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Sunrise Sea Trip & Dolphins in the Mediterranean Be the first on the water to meet the dolphins

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A sunrise boat trip, a rare experience on the Mediterranean

The sea is still dark when the Navivoile catamaran leaves the port of Canet-en-Roussillon. To the east, the horizon gently ignites with amber reflections … and a few miles later, the first dolphins emerge in the golden light of dawn.

This is the highlight of your Sunrise Sea Excursion : a vibrant, wild, and unpredictable spectacle, bringing you closer to their natural environment. Experience three hours of absolute privilege, at a time when the beaches are still deserted.

It's a peaceful experience on the water that you won't find anywhere else on the Catalan Coast.

Please note: this event only takes place once a week, and only in August. Don't miss this dream come true, places are very limited.

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Watching bottlenose dolphins at sunrise from Canet-en-Roussillon

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Live The wild awakening on the Catalan Coast during this Sunrise Sea Excursion:

Departing from the port of Canet-en-Roussillon, you'll enjoy a unique immersion into the world of bottlenose dolphins . At dawn, the Mediterranean transforms into a different sea, its surface flat, silent, and golden. You'll encounter these cetaceans in their natural habitat, at their own pace, bathed in a light that few have the privilege of witnessing.

Why choose dawn for your dolphin excursion?

• A sea of oil: In the morning, the absence of thermal winds makes for incredibly smooth sailing. This provides ideal conditions for easy fin detection.
• Intense natural activity: The Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatusThey display a particular energy at daybreak. In addition, they increase their social behaviors such as group hunting, games, and jumping.
• Alone in the world: No other ship disturbs the horizon. As a result, you enjoy an exclusive one-on-one encounter with the biodiversity of the Golf du Lion.
• An optimized 3-hour format: This perfectly paced itinerary is ideal for families. Furthermore, you return to port at 9:30 am to enjoy the rest of your day.
• A seasonal rarity: We only offer 4 slots per year. Ultimately, it's the most exclusive adventure of your summer on the Catalan Coast.

Naturalist expertise at the service of protection

On board the Navivoile, observation is also accompanied by genuine scientific explanation. Our naturalist guide shares with you the secrets of this fascinating mammal: from its impressive diet to its communication techniques.

Beyond the dolphins, the open sea holds other surprises. You can admire, for example, the ballet of seabirds above the shimmering surface or schools of bluefin tuna hunting. Finally, you will almost certainly spot the floating wind turbines of the EFGL project in the distance.

A rigorous ethical approach: The High Quality Whale-Watching® brand

Navivoile is actively committed to preserving the marine environment. Thanks to the High Quality Whale-Watching® (ACCOBAMS) label, we therefore guarantee a strictly respectful approach:

• Regulatory distance: We never disturb the rest or the path of wild animals.
• Silent navigation: The calm of dawn allows for an even more discreet and peaceful approach.
• Voluntary interaction: The animal itself chooses to come and play in the bows of the catamaran.

For whom is this memorable outing?

We design this experience for those who want to live an extraordinary moment. Indeed, this niche appeals to different profiles:

• Families : Children and adults alike experience a total educational wonder.
• Photography enthusiasts: The “golden hour” proves ideal for capturing the silhouette of cetaceans under the low-angled light.
• The couples: You are enjoying a timeless moment to celebrate an unforgettable life event.
• Vacationers and tourists: This adventure appeals to residents of Canet, Argelès, and Saint-Cyprien. It also welcomes visitors from the Aude region, such as those to Leucate and Gruissan.

Engagement and match statistics

Specifically, Navivoile offers THE only sunrise sea excursion with dolphin watching on the Catalan Coast. Our statistics demonstrate a 99% success rate for cetacean sightings. Furthermore, we achieved a 100% success rate for this early morning time slot in 2025.

However, we encounter wild animals in a vast sanctuary. Thus, the remaining 1% reminds us that nature remains free, making each encounter even more precious.

The Navivoile advantage: take your memories home with you

To help you fully enjoy the moment, our naturalist guide will capture the outing. He'll then provide you with these photos free of charge. You can download these observation photos from our website a few days after your adventure!

If this cruise doesn't quite meet your expectations, feel free to browse all our sea excursions to find the perfect boat trip for you. If you're not a morning person, consider our early morning bottlenose dolphin watching cruise departing from Canet-en-Roussillon!

Give this cruise as a gift , or take advantage of our other gift card options to please someone without worrying about the date.

Ready for a wild awakening? Book your sunrise sea trip online.

Practical Information & Advice

Payment methods

Online booking : It is not mandatory to print your "order form". You can simply write down the reservation name and order number on a piece of paper.
Accepted payment methods: Credit card (ticket office and website), Cash, (1) ANCV paper holiday vouchers (ticket office only) and (2) ANCV Connect Holiday Vouchers. Bank checks are not accepted.

(1) ANCV paper holiday vouchers:

If you are not in town, we invite you to make an online reservation by credit card. Upon boarding, you will then present your paper ANCV holiday vouchers . A few days after boarding, we will process the refund of the initial card payment (minus the 3,5% commission). Simply specify this in the "comments" section when making your reservation. In the event of a cancellation without the possibility of rescheduling, we will return your paper ANCV holiday vouchers to you.

(2) ANCV Connect Holiday Vouchers:

Available on the website or at the ticket office. In case of cruise cancellation without the possibility of rescheduling, two options are available: a voucher valid for 18 months or a refund by bank transfer (please provide your bank details) – note that a 3,5% commission will be deducted from the amount paid.

What to expect & Health tips

Equipment: Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and a windbreaker. Don't forget your charged camera! For observing the sea, binoculars are useful for scanning the horizon.
Hydration: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase on board. Excessive alcohol consumption is dangerous to your health; please drink responsibly.
Seasickness: We strongly recommend that people prone to seasickness take an anti-nausea medication (such as Mercalm 30 minutes beforehand or Cocculine the day before). Have a substantial breakfast, avoid fatty foods, and spend time outdoors.

Onboard Restaurant & Bar

For your comfort, a Snack-Bar and light catering service is open at all times on all our cruises.

Picnic : Allowed under the client's responsibility (hygiene). Bringing outside drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) on board is not permitted.
Hydration: As an exception, you are allowed to bring your own personal water bottles. Important note: The water available at the ship's toilets and water points is not potable. Fresh mineral water is available for purchase at the bar.
By booking this cruise, the customer agrees to comply with these safety and hygiene instructions on board.

Accessibility and Family

Disability: For people using wheelchairs, please note that the toilets are not wheelchair accessible, as they are too narrow.
Parents: Children of all ages are welcome.
Accompaniment: Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Pets

Pets (dogs, cats, etc.) are accepted given the duration of the cruise which is very short and very well tolerated by your little companions.

Safety instructions on board

Tobacco: In accordance with decree 2006-1386, smoking is prohibited on the decks and in the gondola (for fire safety and comfort reasons). An ashtray is available at the rear, near the toilets: smoking is permitted within a 2-meter radius, provided it does not disturb other passengers. Never throw ashes or cigarette butts on the deck or into the sea. Vaping is permitted ONLY on the outside decks.
Behavior : Running or jumping on the nets is prohibited. Remove your shoes before climbing onto the nets (max 6 people/net). Always hold on with one hand (“one hand for yourself, one hand for the boat”).
Swimming: Not permitted on this cruise. Furthermore, swimming with cetaceans in a marine protected area is strictly prohibited and severely punished by law.

Parking in Canet-en-Roussillon

The PORT/ONIRIA car parks are the closest to the ferry terminal. They are subject to a fee in June and September (9:00-12:00 and 14:00-20:00) and in July and August (9:00-00:24) – located between 50 and 100 meters away (a 2-minute walk). The city of Canet has implemented a new mobile parking payment service using the Flowbird app . Outside of these periods, from June 1st to September 30th, the PORT/ONIRIA car parks are free.

Tips for paying less for parking from June 1st to September 30th:

Park along theCaptain Delestrain Avenue (towards Le Brasilia campsite) then use the Pass'Port Shuttle (€0,50/trip).
"Santorini" parking lot : Free, located 1200m from the pier (17 min walk).

⚠️ PARKING INFORMATION: During the Sea and Fishermen's Festival (August 12-15) , access and parking conditions (temporary restrictions) around the PORT/ONIRIA parking lots will be modified by municipal decree. We advise you to disregard certain signs or familiar navigation systems (especially on your GPS ) and to use the Santorin Parking lot to ensure a smooth boarding experience.

Exit conditions

📞 Important information: If you book this cruise, please be sure to contact us at +33 (0)6 23 20 69 76 between 18:00 PM and 20:00 PM the day before your departure. Your trip will then be confirmed or cancelled depending on the latest marine weather information.

Weather & Technical: Changes to the program may occur depending on the weather or any technical problems encountered.
Cancellation: In the event of cancellation on our part, the outing will either be postponed or fully refunded.
Absence : Any passenger who is absent at the precise departure time will not be reimbursed.

Please note: Boarding takes place 20 minutes before departure . For the exact day and time, please refer to the Schedule/Booking section.