Acoustics on marine mammals
During the month of October 2023, I carried out a contract as a...
"We protect what we love, and we love what we know."
- Jean-Yves Cousteau
see my travel diary
Since my first swim in Corsica at the age of 6
and my encounter with my first whale in 1995,
I am below or above the sea!
An incredible outing this season. While sailing with my clients, I came across a whale, which, it seems, is out of shape and should be left alone. I didn't know it was her, of course. I slowed down. She came under my boat, stayed under it for less than a minute, then came out on my starboard side vertically, stuck her head out and looked at us for 10 seconds. She then went back under my boat to exit on my port side, then quietly dived. The park rangers' boat was there and asked me to send them photos and videos taken by my customers. We'll see that the whale came towards me and looked great. It was an unforgettable moment. As soon as I have the photos, I'll send them to you.
- The season as captain with - Essipit Cruises - for marine mammal watching is until October 05, 2024. We have humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, belugas, seals and harbor porpoises. Come and see me! I've already been on more than 200 outings.
- Acoustic contract on marine mammals in the port of Rivière-du-Loup (Canada, QC).
In October 2023, I was - Passive Acoustics System Operator (PAM) - at the disposal of a consulting engineering firm during dredging for a ferry (QC, Canada). Here's my article and photos. I'll be going back in October 2024.
September 1, 2024 is a special day. About 2 years ago, my proofreader, who is also a bookseller, offered to correct my book and redo the layout. She came to see me at the marina to give me the USB key with the corrected text. I'm deeply happy and respectful of her work. I can't believe it. I'll thank her for the rest of my life
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Season 2023 in Canada
I spent four months on the water during the 2023 season in...
Acoustic sound of a humpback whale
Hello everyone, The humpback whales are the real stars of the research...
Discovery Cruises
Come and meet the marine mammals
01.
A unique experience
Impressive and elusive, marine wildlife can be observed in exceptional conditions during the summer season in Canada
02.
Awareness
Beyond the show, these outings allow us to realize how small we are, all the wonderful magic of nature and the elements that are beyond us.
03.
Respectful
The whales approach the boats on their own and we make sure that they are in permanent confidence
04.
20+ years of sailing
I know perfectly the ocean and the climate in this area where I have lived and sailed for a lifetime
The 2023 season is over!
Experience feedback
"There are no words to describe how it feels to see these majestic whales so close to you. I had a wonderful day that I will never forget.
Regina
Customer Season 2016"We had a wonderful start to the 2014 season with the friendly and passionate, naturalist captain, Julien Marchal, from Croisières Essipit, in Les Bergeronnes, on the North Shore of Quebec. Everything was there!...an ideal temperature, worthy of the most beautiful summer days!".
Sylvie
Customer Season 2014"I saw one go by from the boat, and I'll remember it for the rest of my life!".
Laetitia
Customer season 2010"Meeting of two humpback whales! Great outing with Captain Julien!".
Paul
Customer Season 2011"Rare moment to see a blue whale show its tail".
Gill
Customer Season 2011"I have unforgettable memories of my encounter with the whales. It was a moment of communion that made me feel the fullness and strength of nature and put our place in this earthly whole into perspective. A lot of emotions and a great respect for this much larger and more peaceful life!".
Christophe
Customer season 2013"A beautiful sunny day to watch a humpback whale playing on its back! I loved my experience! Thanks Julien".
Jean-Pierre
Customer season 2011"The North Shore of the St-Lawrence River, it's the immensity. It is also nature, cold and very welcoming people. Our stay started with a whale watching trip in Essipit. Wow! What a start! We were surrounded by humpback whales that were feeding on the surface. We could almost touch them. Julien, our captain, guided us masterfully on these icy and somewhat agitated waters. An unforgettable day for my son, my father-in-law and me. Memories that we still discuss with emotion. ".
René
Customer season 2016"An exceptional and unforgettable memory where time stopped with this little playful Beluga that had decided to stay by our side so we couldn't turn on the engine! The size of the boat is really good to be able to have the feeling of being close to the water and without too many people".
Aline
Customer season 2011"Over there, it's a feast: minke whales, fin whales and blue whales! Close to the boat and "feeding", i.e. they open their mouths wide as they swim sideways, then dive, revealing their stripes, flanks and pectoral fins. And we were as amazed and excited as children... All magic. We came away with stars in our eyes and a taste of salt on our lips".
Doriane
Customer Season 2013An interest in marine mammals? julien.marchal1976@gmail.com
Do not hesitate to contact me for your study needs.
Cetacean Watching
Are you an NGO? Interested in my work?
In Canada
I live in Northern Canada all year round and it is a favorite area for whales and other northern resident mammals, I would be happy to respond to any observation and photographic missions requested.
In the Mediterranean Sea
I am particularly familiar with this maritime area which was my first observation ground and I can carry out short missions oriented towards marine mammals.
Anywhere
I have studied in French Polynesia, French Guiana and the West Indies. I would be delighted to discover new areas of observation and to bring comparative capabilities for short missions.
2024 targets
- Whale watching cruises in Canada for an 8th season
Continue to whale and seal watching cruises for - Essipit Cruises (QC, Canada) for the 2024 season and exceed 279 outings.
- Correcting and editing my autobiography
My proofreader is still proofreading my manuscript. He talks about where I come from, my youth, Corsica, my relationship with the sea, captivity, ocean pollution, marine mammals, my travels and the consecration of my work as captain in Canada. As soon as it's done, I'll make the changes and send it to the editors.
"When the last tree is cut down, The last river poisoned, The last fish caught, Then you'll discover That money can't be eaten..."
- Cree proverb (Canadian Indians)