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

Italy:

Tuscany

Duration:

6 days - 6 nights

Max number of passengers:

8 people

Available:

-

Boarding from:

Salivoli

What's included

Cancellation policy

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Organised by:

WWF Travel

Member since 2020 -

Organisation

Italian

English

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.

No Departures available

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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.

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

4.7/5

out of

168

reviews

Skipper

Boat

Destination

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Whale watching mini-cruise with WWF guide between Liguria and the French Riviera

07/14/2025

Valentina D.

-

Italy

A super empathetic, prepared and helpful WWF guide, a person who loves his job and transmits enthusiasm to others as well; we learned a lot of interesting things, Skipper also super recommended for sympathy, availability and professionalism in dealing with any unforeseen events. Small note not addressed to the guide who had to comply with the directives, Unfortunately the last of the 3 days we had to go, for research needs, to an area with little probability of sighting, where in fact we did not see anything; Personally, since it was a holiday of only 3 days, I would have avoided losing one. Anyway super recommended.
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Whale watching mini-cruise with WWF guide between Liguria and the French Riviera

07/14/2025

Angelica C.

-

Italy

It was a very beautiful experience, thanks to Andrea and Nicola for allowing us to live it and for the emotions we shared together. An experience that I recommend to everyone!
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Whale watching cruise with WWF guide between Elba, Pianosa and the canyons of Corsica

07/14/2025

Simone O.

-

Italy

Good morning I'm Simone, what can I say, first of all I had wanted to have a different experience than usual and meet new people, and it happened, The one from the sailboat was a fantastic experience where thanks to Silvia, Paolo and Dario they were able to show us the cetaceans, because we were not able to see the whales as well. Silvia was a professional person in her work as a wwf, when it was time to explain or let us watch videos on cetaceans with her PC she was very clear and always chose the right time to give us a lesson not too long or too short, the right I would say and not every day. I would add that Silvia has always made herself available and interested if everything was fine in general or if we understood her about what she explained to us. WELL DONE SILVIA AND THANK YOU VERY MUCH. Paolo, our captain of the sailboat, was a clear person from the start, direct and above all hospitable to us. what about Paolo, who is a professional person, who immediately perceives that the sea is his whole life, and wants to pass on his knowledge and his passion as a sailor to others. GAZIE MILLE PAOLO Dario is the captain's helper, a young guy, helpful and with a great desire to do and learn, and one of the company. I conclude by thanking you and that I would have stayed another 2 or 3 days more. I'm recommending it to all my friends to have such experiences. Have a nice day and see you next time.
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Dolphins & Whales cruise with WWF guide – Ligurian Sea

07/7/2025

Simona G.

-

Italy

I lived 6 days in the middle of the sea, on the boat, in Liguria, we made many sightings even sailing, I don't think there is anything like it if you are not an expert and you have the boat. The guide was very knowledgeable and the skipper was very attentive. Holidays permitting, I would like to repeat this time in Tuscany and then southwards. Thank you for your work. Sax and Love. Simona from Friuli Venezia Giulia

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