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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

Italian

English

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.

Starting from

€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

avatar image

Organised by:

WWF Travel

Member since 2020 -

Organisation

Italian

English

4.7/5

out of

169

reviews

Skipper

Boat

Destination

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Whale watching mini-cruise with WWF guide between Liguria and the French Riviera

07/15/2025

Tecla V.

-

Italy

Very nice and competent WWF skipper and popularizer. Pleasant trip. travel companions too I don't give 5 stars for the simple fact that on the poster presenting the trip it was written return at 4 pm on Sunday, while in reality the trip ended in the morning at 9., and having known it I would have organized myself better with the means of transport.
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Whale watching mini-cruise with WWF guide between Liguria and the French Riviera

07/14/2025

Valentina D.

-

Italy

A super empathetic, prepared and helpful WWF guide, a person who loves his job and transmits enthusiasm to others as well; we learned a lot of interesting things, Skipper also super recommended for sympathy, availability and professionalism in dealing with any unforeseen events. Small note not addressed to the guide who had to comply with the directives, Unfortunately the last of the 3 days we had to go, for research needs, to an area with little probability of sighting, where in fact we did not see anything; Personally, since it was a holiday of only 3 days, I would have avoided losing one. Anyway super recommended.
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Whale watching mini-cruise with WWF guide between Liguria and the French Riviera

07/14/2025

Angelica C.

-

Italy

It was a very beautiful experience, thanks to Andrea and Nicola for allowing us to live it and for the emotions we shared together. An experience that I recommend to everyone!
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Whale watching cruise with WWF guide between Elba, Pianosa and the canyons of Corsica

07/14/2025

Simone O.

-

Italy

Good morning I'm Simone, what can I say, first of all I had wanted to have a different experience than usual and meet new people, and it happened, The one from the sailboat was a fantastic experience where thanks to Silvia, Paolo and Dario they were able to show us the cetaceans, because we were not able to see the whales as well. Silvia was a professional person in her work as a wwf, when it was time to explain or let us watch videos on cetaceans with her PC she was very clear and always chose the right time to give us a lesson not too long or too short, the right I would say and not every day. I would add that Silvia has always made herself available and interested if everything was fine in general or if we understood her about what she explained to us. WELL DONE SILVIA AND THANK YOU VERY MUCH. Paolo, our captain of the sailboat, was a clear person from the start, direct and above all hospitable to us. what about Paolo, who is a professional person, who immediately perceives that the sea is his whole life, and wants to pass on his knowledge and his passion as a sailor to others. GAZIE MILLE PAOLO Dario is the captain's helper, a young guy, helpful and with a great desire to do and learn, and one of the company. I conclude by thanking you and that I would have stayed another 2 or 3 days more. I'm recommending it to all my friends to have such experiences. Have a nice day and see you next time.

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