During the excursion, the JDC researchers will identify the dolphins by photographing their dorsal fins (photo identification). You can hear the sounds they make. Environmental data on the evaluation of the Ionian Sea (oceanographic parameters) are also collected. They also fill in maps for sighting of cetaceans. Click here for more information about the sounds they make and its purpose.
All these data are used for scientific publications that are indispensible for the protection of cetaceans, the group to which the dolphins belong.
The cost for the Safari with duration of 5 hours is 40 euros per adult (2018). Book your tickets online, but do this well in advance, because this excursion is very popular and often fully booked months in advance. Tel. +39 349 1338221 for bookings via telephone or Whatsapp. If you have booked through the booking module, you have to pay directly online and when you have booked through Whatsapp you can pay at the office opposite the boats before departure.
Our own Dolphin excursion:
I did this excursion myself with my daughter and grandsons and my sister and her husband from Ireland. In this period of the year it is a bit easier to book. I could not book online as the agenda did not go beyond September. So I arranged it via Whatsapp via the telephone number mentioned above and that went smoothly.
During High season they sail daily, and before and after that, only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Make sure you get there early enough, then you have the better places on the boat. We have seen 65-70 dolphins. The food that they offer, even for a vegetarian is more than enough and is included in the price. It was a very enjoyable trip.
The Scientific Research:
The first boat that spots dolphins does the research for the day.
Parking:
It is not advisable to park at Molo S. Eligio, the parking lot at the entrance to the marina, because the chances are slim that there will be parking space there and then you have to drive the entire ring road because it’s all one-way traffic.
Our advice is: as soon as you enter Taranto from the bridge (Via Napoli) you arrive at Piazza Fontana. Try to find a parking space there or nearby. It is an almost 300 m. walk and you can get back on the road to Bari without having to drive around Taranto.
The best places on the boat:
Make sure you arrive at the harbour before 09.15 AM to have the best seats on board, namely on the benches on the outside of the Catamaran.
More information about activities at and near the sea:
