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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:

July

Boarding from:

Salivoli

What's included

Cancellation policy

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Organised by:

WWF Travel

Member since 2020 -

Organisation

Italian

English

French

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.

€949

6 days - 6 nights

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9+

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Boat & Classes of Service

Velmare Vagabond 47 - 1977

Type

Sailboat

Length

15.75 m.

Toilets

2

Cabins

4

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10+

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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

French

4.7/5

out of

162

reviews

Skipper

Boat

Destination

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

06/30/2025

Carla M.

-

Italy

Vacanza incredibile! Abbiamo fatto il bagno in calette meravigliose e siamo andati in mezzo al nulla in cerca dei cetacei riuscendo a fare avvistamenti quasi tutti i giorni, ogni volta bellissimi! Ma il merito della riuscita di questa vacanza va sicuramente alla ciurma, con paolo, silvia e dario che sono riusciti a trasmetterci tutto il loro amore per il mare e la vela, ed anche a tutti gli altri partecipanti con cui siamo entrati subito in sintonia. L'unica pecca è la durata, forse qualche giorno in più sarei rimasta
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Whale watching cruise with WWF guide between Elba, Pianosa and the canyons of Corsica

06/29/2025

CHIARA B.

-

Italy

Esperienza emozionante (indimenticabili i grampi e mamma e cucciolo di tursiope che nuotono in sincrono). Un grazie particolare a Paolo Silvia e Dario che ci hanno trasmesso la loro passione per il mare e per questi bellissimi animali. Chiara e Raffaele.
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Long weekend of whale watching with WWF guide between Golfo Paradiso and Gulf of Tigullio

06/26/2025

Lovotti L.

-

Italy

E' stata un'esperienza sorprendente per l'ambiente marino e la piacevoezza del clima del guppo questo grazie alla disponibilità di skipper e guida WWF. Quindi un grande grazie a Patrik e Silvia. Mi sono sentito a casa. Una casa infinita e azzurra
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Whale watching cruise with WWF guide between Elba, Pianosa and the canyons of Corsica

06/25/2025

Maria Giuseppina F.

-

Italy

Ho già fatto molte esperienze in barca a vela e mi considero esperta. I miei complimenti vanno a Sailsquare che ha dimostrato di essere una Società con un ventaglio di proposte variegate e tutte interessanti. Speciale ed accattivante la partenership con il WWF. Valido il Capitano, esperto ed attento. Ho scelto apposta la formula Whale Watching per mio figlio 11 enne, convinta di fargli provare la sua prima volta a vela con un connubio perfetto: vento, imparare a veleggiare e conoscere il meraviglioso mondo dei cetacei con personale qualificato ed esperto, rivolto specificatamente ai ragazzi. Insomma tutti gli ingredienti di una vacanza su carta meravigliosa! La realtà è stata molto diversa e lo scrivo con una certa amarezza. In barca a vela si sa e fa parte delle regole scritte da Sailsquare, TUTTI devono collaborare, ma così non è stato. affatto: l'equipaggio era formato da 3 mamme con ragazzini CLIENTI, un capitano con relativo aiuto ed una guida WWF. Mi sono chiesta più volte QUALI FOSSERO REALMENTE I CLIENTI PAGANTI, considerato che il personale prendeva il sole e si dedicava alla lettura mente NOI CLIENTI, ci occupavamo per 1 settimana intera dei piatti, della cucina e di riassettare la barca. Loro non sono stati per nulla fattivi ed operativi, se non qualche caffè. In nome dell'armonia e per rispetto dei bambini si è evitata qualsiasi discussione, ma ciò credo non faccia fare bella figura a questa Organizzazione e non ricalca il reale spirito velico votato alla collaborazione reciproca. Le nozioni veliche, quelle poche che ci sono state, hanno dovuto sempre essere sollecitate da noi clienti. Un gran peccato visto che doveva essere una parte centrale della vacanza. Triste constatare anche il poco e dichiarato orientamento dell'equipaggio verso i bambini . ragazzi, (tutti tra gli 11 e i 12 anni), considerato che doveva essere una vacanza a loro rivolta, raramente coinvolti e mai serviti per primi a tavola, ma rigorosamente dopo il personale! Le aspettative da quanto letto sulla proposta Sailsquare erano di condivisione, racconti ed esperienze di vita sul mondo dei cetacei, che di fatto si sono ridotte a circa 1 ora al giorno con slide proiettate a PC, tipicamente alla sera tardi. L'unica cosa che non è mancata sono le ore di avvistamento a cui ci siamo tutti dedicati con passione, commozione ed attenzione, un po' sfortunati poichè è stato un unico episodio ma impagabile! Sono certa che nel TEAM Sailsquare ci possano essere risorse più attente che sanno trasmettere per la prossima volta un maggior entusiasmo e forse maggiormente volenterose ed empatiche! Sono una persona accomodante e solare, che non ama ruggini nè scontri. Solo per questo ho deciso in barca di volgere lo sguardo alle belle cose da cui eravamo circondati e ad assorbire il valore di questa esperienza. Questa recensione vuole essere costruttiva, poichè non deve inficiare la buona opinione che ho della Società Sailsquare, ma vuole essere un invito a meglio monitorare il proprio personale.

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