08/10/2026
Did you know that the waters around Lošinj were declared the first marine protected area for dolphins in the entire Mediterranean? 🐬
Thanks to pioneering scientific work and the longest continuous study of bottlenose dolphins in the Mediterranean basin, led by the Blue World Institute in Veli Lošinj, our archipelago is recognized as a vital, permanent sanctuary for a resident community of around 200 bottlenose dolphins.
These waters are not just a migration passage - they are a nursery, a feeding ground, and a permanent home.
Seeing them leap through the waves or hearing the deep exhale of a dolphin breaking the surface of calm water is an unforgettable experience. But keeping them safe requires care from every boater and visitor on the sea:
🧭 Guidelines for responsible dolphin watching:
Maintain distance: Always stay at least 50 meters away and keep boat speed under 5 knots.
Never chase or surround: Do not steer directly into a pod or pursue them. Let them move freely.
Silence the engine: Sudden throttle changes disrupt their echolocation. Cut the engine and let them decide whether to stay nearby.
Observe from afar: Admire them with patience, quiet, and genuine respect, keeping encounters under 30 minutes.
📍 When on the island, visit the Blue World Institute Marine Education Centre in Veli Lošinj to see interactive exhibits and support real-world marine conservation.
🔗 Learn more and adopt a dolphin: www.blue-world.org
👇 Have photos or clips of dolphins in our archipelago? Drop them in the comments below!