Cetacea Foundation Riccione

Address: Via Torino 7/A, 47838 Riccione (RN)
Maps: Open navigator
Phone: 0541 691557
Visit bookings: 371 4586027
Website: fondazionecetacea.org

Fondazione Cetacea is Riccione's sea turtle hospital. Since 1988 it has been rescuing, treating and rehabilitating Caretta caretta turtles found injured, sick or in distress along the Adriatic coast. The centre is located in the southern part of Riccione, directly on the beach, and is one of Italy's most important marine conservation organisations: every year it takes in and treats between 60 and 80 turtles, with the goal of returning them to the sea once recovered.

It's not an aquarium and it's not a museum: it's a real rescue centre, where people work every day to save endangered animals. Visiting means seeing turtles up close during rehabilitation, understanding the threats they face (plastic, fishing nets, pollution) and discovering what can be done to protect them. It's an experience for everyone, and particularly engaging for children.

What you see during the visit

The centre houses turtles in rehabilitation tanks where they are treated and monitored before release. During the guided tour, staff explain the biology of sea turtles, the causes of admission, ongoing treatments and each animal's journey towards recovery. Educational workshops for children on marine biodiversity are also organised.

Turtle releases

When a turtle has recovered, it is released back into the sea. These events are open to the public and take place periodically at various points along the coast. The moment of release is moving and well-attended: seeing a turtle return to the water after weeks or months of care is an experience that stays with you. Among the best-known initiatives is the release from the Due Sorelle beach, in collaboration with the Traghettatori del Conero. Release dates are announced on the Foundation's social media channels.

Visits and opening hours

The centre can be visited by appointment. In summer (June-August) it is open every day from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 15:00 to 18:30. The rest of the year, visits take place Monday to Friday, always by appointment. Admission is free, with the option to leave a donation to support the care and conservation activities.

Bookings: 371 4586027 (every day 10:00-13:00 and 14:30-18:00)

💡 Pro Tips for a Stress-Free Visit

1. Always book: Even in summer, when the centre is open every day, booking is recommended. Groups are limited in size to avoid disturbing the animals.

2. Follow social media: Turtle release dates are announced on the Foundation's Facebook and Instagram. If you want to attend a release, keep an eye on the social channels in the days before your visit.

3. Perfect for children: The educational workshops are designed for young ones and make the visit both educational and fun. It's one of the most recommended activities for families on holiday in Riccione.

4. How to get there: The centre is on Via Torino, in the southern part of Riccione, near the beach and the Beach Arena. Reachable on foot or by bike from the seafront. By car, free parking in the surrounding streets.

Practical Information

Address: Via Torino 7/A, Riccione

Phone: 0541 691557

Bookings: 371 4586027

Website: fondazionecetacea.org

Summer hours (June-August): every day 10:00-12:30 and 15:00-18:30

Rest of the year: Monday-Friday by appointment

Admission: free (donations welcome)