If in Preveza, northwestern Greece, for a holiday or relaxed weekend, and you have seen all the coastal town’s attractions to be left feeling idle, do not worry. Slip into your bathers, put a towel and sunscreen into your bag and hop onto a boat departing from the harbour for a ride in the Ambracian Gulf, an experience offering dolphin watching, birdwatching and swimming.
To catch this boat, you will need to be at the harbour rather early, at 9am, at the section by the court house area, opposite a small park. Skipper Yiannis awaits passengers there to offer an amazing five-hour boat excursion. His deck offers passengers the choice of shade or sun, while colourful cushions are placed all over. Settle at the spot of your liking and have your camera ready. I suggest you secure a place up front, at the bow, for a better view, but do expect direct sunlight there. So also throw a hat into your bag.
The boat excursion comes with a tour guide offering information on the Ambracian Gulf’s ecosystem, history and local fishing methods. Birdwatching is also a part of the experience, species to be seen including Dalmatian pelicans, herons and flamingoes, while the dolphins (common bottlenose) are the excursion’s biggest attraction. The Ambracian Gulf hosts approximately 150 dolphins, some of which you can expect to see. If lucky, you may also get to spot Caretta caretta sea turtles.
Seeing dolphins requires some effort. Firstly, they need to be lured by music, which they like a lot. So expect to hear all sorts of tunes, from songs featuring tenor Mario Frangoulis to Greek pop, pumped out of the boat’s speakers. Secondly, dolphins appreciate applause, which gives passengers a role. Be sure to clap and cheer. The spectacle is incredible when the dolphins emerge from the water to perform their tricks or glide by the boat, seemingly close enough to touch.
The next part of the experience involves swimming. The beach at which the boat will moor depends on the direction to be taken by the dolphins. Panagia beach, towards Vonitsa, or the islet Koronisia, are two possibilities. The waters in the wider area are marvellous and not too cold. You may even get to see a dolphin whilst enjoying your swim. When back on board after your swim, you will be greeted by a lovely surprise, fried local prawns, steamed mussels, as well as fried anchovies or sardines, all fresh and prepared on the spot, as well as refreshing Greek salad, freshly cut by Vagia, the skipper’s partner.
www.amvrakikoscruises.gr
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