Sea Days 2025 in Menton: Two Days of Discovery and Fun to Protect the Mediterranean

The Communauté de la Riviera française invites residents and visitors to the 6th edition of Sea Days, taking place on September 19-20 at the Esplanade des Sablettes in Menton. Two days of workshops, games, and excursions with a common goal: having fun while learning to protect marine biodiversity.

The 16 km of coastline between Menton and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin hosts the “Cap Martin” Marine Protected Area, part of the European Natura 2000 network and managed since 2011 by the Communauté de la Riviera française. The area is home to typical Mediterranean species such as dolphins, turtles, and long-spined sea urchins, as well as rare and threatened species like Posidonia and noble pen shell, representing a significant conservation challenge.

The Sea Days program offers activities for all ages. Friday, September 19, is reserved for school students, while on Saturday, September 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., the public can enjoy workshops, games, and activities in the event village, organized by associations, experts, and local partners.

Highlights include:

• Biodiversity treasure hunt for children aged 6-12, with games, puzzles, and scientific workshops.

• Sea excursions on traditional boats, the Étoile de Menton, the Brigantin, and the Santo Sospir, SOS Grand Bleu’s school-boat, to observe cetaceans in the Pelagos Sanctuary.

• Miniature and remote-controlled sailboat activities for young sailors.

• Outdoor screening of “Cap Corse, le Mystère des anneaux” by Yann Rineau at 8:30 p.m., in front of the Old Port’s Harbour Office, with a stunning backdrop.

This year, the event is part of the European project CAP’M, promoting cooperation between French and Italian Marine Protected Areas: “Cap Martin” and “Capo Mortola”, managed by the Communauté de la Riviera française and the University of Genoa in collaboration with the Liguria Region. At the same time, the Municipality of Ventimiglia hosts the first Cross-Border Sea Days at Cala del Forte, featuring nautical activities and meetings with Italian marine conservation associations. Free shuttle boats will connect Menton to the Italian port throughout the event.

Main Program:
Friday, September 19: school day
Saturday, September 20 (10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.):

• Workshops and educational stands

• Biodiversity treasure hunt for children 6-12

• Sailing excursions and dolphin watching with SOS Grand Bleu (reservation required)

• Traditional boat rides and tours on the Étoile de Menton

• Remote-controlled sailboat activities

• Outdoor screening of “Cap Corse, le Mystère des anneaux” at 8:30 p.m.

Sea Days are organized by the Communauté de la Riviera française with financial support from the European Union under the Interreg Maritime program, in collaboration with the Liguria Region, Smiage, University of Genoa, and the Alpes-Maritimes Department.