Cruise with WWF guide between Giglio, Giannutri and Montecristo

Italy:

Tuscany

Duration:

6 days - 7 nights

Max number of passengers:

6 people

Available:

July

Suitable for travellers:

> 5 years

Boarding from:

Piombino

What's included

Cancellation policy

Organised by:

WWF Travel

Member since 2020 -

Organisation

Italian

English

This experience, in a nutshell

This sailing cruise that touches the wildest and most authentic gems of the Tuscan Archipelago, is an invitation to explore and protect the Mediterranean from a unique perspective, accompanied by whale watching guides from WWF Italy. By getting on board 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 south 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, cameras and video cameras for the analysis of photos and behaviors.

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 as soon as you wake up, it means having an aperitif while always watching the sunset, dining under the stars and enjoying moments of pure fun and relaxation.

OUR SKIPPER

The skipper of this experience will be Nico P. Linked to the sea since he was a child, he has developed a strong inclination for travel and exploration by sailing, which led him to a unique moment: a crossing of the Pacific that transformed his passion into a real life choice!

THE TYPICAL DAY:

The days on board are designed to offer an authentic and flexible experience, in harmony with the weather and sea conditions, research needs and crew preferences. Usually, the morning begins with a relaxing breakfast and if the conditions are particularly favorable for monitoring, you can decide to set sail immediately, postponing the moments of relaxation to another time of the day.

Navigation focuses on exploring the open sea in search of cetaceans, following routes studied by the WWF guide and employing specific monitoring techniques for the study of marine megafauna. Lunch does not have a fixed location and adapts to the needs of the day: it can be eaten at sea, adrift, or while sailing, continuing observations. If the morning of monitoring was satisfactory, lunch could take place in a protected bay, giving a moment of relaxation and diving if the season allows it.

The afternoon continues with further navigation and monitoring activities, to observe cetaceans or deepen the knowledge of marine ecosystems. Alternatively, you can anticipate the mooring in the roadstead to indulge in other baths or snorkeling sessions, always adapting the program to the weather conditions and research objectives.

The evenings are dedicated to moments of conviviality, with aperitifs at sunset in the roadstead or while sailing, and the possibility of mooring in the roadstead to experience the magical atmosphere of the night sea under the stars, or in port, depending on the weather, the preferences of the skipper and the crew. In some cases, you can go ashore for a walk or to end the day with a toast with friends.

Flexibility is at the heart of this experience: the program is constantly adapting to ensure safety, respect marine ecosystems and provide unforgettable moments of discovery and connection with nature

HOW LIKELY IS IT TO SEE CETACEANS?

As is obvious, sightings cannot be guaranteed, although we can proudly say that sightings occurred on 100% of summer cruises in 2025. We remind you that research cruises with a WWF guide on board are not just whale watching cruises, but are experiences that offer a 360° immersion in the world of cetaceans, even with short theoretical lessons, as well as data collection and monitoring. Participating in a WWF research cruise means actively helping research and contributing to the well-being of the planet.

Starting from

€915

€869

Per person

What's included

Cancellation policy

Starting from

€869

6 days - 7 nights

Italy: 6 days - 7 nights

Tuscany

What's included

Cancellation policy

Starting from

€915

€869

20+

Show all

Boat & Classes of Service

Beneteau Oceanis 411 - 2001

Type

Sailboat

Length

12.5 m.

Toilets

Cabins

Our itinerary

Our trip starts here:

Piombino.

Check-in: 6:00 PM

Our trip ends here:

Piombino.

Check-out: 9:00 AM

Our itinerary

The cruise will start from the port of Salivoli, taking participants to the southern waters of the Pelagos Sanctuary, an area of fundamental importance for the conservation of cetaceans in the Mediterranean. Navigation will be mainly concentrated in the area south of the islands of Giglio, Giannutri and Montecristo, a stretch of sea characterized by deep waters and oceanographic dynamics favorable to the presence of pelagic species.

This context represents a particularly interesting habitat from a scientific point of view, where it is possible to spot fascinating and less common species, such as the Cuvier's beaked whale and the common dolphin, as well as other species typical of the Sanctuary.

The cruise itinerary is deliberately flexible and will be defined day by day, with the aim of ensuring the safety of navigation and the quality of the experience. The routes will be established by the skipper in collaboration with WWF guides, taking into account environmental conditions and the movements of marine fauna, so as to maximize opportunities for observation and the collection of scientific data.

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

Insurances

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

€120 - €150 Per person

The common fund is paid on boarding. WWF skipper and guide are exempt from the common fund.

Galley

Food for the skipper

Food for the crew

Alcoholic drinks

Mooring fees

Embarkation and disembarkation mooring fees

Fuel (boat/tender)

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

Frequent questions

🚗 By car

Piombino can be reached by road from the A12 motorway network (Genoa-Rosignano) and via the SGC Florence-Pisa-Livorno (FI-PI-LI) for those coming from Florence; from the A1 continue towards Florence and take the FI-PI-LI. From the A12 exit at Rosignano or Vada and continue on the SS1 Aurelia southbound until the exits for Piombino; from the south (Rome) take the A12 northwards and take the SS1. Those coming from the interior of Tuscany can use the SR398 / SP to Venturina and continue towards Piombino center. From the city, a short taxi transfer or transfer to the marinas from which cruises depart. Approximate travel times: Pisa 1 h approximately, Florence 1 h 45–2 h, Rome 3 h 30–4 h depending on traffic.

🚆 By train

The nearest railway station is Piombino-Centro, connected to the Tyrrhenian line through Campiglia Marittima. Regional and interregional trains are operated by Trenitalia. Approximate times: from Pisa Centrale about 1 h 10–1 h 30 with a change in Campiglia Marittima, from Florence Santa Maria Novella about 2 h 15–2 h 45 with one or more changes, from Livorno about 40–60 min. From the Piombino–Centro station it is necessary to take a short taxi or walk to the marinas for boarding the cruises.

✈️ By plane

The nearest airports are Pisa Galileo Galilei (PSA) and Florence Peretola (FLR). From Pisa the transfer by road to Piombino center takes about 1 h–1 h 15, while by train from Pisa Centrale with change in Campiglia Marittima about 1 h 30–2 h. From Florence the transfer by road takes about 1 h 45–2 h 15, by train about 2 h 15–2 h 45 with a change in Campiglia Marittima. Both airports have car rental and taxi services. From the city of Piombino it is necessary to transfer to the marinas of embarkation.

⛴️ By ferry/hydrofoil

The tourist ports of Piombino offer connections with the Island of Elba, with direct lines to Portoferraio, Rio Marina and Cavo. The main operating companies are Moby, Toremar and Blu Navy; Average crossing times vary from 35 minutes to 1 hr 30, depending on the route and the type of vessel. The services include both vehicle and passenger-only boarding, with dedicated ticket offices and docks in the marinas.

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. 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.