Description
A dolphin watching sailing trip from Catania is an outing built around watching the sea for cetaceans. The eco-tour lasts between two and a half and four and a half hours, on a sailing boat or dinghy, depending on the season and the number of passengers. Boats leave from the port of Catania or from Aci Castello, and in autumn and winter only from Catania.
On board are a skipper and marine biologists who have monitored the Gulf for over a decade. They brief you on the species and the area, then the boat cruises slowly while everyone scans the surface for a fin, a breath or a jump. You can use binoculars and identification cards, and you help fill in the survey sheets that gather environmental data. When dolphins appear, the boat approaches following an international code of conduct, so the animals behave naturally and you can take photos.
- Striped, bottlenose and common dolphins are regular sights
- Sperm and fin whales on lucky days
- Sea turtles, sunfish, tuna and sea birds
Sightings are likely but never guaranteed, and swimming with the animals is not allowed. The trip only runs in good sea conditions with enough travellers; the ticket stays valid for seven days and the day is confirmed shortly before. A full refund applies if it is cancelled. Food, drinks and transfers are not included.