In the heart of the Gulf of Poets—where the sea meets history and nature shines in all its beauty—there are people making a real difference. Among them is Associazione per il Mare, a group of passionate individuals who turned an old, abandoned fishing boat into a floating classroom for learning about the sea and the environment.
Their projects range from ethical whale watching in the Pelagos Sanctuary to involving everyday people in tracking plastic pollution. These efforts are incredibly valuable for the local area and its future.
In this interview, Luigi Martinucci, the association’s president, shares how their work began and why it’s so important to raise awareness, inspire emotions, and protect the sea.
The whale watching trips in the Pelagos Sanctuary are a special experience. Where exactly is the sanctuary, and how do people usually react when they see whales or dolphins for the first time?
The Pelagos Sanctuary is the largest protected marine area in the Mediterranean. It covers the waters between France, Monaco, Italy, and Corsica. Since 2019, our organization has been certified by the HQWW program, which ensures ethical whale watching practices. We’re currently the only certified group in the La Spezia–Cinque Terre area.
When people spot a bottlenose dolphin (the most common species here), their reaction is always the same: pure wonder. Most have only seen these animals on TV or, unfortunately, in aquariums. That’s why our slogan is “Come visit the biggest aquarium in the world!”
We also have a hydrophone on board, so guests can try to listen to the sounds the animals make underwater.
Beyond just spotting whales, your tours also have an educational focus. What are the key messages you want to share with guests?
Our main message is simple: we are guests in the sea, and we should act like it. We must try to leave as little impact as possible. The handouts we give to participants highlight this idea.
We also explain that, because we’re watching wild animals in their natural home, sightings aren’t guaranteed. But what is guaranteed is a lesson about the mammals living in the sanctuary, supported by videos, sound clips, and informative materials—also available in English.
Everyone who joins us has to accept this, which is also a great way to teach respect for nature and the ocean.
PLACALA is a project that gets people of all ages involved in monitoring the sea. What results have you seen, and how has the local community responded?
PLACALA started with funding from the Compagnia di San Paolo Foundation and is now running on its own. Through citizen science activities, we’ve shown hundreds of people—kids, teens, and adults—how plastic pollution affects our oceans.
We’ve found that raising awareness through small, hands-on actions can really spark change. People begin to understand that their everyday choices matter—and that’s the first step toward protecting our seas.
The Gulf of Poets is full of life and history. What usually surprises visitors during your tours?
Visitors are always amazed by our Gulf. It’s full of treasures, some still little-known but with huge potential. For example, the old Military Arsenal, which gave rise to the city, the traditional fishing villages, the mussel farms, and the beautiful islands of the Portovenere Archipelago.
The Gulf is our home base for all activities, and most of our guests end up enjoying it even more than the famous Cinque Terre. Snorkeling in the small coves of Palmaria Island or along the Lerici coast lets people see all kinds of Mediterranean marine life in just a few feet of water.
One of the highlights for many is seeing Portovenere‘s Church of San Pietro from the sea. It’s a truly breathtaking view—one people never forget. And of course, there’s always surprise and delight when tourists taste the locally farmed mussels and oysters. They have a unique flavor thanks to centuries of tradition.
A Taste of the Sea for a Good Cause: How Tourism Helps Protect the Gulf of Poets
Grand Hotel Portovenere collaborates with Associazione per il Mare. This partnership grew from a shared goal: to protect and celebrate our territory. Part of the money from hotel-led excursions—and from the merchandise sold at events in its Palmaria Restaurant and Venus Bar—goes to supporting the association.
One of the hotel’s most special excursions is the Oyster Tour, held aboard the historic boat Moby Dick. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience where guests can enjoy the flavors and secrets of the Gulf of Poets, while supporting those who work every day to preserve its magic.
