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Whale watching expedition in the Pelagos Sanctuary with WWF guide

Italy:

Liguria

Duration:

3 days - 3 nights

Max number of passengers:

6 people

Available:

September

Suitable for travellers:

> 5 years

Boarding from:

Viareggio

What's included

Cancellation policy

avatar image

Organised by:

WWF Travel

Member since 2020 -

Organisation

English

Italian

This experience, in a nutshell

Boarding is scheduled at the Port of Viareggio on the first day from 20:00. The boat will not be available before the scheduled time, but you will be able to leave your luggage.

On the morning of the second day, we will set sail early towards the Gulf of Poets, an area of extraordinary beauty located in the Ligurian Levante. We will sail through the coastal waters of La Spezia and the Cinque Terre, where it will not be possible to moor because they are protected areas but still a beautiful spectacle seen from the sea. Our itinerary can be extended to the underwater canyon of Sestri Levante and the Gulf of Tigullio, depending on the weather and sea conditions.
This route focuses on the study of Tursiops truncatus, the bottlenose dolphin, a coastal dolphin symbol of the Mediterranean, with activities dedicated to observation, photoidentification and scientific data collection. In this area, rich in biodiversity, we could also spot other deep-sea species, such as the Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus), while the spectacular cliffs and Ligurian seaside villages will be the setting for our trip.

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 to the satisfaction of the entire crew and to ensure their safety.

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.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY OF THE EXPERIENCE
Easy, suitable for everyone.

OUR SKIPPER
The skipper of this experience will be Gianni Maurizio C. (click on his name to read the reviews he has received from travelers).
The passion for sailing began over 20 years ago. He has taken numerous sailing courses, traveling with children, teenagers and families. Gianni defines himself as extroverted, very patient, good company and also a bit messy when it comes to partying. On board some of his experiences there could be a sailor's help. For some experiences he could be replaced by his trusted partner Cesare G.

€474

3 days - 3 nights

experience image 0experience image 1
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11+

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Boat & Classes of Service

Beneteau First 47 - 2004

Type

Sailboat

Length

14.5 m.

Toilets

2

Cabins

3

boat image 0boat image 1
boat image 2
boat image 3

7+

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Our itinerary

Our trip starts here:

Viareggio.

Check-in: 8:00 PM

Our trip ends here:

Viareggio.

Check-out: 5:00 PM

Our itinerary

Boarding is scheduled at the Port of Viareggio on the first day from 20:00. The boat will not be available before the scheduled time, but you will be able to leave your luggage.

On the morning of the second day, we will set sail early towards the Gulf of Poets, an area of extraordinary beauty located in the Ligurian Levante. We will sail through the coastal waters of La Spezia and the Cinque Terre, where it will not be possible to moor because they are protected areas but still a beautiful spectacle seen from the sea. Our itinerary can be extended to the underwater canyon of Sestri Levante and the Gulf of Tigullio, depending on the weather and sea conditions.
This route focuses on the study of Tursiops truncatus, the bottlenose dolphin, a coastal dolphin symbol of the Mediterranean, with activities dedicated to observation, photoidentification and scientific data collection. In this area, rich in biodiversity, we could also spot other deep-sea species, such as the Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus), while the spectacular cliffs and Ligurian seaside villages will be the setting for our trip.

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 to 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

English

Italian

4.7/5

out of

193

reviews

Skipper

Boat

Destination

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Whale watching cruise with WWF guide between Tuscany and Northern Corse

08/12/2025

Rebecca G.

-

Italy

The first time on a sailing boat was an experience I will not forget. Living a week in the middle of the sea allowed me to adopt a totally different point of view, with the possibility of closely observing the animals that inhabit our seas. Life on a boat requires a certain adaptation, but it was not difficult at all, given the harmony that was created with the rest of the crew, with the skipper and with our WWF guide. An experience to be repeated for sure
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Whale watching cruise with WWF guide between Tuscany and Northern Corse

08/11/2025

Alice Z.

-

Italy

All great but the boat had a problem with the pump and we didn't have any water most of the time. Is there a refund in these cases? Thank you
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Whale watching cruise with researcher between Liguria and the French Riviera

08/10/2025

Claudio F.

-

Italy

Truly splendid experience. Recommended for all cetacean and marine environment enthusiasts. It was an exploration of the sea in search of splendid animals, as imposing as they are delicate. Led by Ivo, a fantastic skipper, who with the help of his son Ludovico (also a great cook) have splendidly taken the boat both to the high seas above underwater canyons between Liguria and France, and to splendid views along the coast where you can end the day with a swim and dinner in the roadstead. Thanks to Alice, a fantastic WWF Travel guide who is passionate, prepared and enthusiastic about the marine world, who with great energy illustrated the aspects of observation, study and research on cetaceans and other marine fauna. Last but not least, thanks to a close-knit group (in which no one knew the other before departure) made up of pleasant, enthusiastic and interesting people, who lived this journey with the same spirit of discovery. And always with an eye on the sea, ready to spot blows and fins!
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Whale watching cruise with researcher between Liguria and the French Riviera

08/10/2025

Daniela M.

-

Germany

It was a wonderful trip from all points of view! Our guide Alice, a fantastic, knowledgeable and passionate person, taught us how to spot cetaceans and her lessons were very interesting and lively! We spotted dolphins every day and the tail of a sperm whale! A unique privilege! The skipper Ivo, his boat, Lodovico and all his crew ... super! I would leave today! It is an experience for those who love animals, cetaceans, the sea, the horizon and nature and want to learn from these wonderful animals and understand the threats to which the Mediterranean Sea and its flora and fauna are unfortunately subjected. Swimming in wonderful waters and snorkleling, sailing and adventure, aperitifs on the boat with a full moon, sunrises and sunsets looking for fins on the horizon! Fair winds!

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