Local operator · Ponte Spinola
A four-and-a-half-hour boat trip in the Pelagos Sanctuary, searching for whales and dolphins in their natural environment, with a marine biologist explaining species and behaviors. It departs from Ponte Spinola, next to the Aquarium: it’s the open sea after the tanks.
The meeting point is at Ponte Spinola 2, next to the Aquarium. On arrival, the marine biologist gives an introduction to the Pelagos Sanctuary: its history, 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.
These are wild animals, so sightings are not guaranteed, and the listing states this clearly. If you do not see cetaceans, the listing provides the possibility of returning for free within one year with a new booking: the conditions are on the GetYourGuide page. The trip depends on the sea: with bad weather or rough seas it may be cancelled the day before. Snacks, drinks and gadgets are not included. Four and a half hours at sea is a lot for the little ones, as some reviews note.
The price starts from $50 per person (GetYourGuide, October 2026), with free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Entry to the Aquarium is not included: the official fixed-date ticket starts from 26 euros online, between 26 and 34 euros depending on the date and time slot, and costs 34 euros at the ticket desk. If you want to see dolphins in the Aquarium too, the Cetacean Pavilion and official experiences are in the dolphins and experiences guide.
The meeting point is next to the Aquarium. Bring comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for the weather: this is what the listing asks for.
The marine biologist tells the story of the sanctuary, conservation programmes and the species that live there.
The boat reaches the offshore areas most favourable for sightings. The wait is for a distant leap or the arrival of a group of dolphins.
When it finds cetaceans, the boat approaches while respecting non-disturbance rules, and the guide explains the habits and diet of the species.
After the sightings, it looks for other species in the sanctuary, then returns to Ponte Spinola. In total, about 4.5 hours.
★★★★★We spent a wonderful day and were very lucky to see both fin whales and dolphins. The boat was new, spotlessly clean, and the whole team was extremely kind. [...] We really liked that the team constantly looked for other whales and dolphins with binoculars. [...] As soon as we approached the whales, the captain slowed the engine to disturb the animals as little as possible.
★★★★★A wonderful tour: we saw many dolphins and two small swordfish. A big thank you to the two marine biologists, Veronica and Alessandra, who gave explanations and scanned the horizon from the roof of the boat to spot the dolphins.
★★★★★Wonderful, I recommend it to everyone, young and old. We encountered tuna and striped dolphins. I must admit I hoped to see a fin whale, but I will have to wait until next time.
★★★★★A wonderful excursion and very interesting guide commentary. We encountered about forty striped dolphins, with newborns just a few days old. We will return for the whales. The only advice we would give is to still go to the ticket office to print the paper ticket, because even with the digital one they do not let you board.
Read:
No. Cetaceans are wild animals and the listing says sightings cannot be guaranteed. If you do not see any, the listing provides the option to return for free within a year with a new booking.
From Ponte Spinola 2, next to the Aquarium of Genoa, in the Porto Antico. The trip lasts about 4.5 hours.
The excursion depends on the weather and sea: in case of bad weather it may be cancelled the day before. The booking on GetYourGuide can be cancelled free up to 24 hours before.
No. The price covers the boat trip and the marine biologist. The official Aquarium ticket starts from €26 online, between 26 and 34 euros depending on date and slot, and costs €34 at the ticket desk.
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Four and a half hours by boat in the Pelagos Sanctuary, with a marine biologist who looks for and explains cetaceans.
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