WWF EXPEDITION 2021: research campaign on marine megafauna in the Pontine archipelago, in search of the Sperm Whale.
After the enormous success of the 20-day expedition off Carloforte, the WWF has decided to continue with other expeditions , which differ from each other in terms of destinations and duration, for the purpose of scientific research for the protection of the marine megafauna, including also some endangered cetaceans.
On board these expeditions, WWF will send biologists, naturalists and ethologists aboard an 18-meter schooner, to discover unexplored waters to better understand the impact that man could have had, and could have in the future, on the megafauna. marina of the place.
The goal is therefore to research and monitor the megafauna - Cetaceans, Turtles and Sharks - in this area off the Lazio coast, the ideal habitat of the largest predator in the world: the Sperm Whale . All with specific instrumentation and equipment (drones, hydrophones, cameras and video cameras) to study the distribution and behavior of these wonderful and very important animals and to collect fundamental data to evaluate their presence.
This is a real research expedition, departing from Anzio , which will help the entire scientific community to have valuable information on an unexplored area that could represent a biodiversity hotspot and a very important area of feeding, migration and reproduction for whales. , dolphins, turtles and sharks.
Participating in this expedition is a unique and unrepeatable experience , which will allow 8 travelers to support, in a very important WWF research project, a professional who every day is committed to the protection of marine fauna and the ecosystem in general.
IS IT AN EXPERIENCE FOR EVERYONE?
Yes, in the sense that anyone can get on board this experience, the important thing is to be at ease on a boat and know that it will be a wonderful experience but with rhythms dictated by the real protagonists of this adventure: the cetaceans and other marine animals. There will therefore be navigation and sailing but also moments of fun and strong complicity within the crew, which is united by a common mission: to search and monitor cetaceans to give them the opportunity to continue living undisturbed in their natural habitat. .
THE SKIPPER AND THE BOAT
The skipper of this experience will be Francesco N .. On board with Francesco there will also be his co-skipper and at least two expert biologists / naturalists or ethologists sent by the WWF and other international bodies. For those who wish during the experience it will be possible to learn sailing notions with a small course held by the skipper .
Sailing with Francesco means taking a step back in time, it means experiencing those emotions that only history with its traditions can give you. Lie on the deck, eyes closed, the sun warming your face and feel the gentle roll of the boat as it safely plows through the water. The schooner is in fact built entirely of wood and designed for an environmental awareness project on the theme of plastic in the sea. The guest cabins are two doubles (of which only one is "closed"), one triple (with double berth + 1 single) and one quadruple with 4 single berths. This boat is deliberately spartan but very charming , so the small price to pay is the lack of some comforts: there is no 220v (therefore it is not possible to use the hairdryer on board) and it does not dispense hot water.
GREEN PASS MANDATORY
Participants of this holiday will be required to show a valid green pass.
SHIPMENT CONFIRMATION
This expedition will start with a minimum number of 6 people, so that WWF can at least partially cover the costs of the expedition. From experience on past expeditions, people who board this type of experience often travel alone. The advice is, if interested, to book even at a minimum number NOT yet reached , as it has happened several times to have an adequate number of interested parties but no one who takes the first step, perhaps frightened by the possibility of not reaching the minimum number. Even after booking, as long as the holiday is not confirmed (ie it will have a minimum of 6 people on board) it will be possible to receive a TOTAL REFUND , in the event that the number of 6 people is not reached.
No Departures available
What's included
Cancellation policy
No Departures available
Italy: 3 days - 3 nights
Pontine Islands
What's included
Cancellation policy
No Departures available
7+
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Boat & Classes of Service
Westegard Boats Schooner 60 - 2016
Type
Sailboat
Length
18.14 m.
Toilets
2
Cabins
4
10+
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The Boat
Construction 2016.Wooden schooner, auric rig, traditional constructionLength. On deck. mt.18,14 larg. mt.4,67 draught mt. 2.49Comfort: 2 double cabins, 1 triple cabin and 1 quadruple cabin (total 11 berths for guests); 2 bathrooms, dinette, kitchen with oven. Instruments: compass, VHF, Navionics GPS, manual windlass, awning, dinghy with outboard. FTP 100hp naturally aspirated engine
What you will find on board
outdoor equipment
tender/dinghy
outboard engine
bimini/awning
deck shower
cockpit cushions
cockpit table
teak cockpit
teak deck
bow sundeck
extra comforts
heating
electric toilet
skipper cabin
kitchen
fridge
double refrigerator
freezer
oven
cooker
leisure activities
paddleboard/SUP
snorkeling equipment
diving equipment
navigation equipment
External cartographic GPS
Internal cartographic GPS
VHF
onboard energy
inverter
220V electric socket/power socket
USB jacks
solar panels
Our itinerary
Our trip starts here:
Anzio, RM, Italia.
Check-in: 6:00 PM
Our trip ends here:
Anzio, RM, Italia.
Check-out: 4:00 PM
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.
Long weekend of whale watching with WWF guide on an 18-meter schooner
10/2/2025
Marco C.
-
Italy
Unforgettable experience aboard the Schooner Mahayana.
An essential and shared life on board.
Thanks to Captain Francesco, his crew and WWF guide Ilaria, a serene and pleasant atmosphere was established with all guests from the beginning.
Browsing great places.
Educational experience on the marine environment with a focus on cetaceans and environmental impact.
As a first experience we particularly appreciated the pace of navigation, the life on board and the company.
Skipper
Boat
Destination
Long weekend of whale watching with a WWF guide between the Amalfi Coast, Ischia and Capri
09/28/2025
Valerie D.
-
France
Very nice experience, the boat is comfortable, the whole group was kind.
Every day Ilaria made us aware of the life and environment of cetaceans, and their preservation. It was instructive.
Rocco is a captain like no other! Very professional, you feel totally safe. Observation, anchoring in the port, swimming... A very good time out of time!
Thank you to Rocco, Ilaria, and the other participants for this moment and their kindnesses.
Skipper
Boat
Destination
Long weekend of whale watching with WWF guide on an 18-meter schooner
09/27/2025
giulia c.
-
Italy
It was just an experience out of the ordinary and for this reason, wonderful. Thank you so much to all the staff!
Long weekend of whale watching with WWF guide on an 18-meter schooner
09/24/2025
Isaia N.
-
Italy
It was a great experience, a group of nice, sociable and collaborative people.