Pelagos Discovery | Discovering the Giants of the Ligurian Sea

Articolo del June 10, 2025. Pubblicato in

In the heart of Western Liguria, the sea is much more than a backdrop: it is a living, surprising world that still remains partly unexplored. In Bordighera, this world comes to life through Pelagos Discovery, a project inviting both residents and travelers to discover — and respect — the cetaceans living in the Mediterranean Sea.

An Open-Air Museum by the Sea

Located along the marina of Bordighera, Pelagos Discovery is a permanent open-air exhibition dedicated to the marine mammals of the Pelagos Sanctuary.

More than a simple exhibition, it is an immersive experience: life-size silhouettes of whales and dolphins accompany visitors along the route, creating an immediate and engaging visual impact.

Informational panels — available in multiple languages — explain the characteristics, habits, and curiosities of the species inhabiting the Ligurian Sea, transforming a simple walk along the harbor into a real educational journey.

The goal is clear: bringing people closer to a natural heritage that is often invisible, yet incredibly close.

The Pelagos Sanctuary | A Mediterranean Treasure

At the heart of the project lies the Pelagos Sanctuary, one of the most important marine protected areas in Europe.

Covering approximately 87,500 km² between Italy, France, and the Principality of Monaco, it represents a fundamental habitat for whales and dolphins.

Its waters are among the richest in the Mediterranean thanks to unique sea currents and the underwater geography of deep canyons and submarine mountains. This environment encourages the growth of zooplankton — often referred to as “Mediterranean krill” — attracting numerous cetacean species.

It is no coincidence that this international protected area dedicated to marine mammal conservation was established here in 1999.

An Experience That Continues at Sea

Pelagos Discovery is not limited to observation from land. It also becomes a starting point for experiencing the sea in a more conscious and meaningful way.

From whale watching excursions to scientific research cruises, the sanctuary offers several opportunities to encounter cetaceans in their natural habitat.

These experiences, increasingly popular along the Ligurian coast, transform a classic seaside holiday into something much deeper: a direct connection with marine biodiversity.

Respect Comes First

Learning also means protecting.

For this reason, Pelagos Discovery promotes a responsible approach to whale and dolphin watching.

Among the recommended practices:

• Keep a respectful distance
• Avoid sudden movements
• Never interfere with the animals’ natural behavior

Small gestures that make a huge difference in preserving such a fragile and precious ecosystem.

A New Way to Experience Liguria

Projects like Pelagos Discovery represent a new vision of tourism in Liguria: more sustainable, more experiential, and deeply connected to the local territory.

The sea is no longer just a summer backdrop — it becomes the protagonist all year round, capable of attracting curious and conscious travelers.

Walking along the harbor of Bordighera, surrounded by the silhouettes of dolphins and whales, you get the feeling of being part of something much bigger: a living ecosystem that deserves to be discovered and protected.