How to enjoy life on board while protecting nature at the same time?
A sailing or motorboat trip is pure freedom. Good weather, beautiful coastlines, breathtaking nature, and the vast sea help us leave daily life behind and live in the moment. Who wouldn’t be thrilled to see dolphins surfing the bow waves or sea turtles soaking up the sun at the surface? Who doesn’t love breathing in the salty sea air and being enchanted by coastal landscapes? Moments like these fill us with energy and joy. But to keep them for future generations, we must care for and respect the environment.
KYMA sea conservation & research, the Swiss marine protection organization, has put together some helpful tips on how you can make your voyage as eco-friendly and animal-friendly as possible. In doing so, you contribute to preserving the very things that make you happy.
Photo: David Bittner
Arrival and Departure
KYMA is especially pleased with everyone who chooses a sailing trip instead of a cruise. You’ve already taken the first step toward a more sustainable holiday! But even when sailing (or cruising by motorboat), there are still many things you can do to protect the environment. It starts with how you travel to your destination: whenever possible, take the train instead of a plane. Some airlines offer the option to offset CO₂ emissions by paying a small surcharge. However, emissions should first be avoided, then reduced, and only if neither is possible, compensated for. Even though these offset payments often go toward environmental projects, it’s always best not to produce emissions in the first place.
Chemical-Free Cosmetics
On a sailing trip, the sun often shines. Protecting your skin is important for your health, but be mindful of what’s in your sunscreen. Many products contain harmful substances that are toxic not only to humans but also – and even more so – to marine life and corals. Choose creams that contain mineral UV filters instead of chemical ones such as octinoxate and oxybenzone. The same applies at home: wastewater from inland areas eventually flows into the sea as well. It’s also important to let the cream fully absorb before swimming. Check the ingredients of your shampoo and shower gel too – they should be free of microplastics and pH-neutral. The best choice is eco-friendly soap bars – good for your skin and for the sea!
Encounters with Marine Animals
While sailing, you may come across marine animals – experiences that leave lasting impressions. Enjoy the sight of graceful dolphins! If you’re lucky, you might even spot whales – yes, they do live in the Mediterranean! The most important rule when encountering wild animals: let them decide how the interaction unfolds. Don’t steer directly toward them, keep a safe distance, don’t feed or touch them. Remember: you are a guest in their home. If dolphins approach your moving boat, keep your speed and direction steady. However, if a sperm whale crosses your course, the best solution is to slow down, keep your distance, and simply watch quietly.
Side Note: What Lives in the Mediterranean?
Sperm whales, fin whales, several species of dolphins, and sea turtles can all be spotted in the Mediterranean. Unfortunately, sightings are never guaranteed – many of these species are endangered. Still, there are certain regions known as “hotspots,” depending on the season: the Strait of Gibraltar is a fascinating area for marine wildlife enthusiasts. The Ligurian Sea, between Toulon, Sardinia, and the Italian mainland, is another zone where many marine animals gather. This area includes the vast Pelagos Sanctuary, where dolphins and whales find plenty of food in summer. But wherever you sail in the Mediterranean, stay observant and watch the sea surface carefully – and above all, never disturb the animals.
Photo: Julia Hengste
Seagrass Meadows: Be Careful When Anchoring!
You’ve probably heard of the Mediterranean seagrass meadows known as Posidonia oceanica. These underwater meadows thrive especially well in sheltered bays where conditions such as temperature, salinity, and light are ideal. Seagrass meadows play a crucial role in the ecosystem: they protect coastlines from erosion, provide food, and offer a habitat with remarkable biodiversity. They are also essential nursery grounds for countless marine species. Unfortunately, Posidonia meadows are often damaged by anchors and anchor chains, even though they are protected by law. More than 30% of this habitat has already been lost. Since these plants grow only about one centimeter per year, they recover extremely slowly – if at all. Please avoid anchoring on seagrass meadows and don’t touch them while diving or snorkeling.
Waste Disposal and Single-Use Plastics
Please make sure nothing goes overboard – not even organic waste. Whenever possible, avoid single-use plastics. Have your gray and black water tanks emptied at proper facilities rather than discharging wastewater into the sea. If you notice floating debris while swimming or sailing, or if you’re anchored at a beach with litter, it would be wonderful if you could collect and properly dispose of it – even if it’s not yours. Every piece of plastic or cigarette butt removed from the water makes a difference. Marine life will thank you for it!
Photo: Ursula Meisser
Consumption of Marine Animals
Even though you’re at the Mediterranean, where every restaurant offers fish or seafood, try to skip it if you can. Most seafood doesn’t come from local small-scale fishers or the Mediterranean itself – which is already more than 78% overfished – but from industrial fisheries that destroy ocean floors with trawl nets and cause immense ecological damage. An alarming 93% of the world’s commercial fish stocks are overfished or depleted! This happens because of the world’s insatiable appetite for seafood. Millions of dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, and seabirds die each year as bycatch. Choosing not to eat marine animals is also good for your health – seafood often contains toxic substances like mercury, PFAS, lead, cadmium, arsenic, and microplastics, which can accumulate in the body and cause harm.
If you keep these things in mind, nothing stands in the way of a relaxing, enjoyable voyage with a clear conscience. KYMA, the Mediterranean, and all its living creatures will be truly grateful!
Photo: KYMA Silvia Frey
What We Do
We are dedicated to protecting marine life through research, education, and public awareness campaigns.
Photo: KYMA Tania Lienhard
- KYMA sea conservation & research successfully launched a petition that led to the Swiss ban on microplastics in cosmetics and detergents starting in 2026 – an important step in the right direction!
- KYMA knows the Mediterranean like home: Dr. Silvia Frey, marine biologist and founder of the organization, conducts a three-month citizen science research project every year off the coast of southern Italy and Sicily, studying marine animals in their natural habitat.
- KYMA has published a detailed guide on living without consuming marine animals, covering destructive fishing methods, environmentally harmful fish farming, and healthy plant-based alternatives for everyday nutrition (available only in German): www.kyma-sea.org/ratgeber/
- Marine protection is also climate protection. KYMA supports the reforestation of mangrove forests in Indonesia, which are vital carbon sinks and essential marine ecosystems. You can help by sponsoring a mangrove tree – learn more at https://kyma-sea.org/en/join/sponsorship/
To continue protecting your favorite sailing destinations and ensuring unforgettable moments at sea, we rely on your support and donations.
KYMA sea conservation & research
Tannenweg 7, CH-8408 Winterthur
Switzerland
E-mail: info@kyma-sea.org
