Discovering biodiversity on the islands of Marseille: an enriching experience!

Fancy an adventure off the beaten track? Come on board with me and head for the islands of Marseille with our captain Yannick for… a two-hour ecological tour to discover their incredible biodiversity.

Despite the chilly February weather and a few threatening clouds that morning, we weighed anchor in the early afternoon to take advantage of a few rays of sunshine and an invigorating mistral wind, perfect for discovering the island of Frioul in a whole new light.

Published on 25 February 2024

Henriette Koblinsky

Marseille in 3 words

Bright, incomparable, exuberant.
My favourite neighbourhood

The Vieux-Port and especially the South bank. It is the heart of the “planet Marseille” which gathers all the ingredients to enjoy a stay in the city.

Ecological tour 2h Localanque Scotlcm 9 Rotated

All aboard!

The adventure begins in the Vieux-Port, the beating heart of the city of Marseille. Yannick, our captain, welcomes us in his office and gives us all the preliminary explanations and instructions. We immediately boarded his boat, a Zodiac that can accommodate up to 12 people. The excitement on board was palpable as we set off in the direction of the archipelago. We headed for the Frioul Islands, a haven of peace where nature reigns supreme.

Right from the start, I was fascinated by the beauty of the landscapes unfolding before my eyes. The lively blue waters contrast with the white limestone rocks, while endemic trees such as Aleppo pines and holm oaks create an idyllic setting.

Awakening the senses

Along the way, Yannick, a passionate and inexhaustible guide, takes us on a journey of discovery of the ecological wealth of these islands and alerts us to the importance of preserving the seagrass beds (real nurseries for marine fauna) and the eco-responsible gestures to adopt in these places.

Discovering the Port Frioul, a former sanctuary for lepers, and the Port de Pomègues, once the major port of Marseille, takes me back in time to the history of the city. Each stop is a new invitation to discover and marvel.

Ecological tour 2h Localanque Scotlcm 11 Rotated

A fascinating educational journey

Our exploration is punctuated by the observation and discovery of astonishing anamorphoses, trees sculpted by the Mistral wind. A real life lesson and a hymn to the beauty of nature.

The visit to the marine aquaculture farm, where local species (sea bass and sea bream) are farmed in an environmentally-friendly way, was a surprise stop for me, and I was delighted to hear the stories Yannick told us about the landscape before us.

A timeless escapade

Back on dry land, my heart full of images and emotions, I can only recommend this unique experience to all lovers of nature and discovery. Yannick is a very caring captain and doesn’t hesitate to adapt the tour to his customers’ wishes. You can tell from his words that he is passionate about the sea and everything about it.

So don’t wait any longer! Embark on an extraordinary adventure and discover the fragile and fascinating beauty of the islands of Marseille.