header cover
sailsquare logo

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

Italy:

Tuscany

Duration:

6 days - 6 nights

Max number of passengers:

8 people

Available:

-

Boarding from:

Salivoli

What's included

Cancellation policy

avatar image

Organised by:

WWF Travel

Member since 2020 -

Organisation

Italian

English

This experience, in a nutshell

Immerse yourself in the magic of the Mediterranean with a whale watching cruise dedicated to the study of the stable populations of bottlenose dolphins between the Island of Elba and Pianosa. A journey that combines science, nature, relaxation and adventure, led by WWF Italy's whale watching guides and designed to help you discover unique and fascinating marine ecosystems.

This area, thanks to its biodiversity and tranquility, represents the ideal habitat for these coastal dolphins, offering a rare opportunity for study. You will be involved in scientific research activities, using non-invasive techniques such as photo-identification and georeferencing, to collect valuable data on the behavior and dynamics of this iconic species.

In favorable conditions, we will also move to the underwater canyons northwest of Corsica's "Finger": these deep seabeds, characterized by upwelling currents, are the habitat of fin whales, sperm whales and other deep-sea species such as the Cuvier's beaked whale. We'll sail through this stunning natural setting, with the chance to admire wild and unspoiled landscapes and immerse ourselves in the heart of the Pelagos Sanctuary.

Each day will be adapted to the weather and sea conditions, making each experience unique. The atmosphere on board will be serene and informal: you will share with the crew not only scientific research activities but also daily tasks on board, such as cooking and tidying up, to fully experience the spirit of collaboration and adventure.

There will also be moments of teaching where the skipper will share the basics of sailing, giving guests the opportunity to learn theoretical concepts and practice. Each activity is designed to immerse you in the beauty and mystery of the marine environment, helping you understand the importance of its conservation and appreciation of life on the boat.


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 Paolo C. (click on his name to read the reviews he has received from travelers). His passion for sailing began at the age of 9, when he began sailing with his father in the Strait of Bonifacio. He then handed down the same passion to his son Luca with whom he opened an ASD. Paolo is a profound connoisseur of the area of the Tuscan archipelago, northern Sardinia and beyond. Also a sailing instructor, he has taken numerous courses, traveling with children and teenagers on the occasion of summer camps and families. The people who traveled with him defined him as an optimistic and nice person, an attentive connoisseur, a lover of the wind and the sea and a great narrator of stories of the sea and life.


On board with Paolo for a few weeks there may be a skipper-sailor who will help him in the management of the boat.

No Departures available

experience image 0experience image 1
experience image 2
experience image 3

9+

Show all

Boat & Classes of Service

Velmare Vagabond 47 - 1977

Type

Sailboat

Length

15.75 m.

Toilets

2

Cabins

4

boat image 0boat image 1
boat image 2
boat image 3

10+

Show all

Our itinerary

Our trip starts here:

Salivoli.

Check-in: 4:00 PM

Our trip ends here:

Salivoli.

Check-out: 9:00 AM

Our itinerary

The meeting is scheduled in Marina di Salivoli on Sunday. After the preparation of the galley and a convivial dinner in the port, there will be time to get to know each other and prepare for the trip. On Monday morning we will set sail very early for the Island of Elba, the first stop on the cruise. Here we will explore the waters between Elba and Pianosa, focusing on monitoring stable bottlenose dolphin populations. Depending on the weather conditions, we can continue towards the underwater canyons north-west of the "Finger" of Corsica, an ideal habitat for fin whales, sperm whales and other deep-sea species, or devote more time to the Elba and Pianosa area to deepen research activities. During the cruise, we'll spend the night mainly in the roadstead, taking advantage of the boat's autonomy. The return to Marina di Salivoli is scheduled for the late afternoon/evening of Friday, with disembarkation set for Saturday morning by 10:00 am. 
The final itinerary will be established based on weather conditions and the indications of the skipper and WWF experts, to ensure safe and pleasant navigation.

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

4.7/5

out of

212

reviews

Skipper

Boat

Destination

avatar image

Whale watching cruise with WWF guide on an 18-meter schooner between Tuscany and Corsica

09/7/2025

Natalia B.

-

Italy

It's an amazing experience! We were lucky to observe some kind of sieves! And thanks to Joelle's lessons I discovered the whole new world! Going with the sails was fun and very safe with the captain and the captain Mela and Ale! A charge of positive emotions!
avatar placeholder

Whale watching cruise with WWF guide on an 18-meter schooner between Tuscany and Corsica

09/2/2025

Marco G.

-

Italy

Beautiful experience. The only flaw is that it ended too soon!
avatar image

Whale watching cruise with WWF guide on an 18-meter schooner between Tuscany and Corsica

09/1/2025

Saverio D.

-

Italy

A big thank you to Joelle & team where you can see and feel the passion that they put into us wonderful cruise crew exceeding expectations, an experience that everyone should try to understand what state our seas are in.
avatar placeholder

Whale watching cruise with researcher between Liguria and the French Riviera

08/31/2025

Daniela D.

-

Italy

The whale watching cruise with WWF Travel was a truly unique experience, which I recommend to those looking for an authentic adventure and the chance to observe marine wildlife up close. The beauty of cetaceans and the thrill of seeing them in their natural habitat are certainly the highlights of this experience. However, it is important to be aware that this is not a completely relaxing holiday. Sailing conditions can be physically demanding, with long hours on a sailboat, and the heat or rough seas can make travel difficult for those who are not used to it. So be prepared for these situations as well: bring seasickness medication with you and always let the crew know about any issues or needs. Another very positive point of the cruise was our WWF guide, Silvia. She was truly exceptional: prepared, nice and always available. Silvia has a great knowledge of cetacean ethology and involved us passionately in the observations. Thanks to her, every moment at sea was interesting and informative.

Let's talk Sailsquare!

HuffpostSailing todayYahoo!

Secure payments

MastercardVisaGoogle PayApple Pay

© 2025 Sailsquare Srl SB • All rights reserved - VAT IT07860990964