Sailing the Sporades Islands for Nature Conservation

8 days

Duration

Marine Park of Northern Sporades

Location

Jun-Aug

Dates

Opportunity to explore emerald blue Greek waters and learn about biodiversity & conservation, while sailing on a luxurious yacht with other teens! Aged 13-17, no parents included, this holiday is for teenagers only.

We will take you on a round tour in one of the most fascinating areas of the Aegean: the Sporades islands. You will be part of our exceptional sailing expeditions and wildlife exploration, on and between the various islands we encounter. The Sporades offer unique habitats, combining lush pine forests with exotic beaches where the movie “Mamma mia” was filmed! Check out this video to get a taste of the experience.

Departure dates:

☀ 16.05.–13.06.2020 – re-scheduled

☀ 11.07 – 18.07. 2020

☀ 2021 holidays open for booking now

Location is the National Marine Park of Alonissos, the largest marine protected area in Europe. Its status is given due to the presence of the rarest seal species in the world: the Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus). But that’s not all! As we learn everything about this rare and elusive species and experience its behavior in its natural habitat, we also go on dolphin expeditions! You will become Marine Researchers and live your dream! In the field station on Alonissos Island, you get an introduction to research methods such as dorsal fin photography and GPS-recording. Follow a lecture by a field biologist on dolphin life, behavior, and identification. Hear about threats faced by marine mammals and get familiar with marine research methods.

Having fun with your peers in a stunning habitat!

In addition, we experience the birdlife, butterflies, and wildflowers on these lush islands and walk in the shade of their pine forests. We show you how to travel responsibly and sustainably around the Greek Islands, respect their traditions, and understand their history. Together, we make tourism a toοl for Nature Conservation, connect with people and actively contribute to the protection of the natural habitat. However, it is not all work that awaits you here. There is time to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the island, mingle with the locals, savor the yummy local delicacies, swim, snorkel, sea-kayak, cycle and walk on the old footpaths of the islands of the National Marine Park.

Highlights:

You are actively involved in nature conservation and wildlife monitoring
You live, explore and learn aboard a comfortable cruise catamaran between 40 and 46 feet-share it with a multi-cultural team
Together we learn more about our planet and how we can protect it
Our neighbors are wild animals in their natural habitat
With lots of fun and laughs, we experience life-altering highlights.
Sea-kayaking expedition
Night-cycling adventure
Snorkeling & optional diving classes
Plastic clean up action
Exploring remote Greek Islands

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION	Northern Sporades National Marine Park
TOUR DURATION	7-days
PRICE	€1.700 p.p. / week
INCLUDES	All activities mentioned in the program all meals & drinks local support accommodation – all nights aboard the yacht partial insurance multilingual travel assistance 24h
EXCLUDES	optional activities flights to and from Skiathos island personal travel insurance

Other Information:

Travel Info

Contact us to get your detailed trip brochure. On this journey, you will be accompanied by experienced nature guides who will reveal the behavior of the Mediterranean Monk Seal and the ecology of the dolphin pods we encounter. An ecologist will accompany the group as a mentor. Furthermore, during the holiday we work together with the nature organization MOm.

The animal observation takes place in a responsible way and by participating you actively support Nature Conservation by volunteering and donating for the protection of marine mammals! Your mentor will share his/her knowledge of Greek culture and food along with her/his expertise of the animals.

Extension

Do you want to spend more than a week with us? No problem!

You are welcome to sail with us for 2 or 3 weeks and experience the main attractions again and again. We will introduce some pleasant surprises so that you have something new and exciting awaiting you!

Day 1

Arrival at Skiathos airport. The mentor meets you at the airport; Transfer to the yacht in the Marina of Skiathos; There you meet the crew and have an introduction to Life on the boat, as well as Instructions for on-board living. Move-in on the yacht and get a glimpse of the next week’s outlook; Explore the city and have dinner in a tavern.

Day 2

Today, we sail from Skiathos to Skopelos; Start your day with a lovely hike to a remote monastery called “Moni Taksiarchon” and back through incredible landscapes; Come sunset, set out on a new adventure: a Sea kayaking excursion with a picnic, swimming and lots of fun.

Day 3

Early departure by yacht to the marine reserve (5-6h) of Northern Sporades – the largest marine park in Europe; en route, you will be counting and monitoring dolphin pods that we may encounter and get an idea of the life of a marine researcher. During this sailing session, there will be lots of swimming, free time, diving and ship wreck inspection.

Day 4

We sail to the south of Kyra Panagia, an uninhabited island, apart from the monastery that hosts some solitary monks. We will walk on the island and visit the monks, learn about their history and share experiences with them; Swimming, fun and relaxation in the big bay till sunset.

Day 5

Sailing in the marine reserve from the island of Kyra Panagia to Patitiri 0n beautiful Alonissos Island! Visit the nature organization MOm headquarters and get an exciting lecture on Dolphins and Dolphin Conservation by a biologist. Continue our catamaran tour to Chora on Skopelos; Night excursion by bicycle around Chora under the beautiful Aegean moon.

Day 6

Visit the famous Mamma Mia spot, the little church on the cliff where Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan got married! After taking the perfect selfies (careful!), we sail away in search of monk seals; Swimming, chill, leisure; There will be active nature conservation today, with a bonus act of goodwill: beach clean-up on Skopelos! Give back to the community that is hosting you!

Day 7

Visit the iconic landmarks of Skiathos island, the Rock Arch and Lalaria Beach; go on a snorkel expedition near Kastri with your mentor, and marvel at Mediterranean underwater fauna and flora with your expert; Finish your day with a hike to the port of Skiathos.

Day 8

Pack, get transferred to the airport of Skiathos; Say farewell to your skipper & mentor – your new friends! For those who wish to stay with us longer: more super cool activities under the Greek skies are waiting for you!