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
French
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
€420
€399
Per person
What's included
Cancellation policy
Starting from
€399
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
French
4.7/5
out of
154
reviews
Skipper
Boat
Destination
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 🥰
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.
Long weekend of whale watching with WWF guide between Golfo Paradiso and Gulf of Tigullio
06/9/2025
Gianmarco G.
-
Italy
Valuto 5 stelle perché dal mio punto di vista lo skipper Patrick e la guida WWF Sabrina hanno fatto di tutto per rendere questa esperienza più sicura e piacevole possibile.
Per quanto riguarda il whale watching, abbiamo avvistato delle fantastiche Stenelle che ci hanno fatto compagnia in due giorni diversi, purtroppo non abbiamo avvistato altri cetacei per via delle condizioni meteo-marine non ottimali. Anche se mi sarebbe ovviamente piaciuto vedere altre specie, non mi sento di penalizzare la valutazione a causa del meteo, fattore su cui nessuno ha il controllo.
Proprio in queste situazioni non ottimali per l'attività mi rendo conto che chi la organizza è messo a dura prova, tuttavia Patrick ha sempre avuto come priorità la sicurezza dell'equipaggio in primis, e Sabrina ha sempre cercato di mantenere alto l'umore ed è stata a disposizione fino all'ultimo minuto per mostrarci (oltre agli interessanti briefing previsti sui cetacei) curiosità, aneddoti, nozioni, riguardanti i cetacei e altri animali che ho ascoltato con gran piacere.
Il resto dell'equipaggio è stato un'ottima compagnia e, sebbene alcuni imprevisti hanno causato un po' di malumore, il gruppo è stato quasi sempre in grado di guardare oltre, adattarsi e godersi l'esperienza.
Sicuramente un giorno riproverò l'esperienza, con la speranza di riuscire ad avvistare qualche altra specie :)
June 2 - cetacean watching expedition in the Pelagos Sanctuary with WWF guide
06/9/2025
alessandra g.
-
Italy
Bellissima esperienza e staff impeccabili. Altamente consigliata
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