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

Next Departure:

June 15, 2025

Italy:

Tuscany

Duration:

6 days - 6 nights

Max number of passengers:

8 people

Available:

June - July

Boarding from:

Salivoli

What's included

Cancellation policy

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Organised by:

WWF Travel

Member since 2020 -

Organisation

Italian

English

French

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13 travellers have chosen this experience

This experience, in a nutshell

Immerse yourself in the magic of the Mediterranean with a whale watching cruise dedicated to the study of the stable populations of bottlenose dolphins between the Island of Elba and Pianosa. A journey that combines science, nature, relaxation and adventure, led by WWF Italy's whale watching guides and designed to help you discover unique and fascinating marine ecosystems.

This area, thanks to its biodiversity and tranquility, represents the ideal habitat for these coastal dolphins, offering a rare opportunity for study. You will be involved in scientific research activities, using non-invasive techniques such as photo-identification and georeferencing, to collect valuable data on the behavior and dynamics of this iconic species.

In favorable conditions, we will also move to the underwater canyons northwest of Corsica's "Finger": these deep seabeds, characterized by upwelling currents, are the habitat of fin whales, sperm whales and other deep-sea species such as the Cuvier's beaked whale. We'll sail through this stunning natural setting, with the chance to admire wild and unspoiled landscapes and immerse ourselves in the heart of the Pelagos Sanctuary.

Each day will be adapted to the weather and sea conditions, making each experience unique. The atmosphere on board will be serene and informal: you will share with the crew not only scientific research activities but also daily tasks on board, such as cooking and tidying up, to fully experience the spirit of collaboration and adventure.

There will also be moments of teaching where the skipper will share the basics of sailing, giving guests the opportunity to learn theoretical concepts and practice. Each activity is designed to immerse you in the beauty and mystery of the marine environment, helping you understand the importance of its conservation and appreciation of life on the boat.


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 the wilderness: 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 navigation: 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.


OUR SKIPPER
The skipper of this experience will be Paolo C. (click on his name to read the reviews he has received from travelers). His passion for sailing began at the age of 9, when he began sailing with his father in the Strait of Bonifacio. He then handed down the same passion to his son Luca with whom he opened an ASD. Paolo is a profound connoisseur of the area of the Tuscan archipelago, northern Sardinia and beyond. Also a sailing instructor, he has taken numerous courses, traveling with children and teenagers on the occasion of summer camps and families. The people who traveled with him defined him as an optimistic and nice person, an attentive connoisseur, a lover of the wind and the sea and a great narrator of stories of the sea and life.


On board with Paolo for a few weeks there may be a skipper-sailor who will help him in the management of the boat.

Starting from

€899

6 days - 6 nights

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9+

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Boat & Classes of Service

Velmare Vagabond 47 - 1977

Type

Sailboat

Length

15.75 m.

Toilets

2

Cabins

4

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10+

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Our itinerary

Our trip starts here:

Salivoli.

Check-in: 4:00 PM

Our trip ends here:

Salivoli.

Check-out: 9:00 AM

Our itinerary

The meeting is scheduled in Marina di Salivoli on Sunday. After the preparation of the galley and a convivial dinner in the port, there will be time to get to know each other and prepare for the trip. On Monday morning we will set sail very early for the Island of Elba, the first stop on the cruise. Here we will explore the waters between Elba and Pianosa, focusing on monitoring stable bottlenose dolphin populations. Depending on the weather conditions, we can continue towards the underwater canyons north-west of the "Finger" of Corsica, an ideal habitat for fin whales, sperm whales and other deep-sea species, or devote more time to the Elba and Pianosa area to deepen research activities. During the cruise, we'll spend the night mainly in the roadstead, taking advantage of the boat's autonomy. The return to Marina di Salivoli is scheduled for the late afternoon/evening of Friday, with disembarkation set for Saturday morning by 10:00 am. 
The final itinerary will be established based on weather conditions and the indications of the skipper and WWF experts, to ensure safe and pleasant navigation.

Frequent questions

The organiser reviews

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Organised by:

WWF Travel

Member since 2020 -

Organisation

Italian

English

French

4.6/5

out of

141

reviews

Skipper

Boat

Destination

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Long weekend - Whale watching cruise with WWF researcher in Liguria

09/27/2024

Sara M.

-

Italy

Bellissima esperienza🐬🐬
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Long weekend - Whale watching cruise with WWF researcher in Liguria

09/25/2024

Sara H.

-

Italy

È la seconda volta che faccio una crociera Whale Watching e come la prima è stata un'esperienza unica. Si è creato un gruppo molto unito e in sintonia, soprattutto grazie alla nostra guida e al capitano. È una vacanza che consiglio a chiunque ami il mare e tutti gli organismi che la abitano!!
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Long weekend - Whale watching cruise with WWF researcher in Liguria

09/23/2024

Anna K.

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Italy

Il nostro viaggio andato bene. Mi è piaciuto, era molto interessante e divertente! Vorrei fare un’altra volta! Grazie 🤩
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Long weekend of whale watching with WWF guide on an 18-meter schooner

09/23/2024

Ilaria B.

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Italy

Bellissima esperienza. Veliero splendido con una bellissima storia da raccontare. Armatore molto in gamba e pieno di storie da raccontare, aiuto skipper/cuoca molto brava e simpatica. Andrea, guida wwf molto competente e appassionato. Notina un po negativa, prezzo un po alto, sia del viaggio che della cambusa (ma per la scienza si fa volentieri). Assistenza sailsquare voto 1, gentili ma spesso non rispondono. Quando rispondono e esponi la questione, ti dicono che ti richiamano ma non ti richiamano. Molto attivi solo quando si tratta di pagare. Tuttavia non gli faccio fare media con il punteggio perché andrebbe a discapito di questa splendida esperienza.

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