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Long weekend of whale watching with WWF guide on an 18-meter schooner

Italy:

Tuscany

Duration:

3 days - 3 nights

Max number of passengers:

10 people

Available:

Boarding from:

Punta Ala

What's included

Cancellation policy

Organised by:

WWF Travel

Member since 2020 -

Organisation

Italian

English

This experience, in a nutshell

This sailing cruise in the heart of the Pelagos Sanctuary is an invitation to explore and protect the Mediterranean from a unique perspective, accompanied by whale watching guides from WWF Italy. Boarding an 18-meter wooden schooner, you will immerse yourself in an experience that goes beyond simple navigation: you will become an active part of a scientific mission dedicated to the protection of marine megafauna.

The waters of the Tuscan Archipelago, near the islands of Giglio, Giannutri and Montecristo, are home to rare and fascinating cetaceans such as the Cuvier's beaked whale and the common dolphin. Here, guided by experts, you will learn techniques for observing and identifying cetaceans, using strictly non-invasive methods. From nature photography and photo-identification technique, to behavior monitoring and sampling methodologies, you will develop skills of great scientific value. On board, the equipment is that of real researchers: GPS, binoculars with reticles, video cameras and the BORIS software for behavior analysis, as well as a hydrophone, which will allow you to listen to the sounds of the sea and experience the thrill of both day and night acoustic monitoring.

Each day will be a variable experience, adapted to the weather and sea conditions and the movements of marine fauna. In a serene and informal atmosphere, you will share with the crew not only the search activities but also the small daily tasks on board, such as cooking or tidying up, maintaining the spirit of sharing that makes these cruises unique.

This is not a luxury holiday, but an authentic adventure where direct contact with nature and its rhythm will teach you the value of patience and flexibility: sometimes the observations will require longer navigations, but each sighting will be an unforgettable moment. Join us to discover, listen and contribute to the protection of an extraordinary ecosystem, on a journey that combines exploration, sustainability and science in one of the most spectacular and biodiverse areas of the Mediterranean.

HIGHLIGHTS

Unique scientific experience: Direct participation in monitoring and research activities together with WWF guides , using non-invasive methods to observe and protect cetaceans in the Mediterranean, according to the rigorous standards of the High Quality Whale Watching certification, promoted by ACCOBAMBS and CIMA Foundation. These labels certify that all activities follow international guidelines, promoting species conservation and educating participants on the importance of protecting biodiversity.

Contact with wild nature: A journey in harmony with the marine environment, away from crowded places, to experience the Mediterranean in its authenticity and contribute to its conservation.

Sustainable sailing: The choice of sailboat aims to minimize the use of the engine (unless the marine weather conditions do not allow it), thus limiting emissions and noise pollution, for a more sustainable environmental impact. This choice represents a concrete commitment to responsible tourism that respects the marine environment.

Authentic and shared atmosphere: Spartan and collaborative life on board, with all participants involved in daily activities, for a travel experience that combines adventure, conviviality and a spirit of adaptation.

Education and active involvement

The experience is not just passive observation: participants are actively involved in on-board activities and scientific research, developing skills in nature photography, monitoring and sampling. This involvement allows us to create a deep connection with the marine environment, promoting greater awareness regarding biodiversity conservation.

Navigation and life on board

A sailing cruise means having the sea just a dive away, even first thing as soon as you wake up, it means having an aperitif always watching sunset, dining under the stars and enjoying moments of pure fun and relaxation.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY OF THE EXPERIENCE

Easy, suitable for everyone.

OUR SKIPPER

The skipper of this experience will be Francesco N. (click on his name to read reviews left by other travellers). On board with Francesco you may find 1 or 2 crew members who will help him during the navigation.

Sailing with Francesco means taking a step back in time, to experience those emotions that only history with its traditions can give you. Lie down on the deck, eyes closed, the sun warming your face and feel the gentle roll of the boat as it safely plows the water. In fact, the schooner is built entirely of wood and was designed for an environmental project to raise awareness on the issue of plastic in the sea. For those who wish, during the experience it will be possible to learn sailing notions with a small course held by the skipper.

No Departures available

What's included

Cancellation policy

No Departures available

Italy: 3 days - 3 nights

Tuscany

What's included

Cancellation policy

No Departures available

17+

Show all

Boat & Classes of Service

Westegard Boats Schooner 60 - 2016

Type

Gulet

Length

18.14 m.

Toilets

Cabins

11+

Show all

Our itinerary

Our trip starts here:

Punta Ala.

Check-in: 6:00 PM

Our trip ends here:

Punta Ala.

Check-out: 4:00 PM

Our itinerary

The cruise will depart from the port of Punta Ala, taking participants on a unique journey in the southern waters of the Pelagos Sanctuary, a crucial area for cetacean conservation. The navigation will be concentrated in the area south of the islands of Giglio, Giannutri and Montecristo, an extraordinary natural habitat where it is also possible to spot fascinating and rare marine species, such as the Cuvier's beaked whale and the common dolphin.

The crystal clear waters of the Tuscan archipelago will offer an unforgettable experience: white beaches, transparent waters, picturesque villages and unspoiled nature to explore between sighting sessions.

The itinerary may vary according to weather and sea conditions and is decided by the skipper in collaboration with the WWF guide. Each route promises unforgettable moments of discovery and wonder: decisions regarding the route are made for the satisfaction of the entire crew and to ensure their safety

The itinerary may be subject to changes due to weather conditions and/or technical or logistical reasons, in order to ensure safety and a pleasant sailing experience for all participants.

Our itinerary

The itinerary may be subject to changes due to weather conditions and/or technical or logistical reasons, in order to ensure safety and a pleasant sailing experience for all participants.

What's included in the price

Boat equipment and facilities

Final cleaning

Tender and outboard

Onboard staff

Skipper

Sailor

Insurances

Accident insurance

Medical and luggage insurance

Other services

Trainer

What you'll have to pay during the experience

Below are the additional expenses you will incur during the experience.

Common Fund

€150 - €250 Per person

The common fund varies based on what you decide to buy as a galley, port stops, and how much fuel is actually used. Skipper, WWF guide and sailor, if any, are exempt from the common fund.

Food for the crew

Mooring fees

Embarkation and disembarkation mooring fees

Fuel (boat/tender)

Starter Pack

€15 Per person

The starter pack covers the cost of the skipper's ASD membership card

Association/Membership card

What's NOT included in the price

Below are the services that are not included in the price of the experience, including any available optional services that you may pay directly to the organiser (we advise you to inform the organiser prior to departure in case you wish to purchase such services and arrange the payment terms directly with him).

Excluded

Bedding kit

Towels kit

Meals/drinks consumed ashore

Alcoholic drinks

Frequent questions

The organiser reviews

Organised by:

WWF Travel

Member since 2020 -

Organisation

Italian

English

4.7/5

out of

222

reviews

Skipper

Boat

Destination

Long weekend of whale watching with WWF guide on an 18-meter schooner

10/2/2025

Marco C.

Italy

Unforgettable experience aboard the Schooner Mahayana. An essential and shared life on board. Thanks to Captain Francesco, his crew and WWF guide Ilaria, a serene and pleasant atmosphere was established with all guests from the beginning. Browsing great places. Educational experience on the marine environment with a focus on cetaceans and environmental impact. As a first experience we particularly appreciated the pace of navigation, the life on board and the company.

Long weekend of whale watching with a WWF guide between the Amalfi Coast, Ischia and Capri

09/28/2025

Valerie D.

France

Very nice experience, the boat is comfortable, the whole group was kind. Every day Ilaria made us aware of the life and environment of cetaceans, and their preservation. It was instructive. Rocco is a captain like no other! Very professional, you feel totally safe. Observation, anchoring in the port, swimming... A very good time out of time! Thank you to Rocco, Ilaria, and the other participants for this moment and their kindnesses.