The Cyclades: A Haven for Wildlife and Sailing

The Cyclades offer a one-of-a-kind experience for those looking to experience the magic of sailing. This serene haven appeals to nature lovers and sailing enthusiasts alike, boasting a vast network of islands and islets of varied sizes. Beyond its scenic beauty, the Aegean Sea and its islands provide a thriving habitat for a variety of wildlife, making it a picturesque and ecologically rich sailing destination...

Wildlife Encounters in the Aegean

The Cyclades are a living evolution laboratory. They are home to an impressive array of biotopes, including Natura 2000 protected areas. These biotopes range from sandy beaches and rocky shores, grasslands, marshes, lagoons, olive groves and vineyards, to seagrass meadows and coral reefs. They provide habitat to a large number of species of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic – i.e. species that survived the adverse conditions of the area, developing special adaptations and prevailing in their ecosystems.

In the relatively small area of land covered by the Cyclades, there are today more than 2,000 species of plants, of which at least 200 are endemic, rare bird species and thousands of marine organisms, including some of the rarest mammals of the Mediterranean.

What birds can I hope to see from the sailboat?

One of the most captivating aspects of sailing around the Cyclades is the opportunity to witness a spectacular avian display. The islets, islands, rocks of the Aegean constitute a safe place for birds to rest and, if possible, to feed during migration. From elegant shearwaters gliding gracefully across the water to the vivid flash of shags or Herring gulls darting by, the skies and waters are alive with the presence of various bird species.
While on land, walk along the trails and paths and keep an eye out for birds of pray such as the majestic Griffon vulture or falcons and buzzards soaring high above the steep cliffs.

One of the most important specie in the Aegean is Eleonora's falcon (Falco eleonorae). Having spent the winter hunting insects in Madagascar and at the coast of southern Africa, the falcon goes back to the Aegean in April. Unlike other species it doesn't nest yet, but still wanders and searches for large insects on the islands and the mainland until early August. Then they nest in colonies in safe deserted Aegean islands. Because of this delay, it ensures that the period of birth coincides with the autumn migration. So as millions of small birds cross the Aegean migrating south, falcons ensure an abundant food source for their small falcons. It is estimated that more than 3,000 pairs nest in the Aegean, accounting for 3/4 of the world's population. Eleonora's falcon is therefore the most important kind hosted in Greece, which bears great responsibility for its protection.

In more open and sparse scrubland, you will spot Sardinian Warblers, Crested Larks, White wagtail, Chukar partridge, Blue Rock Thrush, Goldfinch to name a few. During spring but also in autumn, 127 species pass from the island during their migration, among which are the Gray Heron, Egret, the Kingfisher, the Kestrel, the Marsh Harrier, the Plover and so on. These birds add to the region's biodiversity and are a highlight for bird watchers.

Whether you're an avid birdwatcher or enjoy observing nature, our sailing yacht Tahita is a great place to see these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.

Beneath the surface of the water lies a fascinating world of aquatic life

While you sail you will end up at remote, solitary beaches with crystal clear waters. There is nothing more refreshing than plunging into the sea water after a long sail! If you enjoy snorkeling you will appreciate the remarkable rich fauna that the Aegean Sea harbours. Imagine that the Greek sea is home to 447 of the 519 species that live exclusively in the Mediterranean as well as 9 resident marine mammals.

Greek seas support some of the most important remaining marine mammal and turtle populations in the Mediterranean, including the Mediterranean monk seal (Monahus monahus), the most endangered marine mammal in the world, and the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta).

It is very common to spot dolphins while sailing… check this video… the most common are the Bottlenose dolphin, the Striped Dolphin, the Common Dolphin… they are a highlight for those who love to watch wildlife in action.

Regarding fishes, there are more than 200 species of fish such as mullets, snappers, sea breams and groupers but also octopuses, squids, cuttlefishes, lobsters and seahorses. You will have the chance to taste some amazing fish dishes at the local fish taverns!

We have snorkelling but also diving equipment onboard and we look forward to introducing you to the fascinating world of aquatic life!

So if you're looking for a sailing holiday, that offers a chance to connect with nature, if you join our Wildlife & Sailing holiday you won’t be disappointed…

Cycladic Identity: the heart of the Cyclades

A maze of footpaths weaves through wild olive trees and terraced green fields into the ancient past of the Aegean sea, some are 3000 years old. You can trace the steps of the farmers, miners, and monks who forged one of the world’s oldest trail networks and explore the unique fauna and flora of the islands (while we moor at beautiful bays and small fishing ports).

Regarding land mammals, look out for hares, wild rabbits, hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) and beech marten. The European green toad and marsh frog, the two amphibians of the Cyclades, often survive in the same habitat with the river turtle (Mauremys caspica) the only land turtle living in almost all natural wetlands of the island.

And the most obvious animals are the lizards often seen basking on dry stone walls by walkers, such as the small Erhard's Wall lizard, the males of which sport anterior green backs during the spring mating season, and the large lizard, Rough-tailed agama and of course the four-lined snake and the viper.

Sailing holidays are a fantastic way to spot wildlife and discover remote locations and habitats only accessible under sail.

Check our Wildlife & Sailing itinerary to give you an idea of what you will experience…

Join our Sailing & Walking holiday itinerary as an alternative option... This holiday combines walking and exploring the nature, wildlife, history and culture of the islands...

The best time for the above holidays is May and June and then September till November...

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