The Oceanographic Institute of Monaco has opened its doors to five families for an immersive four-day discovery programme.
Running from August 25th to 28th, 17 participants, including parents and children, accompanied by two volunteer supervisors from Secours Catholique d’Aix-en-Provence-Arles, are embarking on a journey to experience the Mediterranean. Activities include whale watching expeditions, snorkelling adventures, visits to the museum’s aquarium, and hands-on museum workshops.
The ‘Oceano pour tous – famille’ programme, launched in 2024 with financial aide from the Association of Friends of Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum, under the aegis of the Monegasque Federation of Underwater Activities (FMAS), specifically welcomes families who, for multiple reasons – economic, social, or geographical distance – have little knowledge of the Ocean and too often lack access to it.
A 360-degree ocean experience
Tiziana Caporale, Head of education and animation services at the Oceanographic Institute, explained to Monaco Life that the initiative offers a truly complete discovery programme: “We start at the museum with a visit to our aquariums where they’ll see species behind glass, they’ll discover our exhibition dedicated to the Mediterranean as it would be if we managed to protect it by 2050.”
But more than that, the experience extends far beyond museum walls. “This afternoon, there are no more windows, no more rooms—they’ll be in the water, in the sea at the foot of the museum with a mask and snorkel, and will be able to observe Mediterranean marine life,” Caporale explained.
Wednesday’s programme includes whale watching in the Pelagos Sanctuary. “Tomorrow morning, if the weather permits, they’ll take to the open sea and will be able to discover what is the people of the open sea, marine mammals. We hope for encounters in the Pelagos Sanctuary, with dolphins, whales, why not turtles,” she said.
Interactive workshops also include discovering coastal marine animals through hands-on exploration of crabs, starfish and sea cucumbers, virtual reality dives, and educational sessions on plastic pollution.
However, according to Caporale, the initiative is more than just marine exploration.
First-time visitors overwhelmed by the unique opportunity
Eighteen-year-old twins from Aix-en-Provence are experiencing Monaco for the first time, and their excitement is truly heartwarming. Speaking to Monaco Life, they expressed how the opportunity came at the perfect moment: “I had the stress of the baccalaureate, so news of this opportunity took some of the stress away. I’m super happy to be here.”
Both sisters had specific expectations of their visit. “I saw there was a whale skeleton, that fascinated me a bit, and I know there are several aquariums, but immense aquariums, and that’s what appeals to me too,” she said.
Their first glimpse of the museum’s grand hall left them speechless. “It’s ‘wow’, it’s incredible, really gigantic. I didn’t think I’d discover such an immense place. Even the details, look at the chandeliers, I didn’t think everything could have a connection to the ocean,” she told Monaco Life.
Her sister agreed, adding that being surrounded by family made the experience all the more comforting. “It feels very familial — we’re united, there’s no awkwardness, and we can speak openly with one another. Honestly, there’s nothing to complain about.”
A partnership with lasting impact
Robert Calcagno, Director General of Monaco’s Oceanographic Institute, highlighted the programme’s importance: “Seeing the sea for the first time, observing large marine mammals in their natural environment, or swimming among coastal fish…These moments of wonder shared as a family will remain, I hope, engraved in memory. They are powerful triggers for a sensitive and lasting connection with the Ocean.”
The initiative represents a three-way collaboration with the Oceanographic Institute, the Association of Friends of Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum, and Secours Catholique-Caritas France.
With the initiative already proving successful, a second family programme is already scheduled for 20th to 23rd October.
See more in Kyriaki Topalidou’s video below…
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Main photo by Monaco Life.
