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Dolphins & Whales cruise with WWF guide – Ligurian Sea

Italy:

Liguria

Duration:

5 days - 6 nights

Max number of passengers:

6 people

Available:

June - September

Boarding from:

Lavagna

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

Set sail from Lavagna on a whale watching cruise that will take you to the heart of the Pelagos Sanctuary, in its eastern portion, one of the most fascinating and biodiverse areas of the Mediterranean. This stretch of sea, which extends between the Golfo Paradiso and the Gulf of Tigullio, is a unique place where the charm of the depths of the sea combines with the poetry of the coastal landscape. Here, where underwater canyons come incredibly close to the coast, there is the ideal habitat for an extraordinary variety of cetaceans. You can explore places of rare beauty, such as the evocative Bay of Silence in Sestri Levante, which has inspired generations of artists and poets, and the timeless Portofino, with its scenery set between sea and unspoiled nature.

This cruise is designed for those who want to experience the sea in its most authentic essence, immersed in the vast expanses of the open sea, which offers the highest possibility of encounters with the eight species of cetaceans that populate the Pelagos Sanctuary. These include rare Risso's dolphins, majestic fin whales, beaked whales diving champions and lively bottlenose dolphins, with the possibility of also spotting sperm whales and other deep-sea species that inhabit these waters rich in life.

Navigation focuses on the open sea, favoring long explorations in the deepest waters of the Sanctuary, but also offers the possibility of stopping at anchor, to spend the night in enchanting places such as Punta Chiappa, San Fruttuoso, Santa Margherita, Paraggi and the poetic Bay of Silence. These bays offer a perfect natural shelter to live the unique experience of a night under the stars, lulled by the sea.

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.
During the trip, you will be involved in observation and scientific research activities, using non-invasive methods to identify and study cetaceans. With the help of WWF whale watching guides, you will be able to deepen your knowledge of monitoring techniques, behavioral sampling and photo-identification, completely immersing yourself in the magic of marine nature.

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 Patrick B. (click on his name to read the reviews he has received from travelers).

Starting from

€758

5 days - 6 nights

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12+

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Boat & Classes of Service

Comar Comet 420 - 1990

Type

Sailboat

Length

12 m.

Toilets

2

Cabins

3

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12+

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Our itinerary

Our trip starts here:

Lavagna.

Check-in: 6:00 PM

Our trip ends here:

Lavagna.

Check-out: 11:00 AM

Our itinerary

The meeting point is in Lavagna on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. After preparing the galley and enjoying a convivial dinner in the harbor, there will be time to get to know each other and prepare for the trip. On Sunday morning, we will set sail early and, depending on the weather and sea conditions, we will decide which route to follow.
We will depart from the port of Lavagna for a wonderful week dedicated to exploring the Ligurian Riviera, between the picturesque Golfo Paradiso and the beautiful Golfo del Tigullio. We will sail through breathtaking landscapes, stopping at some of the most fascinating bays in the region. We will admire iconic places such as Camogli, Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, and the famous Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence) in Sestri Levante from a privileged vantage point, which will give us the opportunity to experience moments of pure magic and contact with nature.
It will be a unique experience, dedicated to the outdoors, discovering the sea, and the beauty of the area.
The itinerary may vary depending on weather and sea conditions and is decided by the skipper in collaboration with the WWF guide. Every 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

156

reviews

Skipper

Boat

Destination

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

06/22/2025

Maura P.

-

Italy

L'esperienza mi è piaciuta davvero molto. Il gruppo era piacevole, per quanto ci voglia una buona dose di adattamento. Siamo riusciti a fare un solo avvistamento di tursiopi ma ne è valsa davvero la pena. Un giorno causa meteo cioè troppo vento siamo rimasti sempre fermi in rada, peccato, ma non poteva essere diversamente. Abbiamo avvistato anche una tartaruga caretta caretta. Sole tutti i giorni e temperatura acqua piacevole x i bagni per essere giugno. Alcuni imprevisti come odore di nafta nella dinette al quale però lo skipper ha cercato subito di rimediare, o cattive consuetudini come lo spegnimento del frigorifero a pozzetto per alcune ore- prassi comunicata solo al 3zo gg-, con conseguente sbalzo termico inidoneo per la buona conservazione dei cibi . Barca pulita , comoda, il pozzetto è piccolino per 10 persone dunque si godono poco i pranzi all'esterno ,ma piuttosto datata, comunque corrispondente alle foto. Sul tema "condividerai con l'equipaggio i compiti quotidiani come riordinare o cucinare" purtroppo devo far notare che l'equipaggio, come anche la ricercatrice WWF hanno fatto poco ( qualche caffe'e 1 frittata) o x meglio dire praticamente nulla, lasciando che fosse TUTTO a carico degli ospiti - in vacanza- inclusi i bambini ,che hanno comunque collaborato per le loro possibilità. Skipper a parte che è nonno ed abituato ad interagire con i bambini, sia l'aiuto skipper che la guida WWF non hanno un gran feeling con loro e questo è un vero peccato, considerando che questa esperienza è rivolta particolarmente ai giovani. I briefing sui cetacei etc etc sono stati fatti, erano ben fatti ed interessanti, come anche la promozione della salvaguardia della biodiversità , nota dolente, spesso la sera molto tardi; secondo me è mancato un pò il saper trasmettere e l'entusiasmare i ragazzi. I rudimenti di vela ai ragazzi da parte degli skipper sono sempre stati sollecitati da un'ospite e questo a mio parere dovrebbe avvenire in modo proattivo. Il gruppo degli ospiti tuttavia è stato quasi sempre in grado di guardare oltre e godersi l'esperienza. Un piccolo rammarico, si parla tanto di sostenibilità, ma abbiamo usato tanta acqua x lavare i bicchieri di plastica tutti bianchi, che, i.e. se fossero stati di colori tutti diversi,si sarebbe potuto evitare (su Amazxx si trova tutto per cui...) Da persona che lavora a contatto con il pubblico quotidianamente e supervisore qualità dei servizi erogati da molti diversi provider e persona diretta e obiettiva quale ritengo di essere, ho comunicato prat. tutto direttamente a voce; ma ritengo comunque indispensabile metterlo anche x iscritto affinchè Sailsquare ne sia a conoscenza e possa ri-trasmetterlo al crew nella speranza che sia preso come critica costruttiva, stimolo a crescere e magari con la speranza che si " correggano un pò i tiri" per il futuro. Penso che in futuro rifarò certamente un'esperienza in barca. In bocca al lupo e buona estate !
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Long weekend of whale watching with WWF guide between Golfo Paradiso and Gulf of Tigullio

06/16/2025

stefania l.

-

Italy

Ottima esperienza: Patrick è uno skipper competente, simpatico e molto disponibile e Silvia una guida entusiasta, chiara e piacevole!
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2 June: whale watching expedition with WWF guide in Liguria

06/10/2025

cristina g.

-

Italy

Sono stati tre giorni stupendi, i primi due, grazie anche al mare calmissimo, abbiamo visto un enorme pod si delfini venuti a giocare con la barca, una tartaruga e…. Udite udite, la balena comune chiamata Propeller, della quale non si avevano più notizie da qualche anno. Il terzo giorno, visto il mare un po’ mosso, siamo riusciti ad andare a vela, insomma non poteva andare meglio di così! Patrik e. Alice, la guida WWF, è un occhio di lince, entrambi competenti e pazienti oltre che simpatici. Per quanto riguarda l’equipaggio, non conoscevo nessuno, ma mi sono trovata bene con tutti. Direi che nel complesso è andata più che bene 😍 grazie 🥰
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2 June: Whale watching expedition with WWF guide between the Amalfi Coast, Ischia and Capri

06/9/2025

Hayley F.

-

United Kingdom

We had a super time on board the Audace. Skipper Rocco was great and Ludo the WWF guide full of enthusiasm and knowledge. Highly recommend.

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