WWF TRAVEL SEARCH CRUISES: WHALE WATCHING BUT NOT ONLY!
WWF Travel offers a cruise on a sailing boat where travelers will be involved in WWF scientific research activities for the protection of the Mediterranean megafauna. A sea and navigation experience accompanied by WWF researchers , where you can learn to observe, identify and protect, with strictly non-invasive methods, the cetaceans of our seas.
For travelers it will be an opportunity to enjoy naturalistic and marine beauties , to have fun in the most beautiful seas of the Mediterranean and at the same time to develop skills of great scientific interest such as:
• naturalistic photography techniques and photo-identification techniques
• monitoring methodologies
• behavior sampling techniques
• use of research instruments : GPS, navigation software, binoculars with reticles, video camera and BORIS software for the acquisition of surface behavioral data.
The atmosphere that reigns on the boat is serene and informal and the daily activities, in agreement with the skipper and the researcher, will be modulated and variable according to the weather and sea conditions and the identification of itineraries that lend themselves extemporaneously to scientific research. For this reason, as a crew, we will need to be flexible and to understand that working with animals in nature cannot be 100% planned ... but this is precisely the beauty of a cruise that has a scientific research component!
WHY CHOOSE WWF TRAVEL?
1) RESPONSIBLE TOURISM : we are among the founding members of AITR, the Italian Association of Responsible Tourism; for us, making a trip means first of all implementing all good practices aimed at respecting the environment , local communities and supporting the protection of biodiversity; 2) COMPETENCE and KNOWLEDGE : we give enormous value to competence in fact the WWF researchers all come from naturalistic training courses, but above all they have a very clear goal, that is to give depth to the emotions experienced on board and ensure that your wealth of knowledge is much heavier when returning from an experience with WWF, enriching with details every moment lived in search of the inhabitants of the sea. 3) FUN AND PLEASURE : we never forget that we are talking about holidays. We want to get to know the nature that surrounds us better, but we want to do it by enjoying the beauty of the places we are visiting and appreciating the pleasure of sharing the experience with our travel companions in a cheerful and relaxed atmosphere .
PLACES AND ITINERARY
We will leave from Rosignano Marittimo, (LI), for the Island of Elba, in its circumnavigation among its coves, or, if the weather permits, we will head towards Macinaggio, Capo Corso, Corsica. We will meet white beaches, crystal clear water, rocks and wonderful views. Corsica is a wild and unspoiled island, interrupted by small villages, which will fascinate us. On our return, we will head to the island of Capraia for one night, and then return to Cala De Medici. Do you want to get excited with little? Fun and healthy life on the boat are also waiting for you, including aperitifs, dinners under the stars and swimming in natural pools, respecting the environment, with new and old friends.
Note: in case the weather does not allow it, there is always as an itinerary, the circumnavigation of the beautiful Island of Elba with coves, transparent and pristine water, with lively ports and a great desire to have fun in the evening!
OUR SKIPPER
The skipper of this experience will be Gianni Maurizio : click on his name to read the reviews he 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 an extrovert, very patient, good company and even a bit of a mess when it's time to party. For some experiences he could be replaced by his trusted partner Francesco.
COVID FREE HOLIDAY
In the case of mixed crews (no families or pre-established groups), the participants of this holiday will be required to exhibit a negative result certificate of rapid antigen swab , carried out in the 48 hours prior to departure. Quick swabs can be made at the pharmacy and provide the result in 15 minutes, reservations are often required. Alternatively, it is necessary to present a vaccination certificate certifying complete vaccination (two doses, where required).
1st May - Whale watching expedition with WWF guide in the Pelagos Sanctuary - boarding in Viareggio
05/6/2025
Angelina F.
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Italy
È stata un’esperienza meravigliosa. La barca pulita, spaziosa e confortevole. Skipper super professionale e completamente dedicato all’esperienza. La guida WWF preparata e disponibile per ogni chiarimento e richieste di approfondimento sui temi che sono stati trattati. Tanta voglia di ripetere l’esperienza prima possibile.
Skipper
Boat
Destination
1st May - Whale watching expedition with WWF guide in the Pelagos Sanctuary - boarding in Viareggio
05/5/2025
Alessia G.
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Italy
Esperienza ottima!! Barca molto comoda e spaziosa; equipaggio simpatico e collaborativo; skipper socievole, disponibile, molto attento e premuroso rispetto alle possibilità date dalla variabilità meteorologica e al benessere dell’equipaggio; guida a bordo super, molto chiara, simpatica, preparata e disponibile a chiarimenti e curiosità. Esperienza assolutamente consigliata e da ripetere quanto prima possibile!
Skipper
Boat
Destination
1st May - Whale watching expedition with WWF guide in the Pelagos Sanctuary - boarding in Viareggio
05/5/2025
Giulia C.
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Italy
Quattro giorni in paradiso! La nostra guida WWF era molto preparata e disponibile; e' stato indimenticabile (e inaspettato) avvistare così tante specie nel nostro mare! La barca era comoda e spaziosa e le lezioni sui cetacei molto interessante. Bella atmosfera a bordo, esperienza consigliatissima per gli amanti degli animali e della sostenibilità!
Skipper
Boat
Destination
1 May: Whale watching cruise with WWF guide between Liguria and the French Riviera
05/5/2025
Thomas C.
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France
Nicola notre skipper, et Ilaria la guide du WWF ont été super, nous avons passé une croisière inoubliable. Nous avons pu voir des dauphins tous les jours, et avons partagés des moments magnifiques sur le bateau.