This sailing cruise in the Pontine Archipelago and the Phlegraean Islands offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore and protect the Mediterranean from a unique perspective, flanked by whale watching guides from WWF Italy. Boarding a wooden schooner, Ambassador of the Le Vele del Panda project, you will experience an adventure that combines navigation, scientific research and sustainability, transforming you into active protagonists of a mission dedicated to the protection of marine megafauna.
The crystal clear waters surrounding the islands of Ponza, Ventotene, Palmarola and Zannone offer the ideal setting for the observation of striped dolphins, acrobatic protagonists of the open seas, and, with a bit of luck, of the great diving champions of the Mediterranean: the sperm whale, master of depth, and the Cuvier's beaked whale, the most enigmatic of cetaceans. Accompanied by experts, you will learn to recognize species and understand their behaviors using rigorous and non-invasive techniques. On board you will develop valuable scientific skills: from nature photography to photo-identification technique, up to acoustic monitoring with the hydrophone, which will allow you to listen to the sounds of the sea, both day and night.
Each day will be different, influenced by weather and sea conditions and the movement of animals, in an experience that combines science and adventure. Life on board, simple but rich, will be characterized by sharing and collaboration: you will participate not only in research activities but also in small daily tasks, such as cooking or tidying up, creating a convivial and authentic atmosphere.
This expedition is not a luxury holiday, but a total immersion in nature, an opportunity to discover a fascinating ecosystem and contribute to its protection. Observations can take long hours of navigation and patience, but each sighting will reward you with unforgettable emotions. Join us to sail through the Pontine Islands, discover the great blue and contribute to the conservation of the extraordinary species that inhabit it, on a journey that combines exploration, sustainability and scientific passion.
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 wild nature: 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 sailing: 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 (if the season allows it!), it means having an aperitif while always watching the sunset, dining under the stars and enjoying moments of pure fun and relaxation.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY OF THE EXPERIENCE
Easy, suitable for everyone.
OUR SKIPPER
The skipper of this experience will be Marco D., an expert in the area and of whom you can read more curiosities by clicking on his name.
In exceptional cases, one of your employees may be on board.
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.
