Ischia Dolphin Project | Whale & Dolphin Watching

capitano Angelo with a sperm whale, in the background you can see the island of Ischia

the research boat, a beautiful wooden sailing boat from the 1930th

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The Ischia Dolphin Project is composed of highly qualified team members. All of them are happy to share with participants their knowledge and experiences. Participants live on board of the research vessel Jean Gab that preferably navigates under sail. During your staying days will be almost entirely dedicated to the research activities and all participants will take part in the field work. Every day, except for the first and the departure day, will be spent at sea following defined transects depending on the weather conditions. Participants will be asked to help researchers in the collection of data and sailing activities.

The study area is well known for its important pelagic biodiversity. The region was described as a feeding ground for fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), feeding and breeding ground for striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus), and social units of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus). At last, the area has been listed in the last IUCN Cetacean Action Plan – www.redlist.org - as critical habitat for the endangered short beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis). Occasionally bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and pilot whales (Globicephala melas) are also encountered.

Since 1997 the research focused on the area of the canyon of Cuma, a deep submarine system of canyons located north to the island. Submarine canyons play and important role in biologic events and they are often areas of high biodiversity for their oceanographic characteristics. The presence in this relatively small area of seven different species gives to the project a unique occasion to study and compare the behavioural ecology of the different species. Main goal of the project is the conservation of the habitat used by whales and dolphins, habitat which is always more corrupted and threatened by human activities.

The study produced in the years a relevant amount of data that contributed to the establishment of the Marine Protected Area “Regno di Nettuno” (Neptune’s Kingdom) of the islands of Ischia Procida and Vivara.

Months

May • June • July • August • September • October

Duration

Full day (6-9 hours) • Multi-day

Vessel types

Under sail / Yacht

Times and prices

the season is from May 20th 2013 until October 27th 2015, the trips start Monday evening and end Sunday after lunchtime, the price inclues accomodation, meals and participation in the research activity.

prices adults:

low season: € 800.-

May 20th until June 23rd and September 30th until October 27th

high season: € 850.-

July 1st until September 22nd

price children and students until 25 years of age:

low season: € 680.-

May 20th until June 23rd and September 30th until October 27th

in the high season there is no special price for children and students but we offer a family discount of 3% for 3 persons and more

About our skippers and naturalist guides

the crew is mostly Italian but they all speak good English, the up to six guests onboard are international, the dog Berta is italian and an expert to find dolphins :)

Facilities

Access to wheelhouse • Deck with 360?vision • Hands-on materials (bones, shells etc) • Naturalist guide(s) as well as skipper • On board hydrophone • On board video • On-site visitor center / museum • Onboard research • PA system • Posters / displays / maps • Public participation in research • Reading material available • Restrooms / toilets on board • Scenic backdrop to encounters • Snacks / drinks • Support conservation • Swim / snorkel included • Use a code of conduct