Planning a visit to Formicula Island by boat? Before you go, make sure you’re familiar with the regulations in place to protect this fragile marine ecosystem and the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. These guidelines are essential to preserving the island’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
The area is divided into three distinct zones:
Zone 1
🟢 Regulated Access Zone
Entry allowed under specific rules
✅ Permitted activities:
- Land access (allowed only through Zone 1)
- Swimming
- Free diving
- Vessel access at speeds under 4 knots
🚫 Prohibited:
- Anchoring
- Recreational diving
➡️ General restrictions apply.
Zone 2
Restricted Access Zone : No entry, no exceptions
This strict no-entry zone covers 200 meters around Formicula Island, including key breeding and resting areas for monk seals.
🚫 Forbidden:
- All recreational activities
- Any form of boat entry or passage
➡️ General restrictions apply.
Zone 3
🔴 Regulated Passage Zone
Passage allowed under strict conditions. This zone extends 200 meters from mapped Posidonia meadows.
✅ Allowed:
- Vessel passage only under 4 knots
🚫 Not allowed:
- Anchoring
➡️ General restrictions apply.
🌿 General Restrictions (All Zones)
- Access to the island is permitted only through Zone 1
- Land visits are allowed from sunrise to sunset only, for environmental education, ecotourism, and recreation
- Max speed: 4 knots
- No loud music or musical instruments
- Stay at least 30 meters away from monk seals
- Do not feed or disturb monk seals
- Report any injury or illness of a seal to the authorities immediately
📍 Resources and Official Maps
For full regulations and maps, refer to the official documentation and supporting environmental partners:
🗺️ View the official protection map & document (PDF)
🌊 ISEA – Marine Conservation Institute
🐬 Tethys Research Institute
🌐 Blue Marine Foundation
📍 Navily has been updated
All anchorages on Navily around the island have been marked as forbidden. Links to this resource article have been added to the anchorages description to make sure our community is informed about the restrictions in place.
🚤 Respect Nature, Navigate Responsibly
Let’s work together to protect Formicula Island and its rare marine life. Your actions matter — enjoy responsibly and help keep this island a haven for future generations. For more information about Monk Seals check our latest article here!
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