Seal in Venice: sighting
Hey travelers, welcome to our insider guide by Venice Insider Guide to the seal in Venice - a pretty cool phenomenon that's got tourists and nature enthusiasts abuzz.
You're in for a treat, because here you'll find all the lowdown on these marine mammals in the Venetian lagoon.
Get ready to explore the weird and wonderful.
What do we mean by Seal in Venice anyway?
When we say seal, we are talking about the marine mammal known as a seal. Some species have been showing up in the Mediterranean for ages, but sadly their numbers have taken a hit over the years thanks to fishing and habitat loss. That is, until very recently.
The first documented sighting of a Mediterranean monk seal (that's the scientific name, Monachus monachus, for those who care) in the Venetian lagoon has been making waves - or should I say, ripples on the water. This rare sight has been picked up on videos and local reports, and it's sparked loads of interest among locals and visitors alike.
Where did this seal get spotted?
The Bocca di Porto del Lido is where all the action's been happening. This is the spot where the Venetian lagoon opens up to the Adriatic Sea. Here, the seal was seen swimming about on the surface, turning heads on social media and among marine biologists.
So why on earth would a seal come to the lagoon?
You might think it's weird, but experts reckon the seal is just out and about looking for food and exploring its surroundings. The waters in the lagoon are full of fish, which makes it a pretty attractive spot for a seal looking to chow down. And let's be honest, the waters might be a bit chilly, but at certain times of the year they're not too bad.
A bit about the Mediterranean Monk Seal
These are super endangered and there's only a handful of them left. For years, they were pretty much wiped out by hunting and other human activity in the Mediterranean. Nowadays, you can still see them in Greece, Turkey and a bit of Croatia along the Adriatic coast.
A rare sight - but not all that new
I know it's got everyone's attention in 2025, but there've actually been spotting of seals in the lagoon before - just not as many people knew about it at the time. Between 2016 and 2018, a few individuals showed up in the waters between Lido and Chioggia. So it looks like the lagoon might be a regular stop for these guys.
Seal in Venice: What to do if you see one
If you're out boating around Venice and you think you see a seal, keep your distance, and don't even think about getting close for a selfie. These animals are protected by law, and disturbing them can cause them a lot of stress.
Seal in Venice: Tips for nature lovers
To see these marine mammals - not just seals, but dolphins and other cool creatures too - consider:
- taking a guided boat tour with a naturalist who knows where to find the best viewing spots in the lagoon;
- visiting early morning or late afternoon when the animals are most active;
- always following local wildlife rules and listening to the guides.
Why this sighting is so cool for tourism
Let's be honest, the seal in Venice is not just a novelty - it's a symbol of how we can restore marine ecosystems if we look after them. This is a new reason to visit Venice, which already has art, history and loads of culture on offer. It's a pretty cool thing to see while you're exploring the lagoon.
Hey travelers, now you know the lowdown on the Mediterranean monk seal in Venice. Keep your eyes peeled during your next lagoon visit - nature can be full of surprises!