header cover
logo

Log in

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:

Piombino

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

9+

Show all

Our itinerary

Our trip starts here:

Piombino.

Check-in: 4:00 PM

Our trip ends here:

Piombino.

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.

What's included in the price

Boat equipment and facilities

    Final cleaning

    Tender and outboard

Onboard staff

    Skipper

    Sailor

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

€150 - €200 Per person

The common fund is paid by all participants. Skipper, WWF guide and sailor, if any, are exempt from the common fund. 

    Galley

    Food for the crew

    Mooring fees

    Embarkation and disembarkation mooring fees

    Fuel (boat/tender)

Starter Pack

€10 Per person

The starter pack is paid in cash on embarkation upon arrival. It is a fixed fee per participant regardless of the number of people on board.

    Association/Membership card

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

    Bedding kit

    Towels kit

    Meals/drinks consumed ashore

Frequent questions

The organiser reviews

avatar image

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.
avatar image

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!
avatar image

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!

Let's talk Sailsquare!

HuffpostSailing todayYahoo!

Secure payments

MastercardVisaGoogle PayApple Pay

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