Since 2009, Jonian Dolphin Conservation has been conducting scientific research activities with the primary goal to preserve and protect the cetaceans of the Gulf of Taranto, in the northern waters of the Jonian Sea. Dolphin watching days at sea, organized for visitors and tourists by the JDC, are our way to raise the financial resources necessary to continue our research.
They constitute an integral part of a broader project called citizen science, namely, the public participation in scientific research projects geared towards promoting activities of environmental education emphasizing the importance of the conservation of the marine heritage of the Jonian costs.
The JDC Association has been able to combine scientific research and tourist activities by offering local and international tourists a unique experience of dolphin-watching in their natural environment. Dolphins are also a symbol of the city of Taranto
You will actively participate in sailing on board our brand new boats, designed and built specifically to help guests get involved in conservation activities for the protection of cetaceans that have lived in these waters for over 4,000 years.
With the help of the researchers of the JDC our guests will identify specimens, photograph their dorsal fin (photo identification), and will hear, and record, their whistles and clicks (vocalizations). Furthermore, they will collect environmental data on the evaluation of the Ionian Sea (oceanographic parameters) and fill in the cards of the cetacean sightings. All this data will be used for the compilation of scientific publications, so important for the protection of cetaceans. Thanks to this contribution, we will be able to continue to integrate our database.
During all these activities, our crew will offer our guests a taste of the local specialties of our Apulian cuisine. The departure is at 10:00 a.m. The recommended boarding time is 30 minutes prior to departure. We return approximately around 3:30 p.m.
