Jonian Dolphin Conservation, Taranto

A day that we will always remember and changed our perspective forever. We spent the day with the association on their boat with our 3 daughters (the youngest is 4), and it was amazing. We could see more dolphins that we could dream of (stripped and buttlenose dolphins), playing and jumping in front of our boat. The association members are passionate and do everything to transmit their love for cetaces' and explain how to protect them. The dolphins were never attracted by food or tracked down. If they seem shy, we just stopped following them but the stripped ones were amazingly curious. Even though everyone else spoke English, Juli was kind enough to translate everything for us, which made the tour as educational as it was impressive. Just remember that you need to bring your lunch (drinks are provided for) and sunscreen. No need for swimming equipment since it is no allowed to swim with the dolphins.

This excursion was definitely a highlight of our trip to Italy. It was well organized and highly informative. Being able to observe these dolfins in their natural habitat was like nothing I had ever experienced. The well being of these animals is of paramount importance to the staff and crew. When we would come upon a family of dolfins they would shut off the catamaran's engine and ask us to speak quietly so as to not agitate the animals. It was an amazing opportunity and one that I would highly recommend.