Harmony and exceptional biodiversity in the Pelagos Sanctuary

Dedicated to the protection of marine mammals in the Mediterranean, the Pelagos Sanctuary is the subject of an agreement between Italy, Monaco and France. The aim is to protect this unique natural territory in Europe. The area is recognised as being of scientific, cultural and educational interest. Follow the Côte d’Azur France guide, and we’ll tell you all about the Pelagos Sanctuary!

Pelagos Sanctuary: remarkable biodiversity

With its 87,500 km² of maritime space, the Pelagos Sanctuary is home to a highly valuable biological heritage. Many species of cetacean are regular visitors. Sperm whales, dolphins, whales – more than 8,500 animal species are protected and observed here! Harmonious management of human activities is an essential part of advancing research. This constructive dynamic is developed with respect for the species present and the natural environment that surrounds them.

The originality of the Pelagos Sanctuary for Mediterranean marine mammals lies in the fact that it is a tripartite management zone between France, Monaco and Italy in a coastal and open sea area of great scientific, socio-economic, cultural and educational interest. A unique opportunity during your stay on the Côte d’Azur to discover the most beautiful cetaceans in the Mediterranean at the heart of the Pelagos sanctuary.

Find out more about the Pelagos Sanctuary

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Observing marine mammals in their environment

Watching dolphins, whales or other marine mammals at sea is an amazing experience for everyone. Whale watching ” refers to the activity of observing cetaceans at sea, and it’s possible to do just that on the Côte d’Azur! The summer period is the best time to see curious dolphins, huge rorquals and even calves! Departing from Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap Ferrat, Antibes, Mandelieu-La Napoule, Saint-Raphaël, Sainte-Maxime and Hyères, many operators on the Côte d’Azur offer the chance to get up close and personal with these marine mammals. It’s a unique opportunity to photograph and meet dolphins and whales in their natural habitat without compromising their peace and quiet, and a fabulous vehicle for environmental education.

Are you familiar with the High Quality Whale Watching label?

The deployment of the High Quality Whale Watching label is an essential step in the conservation of cetaceans in the Mediterranean. It is awarded to operators who adopt a sustainable and eco-responsible approach. Through this label, operators undertake to undergo training and respect the code of good conduct for cetacean watching, to refrain from swimming with cetaceans or aerial spotting, to participate in scientific research and to deliver a quality message to passengers about the cetaceans they encounter. For respectful whale-watching: choose an operator with the High Quality Whale-Watching ® label! This government-recognised mark of distinction identifies whale-watching operators in the Mediterranean that guarantee environmental excellence and promote respectful, responsible whale-watching.

For a list of the various operators with this label, visit www.whale-watching-label.com.

We tell you all about Opération Delphis!

In order to preserve this natural heritage, concrete actions are being put in place to observe cetaceans in their environment through Opération Delphis.

The long-term protection and sustainable management of Mediterranean marine ecosystems are absolute priorities for SOS Grand Bleu Intégrer, which fights against damage to the marine environment. Responsible sea trips departing from Port-Cros National Park, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Mandelieu-la-Napoule will delight young and old alike.

Back to basics in a natural heritage that will give you a unique moment on the Côte d’Azur, with a naturalist guide who will pass on his passion for marine animals.

WHERE AND HOW TO SEE DOLPHINS ON THE CÔTE D'AZUR?