially in case of flight delays.
The exact meeting point will be communicated to you before departure.
Airfare and transfers to the sailboat are not included in the price of the stay.
Arriving by car and parking during the stay
Our expedition departs from the port of Saint-Pierre, in Hyères (83400), in the Var.
Recommended route:
- From Marseille or Aix-en-Provence: take the A50 towards Toulon, then the A570 towards Hyères.
- From Nice or Cannes: take the A8, then the A57 and the A570 towards Hyères.
- Once in Hyères, follow the signs for “Airport / Port / Presqu’île de Giens”, then “Port Saint-Pierre”.
Where to park your car for the 8 days?
We recommend the free Arromanches car park , located at the roundabout of the aircraft carrier Arromanches, near the port of Saint-Pierre.
This large car park with over 600 spaces is open year-round and allows parking for more than 48 hours. The port is about a 10-minute walk away. A free shuttle also operates during the summer season.
Please note: some other free parking areas in the port are limited to 48 hours and are therefore not suitable for a week-long stay.
We advise you to arrive well in advance, particularly in July and August, to find a place and reach your sailboat at your leisure.
The exact boarding location will be communicated to you before departure.
Price details
The price includes
- 8 days / 7 nights aboard a habitable sailboat, in a shared double or twin cabin.
- Full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 8.
- Bed linen and towels are provided.
- The accompaniment by Stéphanie, a scientific naturalist guide: identification of cetaceans, observation of behaviours, photo-identification, underwater acoustics and discovery of scientific methods.
- Nautical instruction by Valérie, an experienced professional skipper.
- Introduction to sailing and participation in maneuvers according to each person's desires and abilities.
- The provision of scientific equipment for the planned activities.
- All the operating costs of the sailboat: fuel, port fees, moorings and onboard expenses.
- Individual safety equipment provided on board.
- Any entry fees to natural areas visited as part of the program.
The price does not include
- Return transport to the port of embarkation and any necessary transfers.
- Personal expenses, souvenir purchases and tips.
- Drinks and beverages not included in meals.
- Optional or mandatory travel insurance, including cancellation and repatriation assistance coverage, according to the applicable conditions.
- Treatments for seasickness and any personal medical expenses.
- Additional activities, visits or services not included in the program.
- Any service not expressly mentioned in the "Price includes" section.
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
Everything you need to navigate and discover scientific research at sea!
No specific nautical or scientific equipment needs to be purchased to participate in this expedition.
For navigation:
You will embark on board Folie Douce, an Oceanis 46.1 sailboat of nearly 14 meters, equipped for offshore sailing.
Navigation and safety equipment is provided: life jackets, personal safety equipment, navigation instruments, GPS, VHF and equipment necessary for maneuvers.
Valérie, our professional skipper, will accompany you to discover sailing and participate in maneuvers if you wish.
For scientific activities:
Wild Seas Explorer provides its research and observation equipment:
- Hydrophone and recorder to discover the underwater acoustic universe.
- Photo-identification equipment for cetaceans.
- Plankton net and portable microscope.
- Secchi disk for measuring water transparency.
- Environmental parameter measurement probes.
- GPS, data sheets and scientific data collection tools.
The activities are supervised by your naturalist guide and adapted to the conditions at sea.
Bed linen and towels are also provided on board.
Equipment to bring
A few essential accessories to fully enjoy your adventure!
For your comfort and observation activities, we recommend you bring:
- A soft travel bag is essential for easier storage in cabins (rigid suitcases will have to stay on the dock).
- Sunglasses, ideally polarized, with a retaining cord.
- A high protection SPF 50+ sunscreen, suitable for water sports and certified organic.
- A reusable water bottle.
- A small headlamp, ideally with a red light for night navigation.
- A beach or bathing towel.
- A small toiletry bag with biodegradable hygiene products when possible.
- Your personal medications and, if necessary, a seasickness treatment chosen with a healthcare professional.
- An external battery for your electronic devices.
For nature and photography enthusiasts:
- Binoculars for observing wildlife from a distance.
- Camera with telephoto lens for photographing cetaceans and seabirds.
- Personal notebook.
These latter pieces of equipment are optional: no personal scientific knowledge or equipment is required.
A mask and snorkel can also be useful for swimming and coastal exploration, when conditions permit.
Travel light: the essentials of your adventure are already on board!
Clothing to bring
Pack comfortable clothing suitable for life at sea and varying weather conditions.
In July, the Mediterranean generally offers summer temperatures, but the wind, sea spray and night sailing can bring a feeling of coolness, even in the middle of summer!
We recommend you bring:
- Lightweight and breathable clothing: shorts, t-shirts, comfortable trousers.
- Long-sleeved, covering clothing to protect you from the sun.
- A fleece or warm sweater for evenings and night sailing.
- A waterproof and windproof jacket, ideally a lightweight sailing jacket.
- Waterproof trousers for sailing in areas exposed to sea spray.
- Closed, non-slip shoes with non-marking soles for navigation.
- Sandals or light shoes for stopovers.
- A hat or cap with a strap to prevent it from blowing away.
- A swimsuit for possible swimming at anchor.
- A reasonable quantity of underwear and spare clothing.
Our advice: opt for several layers of clothing that are easy to add or remove. At sea, even under the Mediterranean sun, the wind can quickly cool the air.
No need to pack a full wardrobe: simplicity is part of the pleasure of living on board!
The Stéphanie team
Our local expert, Stéphanie, designs scientific and naturalist trips dedicated to the marine environment. With a background in ecological research, she offers an immersive experience combining respectful wildlife observation and citizen science. From Norway to Guadeloupe, each small-group trip combines sailing and ecosystem exploration to raise travelers' awareness of ocean conservation.
