Juliette Colançon
Whale Watching Guide & Marine Biologist
Juliette studied Life Sciences for her bachelor and got a Master in Oceanography across France, Québec and Belgium. She had the opportunity to apply her knowledge in both research and education roles, gaining hands-on experience in marine mammal studies, sustainable wildlife tourism, and public engagement.
She has previously worked in Croatia where she completed her thesis on Bottlenose dolphin populations. She got experience in research and in education, delivering engaging presentations about marine biodiversity, conservation, and research methods.
Her field of experience is the megafauna, including marine mammals but she also got some experience in coral reefs restoration which was really enlightening.
She chose to work with Lobosonda because she wanted to continue growing as a biologist and learn more about cetaceans. Madeira is a unique place to observe them and there are some species she have never seen before which is really exciting. She likes that we share these moments and our knowledge with guests and see their excitement, in a responsible way. Plus, we participate in data collection and cooperate with local research institutions which echoes with her background.
The ocean is such a vast place and she loves that everyday is different at sea. We never know what we are going to see and it is a great way to learn more about its inhabitants : unique behaviours, rare species, interactions with us. And not only about cetaceans, but about all organisms from the necessary planktons to the large whales passing around Madeira.
Juliette loves all cetaceans but if she had to choose one, it would be the sperm whale. These magnificent but misunderstood creatures are amazing to observe and play a significant role in the ocean. She is always impressed by their size.