At SamBoat, the sea is at the heart of everything we do. It brings people together, inspires adventures, and creates lasting memories with family and friends.
But the sea is more than the backdrop to our favourite moments on the water. It’s also a fragile environment that deserves our care and attention.
So when we started thinking about how we could make a positive contribution ourselves, partnering with Fondation de la Mer felt like a natural step.
Why SamBoat supports ocean conservation
Since SamBoat launched, our mission has remained the same: to make boating more accessible and help more people enjoy memorable experiences on the water.
Because the sea plays such an important role in our everyday world, we wanted to do more by supporting projects that help protect marine ecosystems.
Rather than starting from scratch, we chose to support an organisation already doing important work in this field.
If you’re planning to rent a boat in the Mediterranean, you’ll see first-hand just how important these ecosystems are.
Why SamBoat chose Fondation de la Mer
Founded in 2015, Fondation de la Mer works to support the protection of marine environments in France and around the world. It supports charities, researchers, field initiatives and programmes addressing several key challenges, including marine biodiversity, pollution, scientific research and public awareness.
In 2024, the Foundation supported 48 marine biodiversity projects, organised 2,770 environmental clean-ups, and helped remove more than 500 tonnes of waste from the environment – roughly the equivalent of 50 waste collection trucks.
An independent scientific advisory board helps guide the projects it supports and ensures they are backed by sound research. Fondation de la Mer also contributes to international discussions on ocean protection through its observer status at the United Nations.
How the SamBoat x Fondation de la Mer partnership works
We wanted to create something simple, transparent and accessible.
When booking through SamBoat, you can choose to add a donation of any amount during checkout. 100% of donations go directly to Fondation de la Mer.
The goal is to make supporting these projects as easy as possible, whatever amount you choose to give. Together, small contributions can help fund meaningful work such as:
- Improving our understanding and protection of whales and dolphins through scientific research and acoustic monitoring.
- Preserving Mediterranean Posidonia seagrass meadows, which play a vital role in marine biodiversity.
- Tackling marine pollution through clean-up operations, waste collection initiatives and projects carried out in ports.
- Protecting sea turtles through nest monitoring and conservation programmes.
- Funding scientific research focused on rays and sharks to better understand and protect these vulnerable species.
For example, 20€ can help fund the monitoring of nesting beaches and the protection of sea turtle nests.
To find out more about the projects supported through our partnership with Fondation de la Mer, visit our dedicated page.
A commitment that goes beyond donations
For us, this partnership is about more than adding a donation during the booking process.
It’s about making that commitment part of everything we do: sharing content that helps people better understand marine environments, offering tips on eco-friendly boating, and supporting initiatives alongside our team and community.
Because enjoying the sea also means helping to protect it.
FAQ
How can I support ocean conservation when booking with SamBoat?
Every time you make a booking, you have the option to make a voluntary donation to Fondation de la Mer. 100% of your donation goes directly towards marine conservation projects.
How do donations work?
During checkout, you can choose the amount you’d like to donate. There is no minimum amount and donations are entirely optional.
What does my donation support?
Your donation helps fund Fondation de la Mer’s work to protect marine biodiversity, tackle plastic pollution, preserve coastal ecosystems and raise awareness of the challenges facing our oceans.
In which currency can I make a donation?
Donations to Fondation de la Mer are currently only available in euros. If your booking is processed in another currency, the donation option may not appear during checkout.
Can my donation be refunded?
No. In accordance with the applicable terms and conditions, donations cannot be refunded, regardless of the amount.
