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
Organised by:
WWF Travel
Member since 2020 -
Organisation
Italian
English
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
€441
€419
Per person
What's included
Cancellation policy
Starting from
€419
3 days - 3 nights
17+
Show all
Boat & Classes of Service
Westegard Boats Schooner 60 - 2016
Type
Gulet
Length
18.14 m.
Toilets
2
Cabins
4
11+
Show all
Our itinerary
Our trip starts here:
Punta Ala.
Check-in: 6:00 PM
Our trip ends here:
Punta Ala.
Check-out: 4:00 PM
Frequent questions
The organiser reviews
Organised by:
WWF Travel
Member since 2020 -
Organisation
Italian
English
4.7/5
out of
197
reviews
Skipper
Boat
Destination
Whale watching cruise with WWF guide on an 18-meter schooner between Tuscany and Corsica
08/19/2025
Roberto S.
-
Germany
We are a family of 4, with 2 children aged 21 and 16. We all had a wonderful experience. We were very lucky for the weather conditions: sun and sea almost always in flat calm, the only thing was the little wind that did not allow us to take advantage of the 200 square meters of sail area. With a little adaptability, we shared the spaces on board with fantastic people, as interested as we are in respecting nature and with the desire to make a difference. We have all learned many things about the sea, navigation, and above all, thanks to the talented Laura, the physiology of the cetaceans of the Pelagos Sanctuary. We have also been lucky in sightings, which have motivated all of us to delve into this magnificent theme, we promised ourselves to stay in touch for the future. The common commitments for the management of the boat and the tasks on board, together with wonderful moments of leisure at sea have united us and developed a deep relationship. A huge thank you to Captain Francesco and his crew, really nice and very knowledgeable on environmental issues and navigation. Hope to see you again soon! Long live the Sails of the Panda!!
Whale watching cruise with WWF guide between Tuscany and Northern Corse
08/19/2025
Irene M.
-
Italy
What can I say?? really very very interesting experience .. and exciting. Sailing in the middle of the sea that changed from blue to light blue.... with super focused eyes to see every slightest splash or puff.... with our WWF guide Donatello.... Don managed to convey to me all his love, his enthusiasm for the Marino world... every evening there was a lesson.... And he always managed to capture my attention... I learned a lot I go home with a beautiful inner booty...
Whale watching cruise with WWF guide between Tuscany and Northern Corse
08/17/2025
Sara C.
-
Italy
I start immediately by saying that it was a unique experience and that I am very happy to have done! Being able to participate in a citizen science experience like this has really allowed me to learn a lot of things about the cetaceans of the Mediterranean and have ideas on how to live in a more sustainable way even in everyday life, this especially thanks to our super WWF guide Donatello! Every day there was a lesson at a time of the day, in fact it was a 24-hour lesson with him who also transmitted to us his deep passion for the sea and the creatures that live in it.
I would like to point out for those who want to have this experience that being a research cruise it is not a holiday in the strict sense, the days all include about 7 hours of monitoring in areas where you know that cetaceans live but it is not guaranteed to see them, leaving with small children can be challenging because in these hours they could get bored. In two of the days we spent unfortunately we did not see cetaceans, while in the remaining 4 days we spotted bottlenose dolphins, dolphins and sperm whale blows in the distance. It was certainly the most ethical and correct way to approach the observation of marine cetaceans in their natural environment.
In the remaining part of the day we snorkeled and stayed to sleep in the roadstead in some of the most beautiful beaches in northern Corsica, while the penultimate night we spent in Capraia, all truly beautiful places!
Regarding boat life, I recommend to WWF or Salisquare to try to draw up a list for the galley because it is not easy to do it and above all for what you can bring on board (e.g. no glass except for very few things).
Overall, it was a unique experience that I recommend to anyone who loves the sea and its creatures and is interested in deepening them under expert and ethical eyes!
Whale watching cruise with WWF guide between Tuscany and North Corsica
08/17/2025
Giorgio C.
-
Italy
Perfect organization, excellent skipper and interesting "Vele del Panda" project
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