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

Italy:

Tuscany

Duration:

6 days - 6 nights

Max number of passengers:

10 people

Available:

August - September

Boarding from:

Punta Ala

What's included

Cancellation policy

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Organised by:

WWF Travel

Member since 2020 -

Organisation

English

Italian

This experience, in a nutshell

This sailing cruise in the heart of the Pelagos Sanctuary is an invitation to explore and protect the Mediterranean from a unique perspective, accompanied by whale watching guides from WWF Italy. Boarding an 18-meter wooden schooner, you will immerse yourself in an experience that goes beyond simple navigation: you will become an active part of a scientific mission dedicated to the protection of marine megafauna.

The waters of northern Corsica and south of the Tuscan Archipelago, near the islands of Giglio, Giannutri and Montecristo, are home to rare and fascinating cetaceans such as the Cuvier's beaked whale and the common dolphin. Here, guided by experts, you will learn techniques for observing and identifying cetaceans, using strictly non-invasive methods. From nature photography and photo-identification technique, to behavior monitoring and sampling methodologies, you will develop skills of great scientific value. On board, the equipment is that of real researchers: GPS, binoculars with reticles, video cameras and the BORIS software for behavior analysis, as well as a hydrophone, which will allow you to listen to the sounds of the sea and experience the thrill of both day and night acoustic monitoring.

Each day will be a variable experience, adapted to the weather and sea conditions and the movements of marine fauna. In a serene and informal atmosphere, you will share with the crew not only the search activities but also the small daily tasks on board, such as cooking or tidying up, maintaining the spirit of sharing that makes these cruises unique.

This is not a luxury holiday, but an authentic adventure where direct contact with nature and its rhythm will teach you the value of patience and flexibility: sometimes the observations will require longer navigations, but each sighting will be an unforgettable moment. Join us to discover, listen and contribute to the protection of an extraordinary ecosystem, on a journey that combines exploration, sustainability and science in one of the most spectacular and biodiverse areas of the Mediterranean.


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, it means having an aperitif always watching 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 Francesco N. (click on his name to read reviews left by other travellers). On board with Francesco you may find 1 or 2 crew members who will help him during the navigation. 
Sailing with Francesco means taking a step back in time, to experience those emotions that only history with its traditions can give you. Lie down on the deck, eyes closed, the sun warming your face and feel the gentle roll of the boat as it safely plows the water. In fact, the schooner is built entirely of wood and was designed for an environmental project to raise awareness on the issue of plastic in the sea. For those who wish, during the experience it will be possible to learn sailing notions with a small course held by the skipper.

€989

6 days - 6 nights

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18+

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Boat & Classes of Service

Westegard Boats Schooner 60 - 2016

Type

Gulet

Length

18.14 m.

Toilets

2

Cabins

4

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11+

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Our itinerary

Our trip starts here:

Punta Ala.

Check-in: 7:00 PM

Our trip ends here:

Punta Ala.

Check-out: 3:00 PM

Our itinerary

The cruise will depart from the port of Punta Ala, taking participants on a unique journey in the southern waters of the Pelagos Sanctuary, a crucial area for cetacean conservation. The navigation will be concentrated in the area south of the islands of Giglio, Giannutri and Montecristo, an extraordinary natural habitat where it is also possible to spot fascinating and rare marine species, such as the Cuvier's beaked whale and the common dolphin. Depending on the marine weather conditions and depending on the routes chosen for whale watching, it will also be possible to reach Northern Corsica.
The crystal clear waters of the Tuscan archipelago and Corsica will offer an unforgettable experience: white beaches, transparent waters, picturesque villages and unspoiled nature to explore between sighting sessions. 

The itinerary may vary according to weather and sea conditions and is decided by the skipper in collaboration with the WWF guide. Each route promises unforgettable moments of discovery and wonder: decisions regarding the route are made for the satisfaction of the entire crew and to ensure their safety

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

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Organised by:

WWF Travel

Member since 2020 -

Organisation

English

Italian

4.6/5

out of

209

reviews

Skipper

Boat

Destination

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

08/26/2025

Pamela S.

-

Italy

Without a shadow of a doubt one of the most intense and significant experiences of my life. Six days of pure life on the open sea with wonderful people. Captain, sailors and WWF guide, the legendary Laura, were impeccable, welcoming, professional and great company. A special mention must be made for the wonderful boat that has been home during this adventure: a simple boat in its complexity with an extraordinary history, a boat that is the bearer of a great message to protect our seas. Cathartic experience made up of science, knowledge, cetacean sightings, dives, aperitifs and moments of pure relaxation between crew members and participants. I strongly recommend it to those who want to immerse themselves in a dimension of simplicity, of a very strong connection with nature, to those who want to get excited with endless sunsets and sunrises that are born shy of the horizon of the sea, to those who want to get involved and re-evaluate their position in our ecosystem. Cast off the moorings and let yourself be carried away, you will not regret it! To be repeated as soon as possible!
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Whale watching cruise with WWF guide for children 14-17 on an 18-meter schooner

08/26/2025

gabriele q.

-

Italy

My daughter came back enthusiastic and happy
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Whale watching cruise with WWF guide on an 18-meter schooner between Tuscany and Corsica

08/26/2025

Fabiana V.

-

Italy

The WWF guide on board made the difference with his expertise, cetacean lessons, sympathy and guitars. The boat is beautiful but not as comfortable. Unfortunately, the weather did not help and we were unable to reach the set destinations.
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Whale watching cruise with WWF guide between Tuscany and Northern Corse

08/25/2025

Pietro N.

-

Italy

The weather has in fact decided that the cruise should last less than half of what was expected. Beautiful trip idea and super prepared and passionate wwf guide. Total lack of feeling with the skipper who, in my humble opinion, does not relate well with the people who have paid to be there anyway, and who have an interest in enjoying the experience to the fullest.

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