FAQ about whale and dolphin watch and study trips

Frequently asked questions for prospective participants

Yes. Whether you have some kind of scientific background or you are fully amateur or non-specialised in marine conservation and research you are very welcome to join us. We are looking for people eager to learn, to give us a hand and a significant contribution to our research while having a good time and enjoying a quite unique experience.

Normally our participants are adults. Participants aged 13 – 15 are allowed if accompanied by a parent.  Young participants aged 16 – 17 may be unaccompanied only on specific expeditions (check the calendars), but a co-responsibility agreement must be signed by parents (here for CSR and IDP). Children younger that 13 will be considered on a case-by-case basis (Please contact our office)

In the Ligurian Sea (CSR; Cetacean Sanctuary Research) you will stay on board a 21 m motorsailer, which may stay out for many hours (sometimes even at night) in order to enhance the possibilities to spot cetaceans.

In Greece (IDP; Ionian Dolphin Project) you will be living in our field station in the village of Vonitsa, in a shared loft (90 square meters).  Surveys are conducted on a daily basis on board an inflatable equipped with an outboard engine.

On board the research vessel Pelagos (CSR) there is space for a maximum of 11 participants, plus at least 2 researchers and a skipper. In Greece (IDP) groups are smaller, with 5 being the maximum number of participants. Minimum are 5 (CSR) and 3 (IDP).

No. This is a research project, not a swim-with-dolphins experience. Project participants can expect to be able to observe the dolphins in their natural environment from a privileged position; frequently just a few meters away. However, all our observations will be done from our research boat following precise conduct guidelines to try to minimize the potential disturbance to the animals.

Project participants should be able to communicate in English, which is the official language of the projects and which will be used during the data collection and during the presentation/lectures. The IDP and CSR personnel speak several languages; however, this should be considered an occasional support.

Sure; there are several possibilities to contribute:  make a donation, offer an expedition to someone as a present.

We have taken this situation very seriously from the beginning; nevertheless, we have been able to carry out our field activities safely both in 2020 and in 2021.

The safety of our staff and project participants is our top priority.  Researchers will take the utmost precaution to help our participants having a safe, educational and enjoyable experience.

At the beginning of the next season, we’ll publish updated instructions for participants.

When you book an expedition for somebody else, with the intention of making a gift, you can request a personalized Gift Certificate to give, with the information about the expedition reserved and the name of the recipient.

You can request the Gift Certificate on the checkout page (flag “This is a gift” checkbox)

If you want to participate in the Tethys expeditions, but you are not sure in which period you are able to book, you can purchase an Expedition Voucher of the value of 450€. When you are ready to book the exact date, you will redeem the voucher in the checkout page.

The Expedition Voucher is also a good solution for a gift! You can request the Gift Certificate on the checkout page when purchasing the Voucher.