Mini-cruise with WWF guide in the heart of the Tuscan Archipelago

Italy:

Tuscany

Duration:

4 days - 4 nights

Max number of passengers:

6 people

Available:

June

Boarding from:

Piombino

What's included

Cancellation policy

Organised by:

WWF Travel

Member since 2020 -

Organisation

Italian

English

This experience, in a nutshell

Take part in a unique experience in the heart of the Tuscan Archipelago, dedicated to the study of the marine megafauna of the Pelagos Sanctuary. With the support of WWF, this whale watching cruise combines scientific research and direct observation, contributing to the collection of fundamental data to understand the distribution, behavior and conservation status of the species present in this key area of the Mediterranean.

Our study area is concentrated in the central area of the Tuscan Archipelago, between the Island of Elba, Pianosa and the Island of Giglio. This stretch of sea represents an ecologically strategic area, characterized by a great variety of habitats and oceanographic dynamics that favor high biodiversity. Here, in a context that is still relatively little studied compared to other areas of the Sanctuary, it is possible to meet several species of cetaceans, including the striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and, with a little luck, the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus). The presence of deep waters alternating with more coastal areas makes this area particularly interesting for the study of interactions between species and habitats.

Each day of navigation will be planned according to the weather and sea conditions and the movements of marine fauna, adapting routes and research activities to maximize observation opportunities. On board, you will live an authentic and shared experience: together with the crew and researchers, you will take part not only in scientific activities, but also in daily life on board, contributing to the management of the boat and developing a spirit of collaboration that is an integral part of the experience.

During the cruise you will be involved in non-invasive scientific research activities, using protocols and techniques used in the study of cetaceans. You will participate in the direct observation of animals, the collection of behavioral and environmental data, the georeferencing of sightings and the photo-identification of individuals. These activities are essential to build datasets useful for research and conservation, allowing to analyze the distribution of species and monitor their populations over time.

Guided by experts from the WWF,you will deepen your knowledge of the ecology of the species observed and understand the crucial role of this area in the context of the Mediterranean. Join this experience to contribute concretely to scientific research and discover one of the most fascinating and dynamic corners of our sea. Between science, nature and sharing, you will experience an authentic adventure, in which every sighting becomes a piece in the understanding and protection of marine biodiversity.

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 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.

ARRIVAL BY CAR AT THE EMBARKATION POINT. WHERE CAN I PARK?

It is possible to park your car in a free and free parking lot 5 minutes walk away.

Starting from

€567

€539

Per person

What's included

Cancellation policy

Starting from

€539

4 days - 4 nights

Italy: 4 days - 4 nights

Tuscany

What's included

Cancellation policy

Starting from

€567

€539

24+

Show all

Boat & Classes of Service

Beneteau Oceanis 411 - 2001

Type

Sailboat

Length

12.5 m.

Toilets

Cabins

12+

Show all

Our itinerary

Our trip starts here:

Piombino.

Check-in: 7:00 PM

Our trip ends here:

Piombino.

Check-out: 3:00 PM

Our itinerary

As soon as possible, we will set sail for the central area of the Tuscan Archipelago, in the heart of the Pelagos Sanctuary, sailing between the Island of Elba, Pianosa and the Island of Giglio. This stretch of sea, characterized by an alternation of coastal and deep water environments, represents an area of great ecological interest and still relatively little explored from a scientific point of view. Its oceanographic conditions favor the presence of a rich biodiversity, making it an ideal context for marine megafauna monitoring activities.

Our itinerary will develop between the different islands of the archipelago, with the possibility of exploring areas of particular naturalistic importance such as the waters between Elba and Pianosa and the stretch of sea towards Giglio, always in compliance with the protected areas and regulations in force. Here we will focus scientific research activities on marine megafauna, with particular attention to species such as the striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) and the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), without excluding the possibility of rarer sightings such as the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus). The variety of habitats makes this area particularly suitable for the study of the dynamics of distribution and behavior of species.

The itineraries are flexible and are defined day by day to ensure safety and quality of the experience. Every decision will be made by the skipper in collaboration with WWF guides, taking into account the weather and sea conditions and the movements of marine fauna. The main objective of the cruise is to contribute to scientific research through the collection of data in the field, improving the knowledge of the species and their habitat use in this portion of the Mediterranean.

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

€70 - €90 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

Meals/drinks consumed ashore

Optional Services

Bedding kit • €10 per person

Towels kit • €10 per person

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

229

reviews

Skipper

Boat

Destination

1st May: Whale watching expedition with WWF guide on an 18-meter schooner

05/6/2026

rosanna b.

Italy

I am satisfied with the knowledge that Laura has transmitted to us about cetaceans, dolphins etc. the knowledge on where and how they live on what they feed and what we humans could do if we were human, to help them live better, the explanations were very simple but effective and clear Laura is very competent in the subject. Pleasant destinations for the search for cetaceans, hearing their chatter through the headphones was very pleasant. The crew helpful, the boat a little too spartan. overall it was a good experience.

1st May: Whale watching expedition with WWF guide on an 18-meter schooner

05/5/2026

Patrizia A.

Everything was beautiful, except for the management of drinking water which seriously worried me.

1st May: Whale watching expedition with WWF guide on an 18-meter schooner

05/5/2026

Diego M.

Italy

A beautiful experience, I would do it again 1000 times. Starting from the beauty of the boat, to hospitality and the possibility of being able to actively collaborate in daily activities. The presence of hydrophones on board is very interesting. Awesome people and great experience!

1st May: Whale watching expedition with WWF guide on an 18-meter schooner

05/4/2026

Marzia L.

Italy

Unique experience! Laura is a fantastic guide and communicator! We heard the clicks of sperm whales that were probably hunting deep under our boat, crossed paths with a turtle and discovered many secrets about cetaceans. I highly recommend this holiday. The schooner that hosted us is mostly built of wood, so it seems to be on a pirate boat! Particular mention for the two sailors Melissa and Alejandro, two really talented and empathetic guys. Thank you and fair winds!