Dolphins and experiences at the Aquarium

Are there dolphins at the Aquarium of Genoa?

Yes: a group of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Cetacean Pavilion, included in the normal visit route.

The pavilion has four outdoor tanks and two levels. From above you watch the dolphins as if you were spotting them at sea; from the lower level you see them underwater, also from what Wikipedia calls «a spectacular underwater half-tunnel».

Don’t expect a show. The operator states that no type of show is held inside the Aquarium: you just observe the dolphins.

Can you swim with dolphins in Genoa?

No. Italian regulations for cetacean protection prohibit physical contact with dolphins, even in paid experiences.

The operator states this on the «A tu per tu con i delfini» page: during the programme, «no form of direct contact» with the animals is planned. In the FAQ it adds that it is not allowed to dive into the tanks with the animals.

The only contact allowed at the Aquarium is in the touch pool of the Biodiversity Pavilion, where you can stroke the rays following the panel instructions.

What does the operator say about dolphin protection?

That the Aquarium has been a recognised zoo since 2011, has been part of EAZA since 1998 and that in Europe it has been prohibited to take dolphins from the sea since 1992.

These are statements by the operator, in its FAQ. The bottlenose dolphin, it writes, is the most widespread cetacean species in aquariums and dolphinariums in the world, and is on the Washington Convention (CITES) lists. The specimens in Genoa are registered in the European studbook of the EEP programme of EAZA.

The training sessions you see during the experiences, the dedicated page states, may change based on management needs and the animals' welfare.

What is 'A tu per tu con i delfini'?

A guided experience of 1 hour and 45 minutes in the dolphin area, for a maximum of 6 people: 100 euros for adults, 89 euros for ages 6 to 12.

It takes place every day except Monday and Friday, at 14:10, and must be booked at least 3 working days in advance. The guide explains how the dolphins are managed; you watch the food preparation and training sessions, and observe the animals from a staff station used for study.

The minimum age is 6 years, and minors must be accompanied by a paying adult who participates. Delays to the appointment are not allowed, and you need closed shoes without heels. At the end, you complete the Aquarium visit on your own.

What other official experiences are there?

The penguins, the Aquarium behind the scenes, L'esperto con te and Notte con gli squali, all in Italian and without the entry ticket included.

Common rules: the experiences are 'uniquely in Italian', the Aquarium ticket must be purchased separately for each participant, and the experience ticket is neither changeable nor refundable. With the penguins, you enter low-temperature areas, with closed shoes with rubber soles.

«Notte con gli squali» is reserved for children aged 7 to 11: camp beds in front of the shark tank, the animals' morning wake-up and breakfast.

Where can I have dinner with dolphins in Genoa?

At the Aquarium of Genoa, with the 'Cena Emozionale': an evening next to the dolphins, with a soprano, for a maximum of 80 guests.

Guests arrive between 20:00 and 20:30 and enter from the Cetacean Pavilion; the evening ends at 23:30. The menu, with a choice between sea and land, costs 89 euros per person, wines and drinks excluded. Booking and payment are mandatory upon confirmation, and the page states free cancellation 'within 5 working days of the event'.

The next dates, all on Saturdays, are listed on the Cena Emozionale page, where there is also the Hotel + Cena Emozionale formula. For information, the reference is C-WAY, the operator's tour operator.

How do I book official experiences?

On the operator’s website and in advance: 3 working days for dolphins and penguins, 2 for L'esperto con te, 1 for Acquario dietro le quinte.

For 'L'esperto con te' in other languages, the operator provides a dedicated email contact. Tickets for Acquario dietro le quinte can also be bought inside the route, at the desk on the upper floor of the Cetacean Pavilion, if there are places available.

«A tu per tu con i delfini» is not for sale on GetYourGuide. There you will find, however, the entry ticket, which is still required: the ticket with date and time slot or a combined ticket.

Where can I see dolphins and whales in the open sea?

With a cetacean watching trip from Ponte Spinola, next to the Aquarium, in the Pelagos Sanctuary; sightings are never guaranteed.

Cetacean watching with a marine biologist lasts 4 hours and 30 minutes. On board, the biologist presents the Pelagos Sanctuary, its protection programmes and the species that inhabit it; the listing names several: common rorqual, sperm whale, Cuvier's beaked whale, Risso's dolphin, pilot whale, striped dolphin, bottlenose dolphin and common dolphin. Then the boat goes offshore towards the most favourable areas and, when it finds the animals, it approaches while respecting the rules so as not to disturb them.

The animals are wild: no one can promise an encounter. The listing states that, if no cetaceans are sighted, you can return for free within a year with a new booking. With rough seas, the trip may be cancelled the day before.

Four and a half hours at sea with a marine biologist, departing from Ponte Spinola 2, a few steps from the Aquarium. Sightings not guaranteed.

★ 4.4 · 4.5 hours · from $50

Discover cetacean watching → Tour details

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