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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:

September

Boarding from:

Punta Ala

What's included

Cancellation policy

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Organised by:

WWF Travel

Member since 2020 -

Organisation

Italian

English

French

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.

Starting from

€399

3 days - 3 nights

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17+

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Boat & Classes of Service

Westegard Boats Schooner 60 - 2016

Type

Gulet

Length

18.14 m.

Toilets

2

Cabins

4

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11+

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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.

Frequent questions

The organiser reviews

avatar image

Organised by:

WWF Travel

Member since 2020 -

Organisation

Italian

English

French

4.7/5

out of

163

reviews

Skipper

Boat

Destination

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Whale watching cruise with WWF guide between Elba, Pianosa and the canyons of Corsica

07/2/2025

Veronica S.

-

Italy

Era proprio quello di cui avevi bisogno! Tanto mare, nuove esperienze e persone meravigliose! Silvia,Paolo e Dario, che ci hanno accompagnato in questo viaggio, si sono dimostrati super prepararti, professionali e hanno fatto di tutto per rendere questa esperienza perfetta! C'è stata tanta collaborazione tra di noi, dal tenere in ordine la barca, al cucinare tutti insieme, al decidere giorno per giorno quello che sarebbe stato il programma della giornata. Non mi sono sentita semplice una cliente ma parte integrante dell'equipaggio, il che ha reso tutto ancora più autentico! Abbiamo anche avuto molta fortuna con il meteo e abbiamo fatto un sacco di avvistamenti di vario tipo :) consiglio questa esperienza a tutti quelli che amano il mare, che hanno voglia di imparare e esplorare 😍
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Whale watching cruise with WWF guide between Elba, Pianosa and the canyons of Corsica

06/30/2025

Carla M.

-

Italy

Vacanza incredibile! Abbiamo fatto il bagno in calette meravigliose e siamo andati in mezzo al nulla in cerca dei cetacei riuscendo a fare avvistamenti quasi tutti i giorni, ogni volta bellissimi! Ma il merito della riuscita di questa vacanza va sicuramente alla ciurma, con paolo, silvia e dario che sono riusciti a trasmetterci tutto il loro amore per il mare e la vela, ed anche a tutti gli altri partecipanti con cui siamo entrati subito in sintonia. L'unica pecca è la durata, forse qualche giorno in più sarei rimasta
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Whale watching cruise with WWF guide between Elba, Pianosa and the canyons of Corsica

06/29/2025

CHIARA B.

-

Italy

Esperienza emozionante (indimenticabili i grampi e mamma e cucciolo di tursiope che nuotono in sincrono). Un grazie particolare a Paolo Silvia e Dario che ci hanno trasmesso la loro passione per il mare e per questi bellissimi animali. Chiara e Raffaele.
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Long weekend of whale watching with WWF guide between Golfo Paradiso and Gulf of Tigullio

06/26/2025

Lovotti L.

-

Italy

E' stata un'esperienza sorprendente per l'ambiente marino e la piacevoezza del clima del guppo questo grazie alla disponibilità di skipper e guida WWF. Quindi un grande grazie a Patrik e Silvia. Mi sono sentito a casa. Una casa infinita e azzurra

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