Ligurian Sea Cetacean Sanctuary, Marine protected area in Ligurian Sea, Italy.
The Ligurian Sea Cetacean Sanctuary is a marine protected area spanning around 87,500 square kilometers of Mediterranean waters between Italy, France, and Monaco. It is home to about twelve different cetacean species, including sperm whales, common dolphins, and fin whales in their natural habitat.
The area received official protection status in 1999 through international agreements between Italy, France, and Monaco to preserve marine mammals. This agreement emerged from the understanding that the species and their habitats needed special attention to survive long-term.
The sanctuary holds deep meaning for researchers and coastal communities as a place dedicated to protecting marine mammals. Visitors can join observation trips to learn about the whales and dolphins that inhabit these waters.
Certified boat operators from ports in Genoa, Savona, and Viareggio offer guided observation trips from April through October. The best time for whale watching is late spring and early summer, when the animals are most active.
The area is known for harboring one of the highest concentrations of fin whales in the Mediterranean. This remarkable density makes it an exceptional location for nature watchers and marine biology enthusiasts.
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