We want to guide you on this journey of discovery in a way that aligns with our message of environmental sustainability.
Here’s how we ensure responsible management of this delicate space:

• The specimens in the aquarium come exclusively from accidental bycatch in fishing activities.
• We carefully monitor every animal introduced to the aquarium; after a short period, they are returned to the sea and replaced by new specimens. This ensures a balance between continuous education and respect for the well-being of each animal.
• Only juvenile specimens of each species are housed here, never adults, to avoid interfering with their reproductive cycles.

At the end of the visitor season, the aquarium is dismantled, and all animals are released back into their natural habitat.
By following these principles, the EcoAquarium is not just a place of discovery but also a living example of responsible management and love for the sea.

In this room, you will find remains of extraordinary specimens: skeletons of a sperm whale, common dolphin, pilot whale, and Risso’s dolphin, alongside skulls and bones of other species such as the bottlenose dolphin and the false killer whale.
Each specimen is accompanied by narratives and materials that will guide you through the natural history of these species, their conservation status, and the importance of our commitment to their protection. You can view the specimen records here.

The synergy between the CRTM, which is responsible for the census and rescue of sea turtles and cetaceans, and CEAS, which carries out educational activities, allows us to follow each specimen throughout its journey, from discovery to enhancement for educational purposes.
Our Cetacean Gallery is not simply a collection of artifacts, but the result of an ongoing work of recovery, conservation and awareness. The museum recovery process allows us to directly engage the public in a unique educational experience. Together, we learn and reflect on the value of biodiversity and the everyday actions we can take to protect the marine environment.

Our goal is to transform the Cetacean Gallery into a dynamic, ever-evolving space, a true “work in progress” where every visit becomes an opportunity to actively contribute to the enrichment of the collection. Through participatory design workshops, we engage students and visitors in a journey that begins with the creation of the exhibition concept and extends to the selection of its visual aesthetics, making each visit an immersive and engaging experience..
The Cetacean Gallery is much more than just a museum: it is an invitation to reflect on our impact on the environment and how we can change our habits. Every specimen and every story told offers an opportunity to raise awareness and inspire responsibility, encouraging action to protect cetaceans and the entire marine ecosystem. It is an educational journey that guides us toward understanding and safeguarding these incredible marine mammals.

Along the shores of the Nature Trail, samphire thrives, one of the most distinctive halophytic species of lagoon environments. Its succulent appearance and seasonal color shifts, from green in spring to deep red in summer, transform the landscape into a stunning, ever-changing mosaic.
The samphire fields teem with life: tiny insects serve as prey for dragonflies, while mollusks, worms, crustaceans, and larvae provide abundant food for the Pied Avocet, with its signature upturned beak, and the Black-winged Stilt, which often chooses this habitat for nesting.

Birds are a prominent feature of the lagoon’s ecosystem and can be spotted throughout the year. This area is home to waders, ducks, and gulls, while many migratory and wintering species find shelter in the Nora Lagoon, recognized as a “Wildlife Protection Oasis.”
Among them, pink flamingos visit the lagoon between winter and spring in search of crustaceans to feed on.
These are some of the bird species that can be found in the lagoon park:

The Mallard: It nests in reed beds or among bushes, feeding on aquatic plants, molluscs, crustaceans, insects, plankton, grains, berries, small fish, and amphibians. The Grey Heron: It feeds on fish, which it pierces with its long beak and swallows headfirst to prevent the scales from opening. It nests in trees near wetlands. Little Egret: A small white heron with a thin black beak, which develops a long, flowing crest in summer. It feeds on insects, molluscs, crustaceans, and beetles. It nests in colonies, among bushes or in trees. Great Cormorant : An excellent swimmer and diver, it feeds on fish, which it catches underwater using its hooked beak. It arrives in the lagoon to overwinter from nesting sites in Northern Europe between October and February. It is often seen perching against the wind with its wings spread open to dry after a dive.

Walking along the Nature Trail, it is not uncommon to witness the sudden leaps of fish breaking the surface of the water, a sign of the rich aquatic life thriving in the lagoon. Fish are drawn to the lagoon by the abundance of food it provides, but only species capable of adapting to the highly variable salinity and temperature conditions can truly make it their home.
Various species of mullets, such as the Flathead Grey Mullet, the Thicklip Grey Mullet, the Golden Grey Mullet and the Thinlip Mullet, are typical of lagoon environments, along with the European Seabass, the Gilthead Bream, and the European Eel, which is now critically endangered. Other key species include Crab, Clam, and the Grooved Carpet Shell Clam.
Without lagoons, many aquatic species could disappear. Mullets, seabass, crabs, and shrimps all depend on the health of these fragile ecosystems.

Our team is also highly skilled in monitoring cetacean strandings and protecting sea turtle nesting sites, as part of the Regional Network for Marine Wildlife Conservation along the coasts of Sardinia.
The Laguna di Nora Sea Turtle Rescue Center offers educational and awareness programs for schools and visitors.

They are excellent swimmers, capable of traveling long distances to reach feeding grounds and suitable breeding areas. However, during their journeys, they face many dangers that we humans often underestimate.
The sea is full of fishing boats, and turtles can get trapped in fishing nets, swallowing too much water and eventually drowning. The bait used by fishermen is a tempting treat for them, leading to the accidental ingestion of hooks and fishing lines, often with severe consequences. Additionally, while feeding, they may accidentally swallow plastic fragments, which are now alarmingly common in the marine environment.

You can make a difference with small actions:

• Avoid leaving your waste in the environment.
• If you can, take away any plastic you find in the sea while swimming or during a boat trip.
• If you are lucky enough to witness our journey up the beach to lay our eggs, please do not disturb us with flash photography and keep yourself at least 4 meters away. Call 1515 or 1530 immediately to report the event so that our nest can be protected and monitored.
• Call 1515 or 1530 if you find a sea turtle in distress, they will know how to help and will immediately alert the CRTM. It’s best to leave it to the experts!

When arriving by car, please park in one of the designated parking areas, there are three in total (the last one is reserved for buses). From there, continue on foot, as the Laguna di Nora Visitor Center is located in a restricted traffic zone (ZTL).

The Visitor Center opens to the public during Easter, on weekends and public holidays. From June to September, it operates daily, offering all guided tours and excursion services. Starting in October, weekend and holiday openings resume

Groups of 15 or more can access our services on alternative dates. Reach out to us through the website form or by calling +39 351 597 1424.