From 21 to 25 October 2026, Voices of the Pelagos invites participants to experience the Pelagos Sanctuary through a whale watching experience unlike any other: a schooner expedition that intertwines scientific observation of cetaceans, listening to the sea, sailing and contemporary artistic practice.
This sailing cruise, which touches some of the wildest and most authentic areas of the Tuscan Archipelago, is an invitation to explore and protect the Mediterranean from a unique perspective, accompanied by a whale watching guide 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 knowledge and protection of marine megafauna.
During navigation, the main study area will be the one south of Giglio Island, with particular attention to the underwater canyons that characterize this stretch of sea and which represent habitats of great ecological interest. The waters south of the Tuscan Archipelago, near the islands of Giglio, Giannutri and Montecristo, can host rare and fascinating cetaceans such as the Cuvier's beaked whale and the common dolphin, as well as other symbolic species of the Mediterranean.
Guided by an expert guide, participants will learn techniques for observing and identifying cetaceans, using strictly non-invasive methods. From nature photography to photo-identification, up to the methodologies of monitoring and sampling behavior, the experience will allow you to get closer to the work of researchers and to understand the scientific value of the data collected at sea. On board, the equipment will be the one used in monitoring activities: GPS, binoculars with reticles, cameras and video cameras for the analysis of images and behaviors.
The expedition was born within the WWF experience linked to the monitoring of cetaceans in the Pelagos Sanctuary, but introduces a new component: the encounter between scientific knowledge, body perception, sensitive listening and artistic creation. Each day thus becomes an opportunity to observe the sea not only as an ecosystem to be studied, but also as a living space of relationship, presence and transformation.
On board, participants will be accompanied on a journey that combines scientific content on Mediterranean cetaceans, moments of navigation and data collection, embodiment practices, listening, movement, writing, voice and artistic restitution. The experience does not require previous artistic skills: it is designed for those who want to approach the Mediterranean in a deep, participatory and conscious way, letting themselves be guided by the encounter between science, ecology and sensitivity. The approach proposed by the artistic director comes mainly from contemporary performing arts, physical theater and bodily and somatic practices related to movement, sensitivity and presence. These languages are flanked by tools for creative writing, deep listening, ecological observation and vocal and musical research. The artistic path is conceived and facilitated by an interdisciplinary performance artist, filmmaker and researcher with a background in environmental sciences and performing arts. The artistic director is also a certified whale watching guide and for years has been developing artistic research related to the relationship between human beings, cetaceans, embodiment and perception of the more-than-human world.
On board there will also be a hydrophone for listening to the underwater soundscape: participants will be able to explore the soundscapes of the sea, any vocalizations of cetaceans and the sounds of the underwater environment.
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, participants will share with the crew not only research activities, but also small daily tasks on board, such as cooking, tidying up and taking care of common areas, keeping alive 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 teaches the value of patience, flexibility and listening. Sometimes the observations will require longer navigations and moments of waiting, but every encounter with the sea and its inhabitants can become an unforgettable experience. Join us to discover, listen and contribute to the protection of an extraordinary ecosystem, on a journey that combines exploration, sustainability, science and artistic creation in one of the most spectacular and biodiverse areas of the Mediterranean.
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.
IS A MEMBERSHIP FEE AND MEDICAL CERTIFICATE REQUIRED?
Yes, being the skipper holder of ASD, each participant is required to pay, directly at embarkation, € 15 for the membership fee and to present a medical certificate for non-competitive sporting activity.
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.
WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY LIKE?
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.
Can I contact the skipper or WWF guide?
CAN I CONTACT THE SKIPPER AND GUIDE?
10 days before departure , the WWF guide will organize a whatsapp group and subsequently, a pre-departure call in order to get to know the crew and answer logistical-organizational questions.
