Watching dolphins in the Gouf de Capbreton with XCAT’
Departing from port de Capbreton, XCAT’ organises trips specifically dedicated to watching dolphins and other cetaceans in the Gouf de Capbreton. This very deep underwater canyon attracts abundant pelagic wildlife and provides a particularly favourable area for common and bottlenose dolphins; pilot whales, Risso’s dolphins and sperm whales can also be seen more occasionally.
The activity takes place aboard several vessels depending on the option chosen, with a real focus on searching for the animals - it is not simply a coastal cruise where you hope to spot them by chance.
Which option should you choose?
In 2026, XCAT’ advertises an X-Dolphin trip lasting around 2 hours, open to children aged 5 and over, as well as a longer sailing catamaran trip lasting around 4 hours. A Sunset & Dauphins option is also scheduled from June to early September, combining wildlife watching and sunset.
Advertised 2026 prices for some trips start at around €75 per adult and €52.50 for under-12s. However, duration and price depend on the boat and the option booked.
A little extra
The Gouf de Capbreton begins very close to the coast: this geological feature means that deep waters frequented by cetaceans can be reached relatively quickly, without having to sail for hours before reaching a promising area.
The catamaran trip also offers a different atmosphere from the motorboat: gentler sailing, longer observation time and a chance to discover the marine environment beyond simply searching for a group of dolphins.
Know before you go
- boarding at port de Capbreton, avenue Georges Pompidou, pontoon B;
- booking recommended 24 to 48 hours in advance;
- trips depend on the weather and a minimum number of participants;
- sightings of wild animals can never be guaranteed;
- bring sunglasses, sun protection, windproof clothing and possibly binoculars;
- people with reduced mobility can contact the team beforehand to check boarding arrangements for their chosen trip;
- children: check the minimum age for your option, particularly 5 years for X-Dolphin.
When should you go?
Dolphins may be present for much of the season, while some rarer species are far less predictable. If your priority is wildlife watching rather than sunset, choose a dedicated daytime cetacean trip and accept that the search is part of the experience.
For a dolphin trip in the Landes in 2026, XCAT’ is therefore a particularly fitting choice: departures from the only port in the Landes and direct access to the exceptional environment of the Gouf de Capbreton.
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