There is a stretch of the Mediterranean where the sea suddenly becomes deep, where the continental shelf gives way to submerged canyons where the blue changes hue. It is the Otranto Channel, a natural gateway between the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea, an ecological corridor of extraordinary importance for marine megafauna.
It is in these areas that the new 2026 route of WWF Cruises will come to life: from Brindisi, following the routes of the open sea to the north-western side of the island of Corfu, with stops in the wild and sparsely inhabited islands of Othonoi and Erikousa. A journey that combines sailing, scientific research, total immersion in the most authentic dimension of the Mediterranean, without giving up dives and baths in beautiful bays.
These waters are frequented by emblematic and vulnerable species, including large deep divers. Here lives the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), the largest predator of our sea, a symbol of depth, silence and power. Next to him, it is not uncommon to meet striped dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and other toothed whales that populate this rich and complex stretch of sea. During the week, navigation will be dedicated to observation and data collection, according to the Citizen Science protocols of the Le Vele del Panda project. Each sighting becomes knowledge, each participant an active part of the search.
One of the most evocative moments of the cruise will be the night crossing, scheduled on the outward or return journey. Sailing at night means turning off the artificial lights and leaving room for the sky: a rare experience, in which the stars appear with a clarity impossible to observe from the coast, while the sea flows silently under the boat.
The atmosphere on board will be simple and convivial: you will be an integral part of the crew, sharing not only the passion for the sea, but also the daily tasks, such as cooking or tidying up, to fully experience the spirit of collaboration and adventure.
Join us to discover this new route, accompanied by a guide from WWF Italy, in a destination that combines the beauty of the Mediterranean with the possibility of making a concrete contribution to the protection of biodiversity. This journey will give you authentic emotions, new skills and a deeper connection with the sea and its inhabitants.
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 as soon as you wake up, it means having an aperitif while always watching the sunset, dining under the stars and enjoying moments of pure fun and relaxation.
OUR SKIPPER
The skipper of this experience will be
Rocco B. (click on his name to read reviews left by other travellers). A sailor before being a skipper, he cannot do without the sea as well as sharing his passion with his family but also with new friends he met on board.
For those who wish, it will be possible to learn sailing notions during the experience.
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.