Marine Species Observations in Marseilles

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A microscope slide showing a drop of seawater and plankton about to be placed under the observation telescope held in hands on the deck of the boat during plankton fishing.

Take part in an interactive and instructive fishing trip, where each passenger contributes to the collection and observation of the microscopic world of plankton. On the way back, discover a variety of marine objects and become aware of the environmental impact, while enriching your experience.

Explore the mysteries of marine life

Cormorant rising from the water in Marseille

Immerse yourself in the scientific aspect of the excursion by analyzing plankton samples under the microscope. The crew's commitment to ocean research and preservation is illustrated by tools such as the planktonoscope. For participants, this fun and educational experience represents an authentic approach to eco-tourism, combining fun with nature awareness.

Discover the Step-by-Step Program:

Step 1: Welcome passengers and introduce the planktonic marine life we'll be observing.
Step 2: Visit the Old Port by sea, discovering the city's buildings and cultural history, in connection with marine biodiversity.
Step 3: Departure from the harbor and observation of the first seabirds. Explanation of marine diversity using teaching aids, including a curiosity box.
Step 4: Passengers fish with plankton nets and collect jars of water.
Step 5: Return to the port, observe plankton under the microscope and fill in the educational notebooks.
Step 6: At the end of the outing, a debriefing session with participants to discuss their experiences, expectations and future plans.

Meet the plankton

Nature lovers

Embark on a unique maritime experience with Captain Coco, your guide to "fishing the invisible". Discover the microscopic world of plankton on an educational and enriching excursion in the Mediterranean Sea. Accompanied by our team of experts, dive into the waters of Marseille's harbor and help collect and observe plankton. This interactive outing will help you understand the importance of plankton in the marine ecosystem and explore marine biodiversity in a fun way. Join us for a unique adventure where fun meets nature awareness.

  • Departure : Old Port
  • Period : All year round
  • Duration : 4h
  • Opening hours : 2pm - 5pm
  • Rate :
    • Adult: €60
    • Children: €30
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Any questions about this outing? Write to us and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Frequently asked questions

most popular questions

Questions about the Special Plankton Trip

The Plankton Outing is an educational excursion at sea where you'll have the opportunity to discover and observe the fascinating world of marine plankton up close. You will be guided by experts who will provide you with detailed information on marine biodiversity, and you will actively participate in collecting and observing plankton on board.

This outing is aimed at all nature and sea enthusiasts, from families to marine science enthusiasts, and curious people of all ages. Children aged 6 and over are welcome to take part.

The boat is specially equipped to accommodate up to five participants, offering an intimate and immersive plankton-watching experience. Our crew consists of a guide and a captain, allowing us to accommodate a total of five participants in addition to the captain and guide.

Absolutely, our activity is designed to welcome the whole family, including children over 6 years of age. However, we also accept children under 6, but recommend that they be accompanied by two adults. For toddlers, we suggest bringing a snack, although some parts of the tour may not be suitable for their level of understanding.

Answer: Yes, our guides are bilingual and can provide explanations and information in French and English throughout the tour.

 
 

We provide all the equipment you need to collect and observe plankton, including nets, observation equipment (binoculars...), microscopes and educational booklets. All you have to do is bring your curiosity and enthusiasm!

We recommend that you wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and non-slip footwear. We also recommend that you bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses to protect you from the sun.

Plankton comes in many forms, from microscopic organisms to creatures visible to the naked eye. To find out more about plankton and see it in action, visit our YouTube channel dedicated to plankton: link to the Plankton YouTube channel.

question about booking the outing

To book a plankton fishing trip, visit the "Boats"Select the Boat COCO 1969then choose your time slot. We recommend you book a half-day to get the most out of the experience.

The price of the plankton outing is the same as for the other activities on offer, i.e. €680 incl. VAT for a group of 6 people for 4 hours. If you would like a larger group, please contact us at our contact form so that we can work out a customized rate to suit your needs.

 
 
 

Yes, a professional guide is included in the package and will guide you through the navigation to observe fauna, flora and plankton during the ride!

Yes, we're open to customizing your plankton outing experience. Whether it's to celebrate a special occasion or to meet specific needs, we'll work with you to create a unique and memorable experience. Contact us to discuss your needs and preferences.

 
 
 

 

In the event of bad weather, the session can be postponed to another time when weather conditions are more favorable.

In the event of seasickness, we recommend natural solutions and advice, such as peppermint, to help you make the most of your boating trip. You can also take your own treatment one hour before sailing, which you'll find under the advice of your pharmacist.

Yes, you can make your payment securely online via our website. We accept all major credit cards and other secure payment methods.

Yes, you can cancel your booking at 100% once you have paid online. To do so, simply contact us by e-mail or telephone or from Contact page.

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