Dive trip Cetacean observation in Hendaye
Stay, Diving holidays for Cetacean observation in Hendaye
We are almost certain that you won't imagine seeing whales in Biarritz!Well yes, a stay in Biarritz, Hendaye, and Saint-Jean-de-Luz allows the observation of cetaceans passing through the Bay of Biscay. For it is an abyssal trench in the Atlantic Ocean, which stretches between northern Spain and the Aquitaine basin.
The Gouf de Capbreton is a huge submarine canyon more than 4,000 meters deep which allows the passage of oceanic water masses, draining large planktonic volumes which are followed by shoals of fish. The migration of large cetaceans between polar waters and warm tropical waters passes through this Gouf where they feed.
Off the Basque and Landes coasts, you will meet about twenty species of cetaceans out of the 82 species listed in the world. This explains why the whaling industry used to be based in Biarritz. Diving centers in Saint-Jean-de-Luz offer excursions to the high seas to observe whales, killer whales, and dolphins, which often live too far from the coast for you to see them during a diving trip.
Marine species in the area
Dive sites
You can board with marine biologists from Itsas Arima to observe cetaceans and participate in a scientific research program. With them, you identify and study the movements, behaviors, and communication of cetaceans to raise awareness about ocean protection.
Onboard, photos are taken to identify them, and hydrophones are used to hear the bottom of the sea filled with whistles, echolocation clicks, and songs. The CNRS (observatory-pelagis) also uses this volunteer information to observe the Atlantic better.
Four species of cetaceans are mainly observed: the striped dolphin, the bottlenose dolphin, the common dolphin, and the pilot whale. You can also encounter fin whales, Blainville's beaked whales.
Harbor porpoises and bottlenose dolphins may come close to the coast. Sometimes, it is possible to see Risso dolphins and Arctic hyperoodon. Blue whales, killer whales, and sperm whales are much rarer.
Others Activities
In Biarritz do not miss the visit of the Rocher de la Vierge, a real sentinel from where you can admire the whole coast. Stroll along the Grande Plage where you can also experience surfing.
Hikes are made along the coastal path between the ports of Ciboure and Hendaye. The panoramas are magnificent. We follow a narrow ledge between the road and the cliff then we cross the preserved domain of Abbadia, to reach the beautiful beach of Hendaye and the bay of Txingudi. You can also learn about Basque pelota.
In the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, you can canoe, flyboard, paddle, towed buoy, jet ski by the beach.