Whale Watching Sailing Adventure in Sanremo: Hands-On Helm

Take the helm and spot whales in the Mediterranean

A 4-hour whale watching and sailing activity in the Pelagos Sanctuary near Sanremo, where you participate in hands-on sailing maneuvers aboard the S/Y Physalie while observing marine life under the guidance of skipper Alberto Marco Gattoni. The experience follows strict eco-friendly whale watching guidelines and includes marine education on cetacean behavior and navigation techniques. Year-round availability requires advance reservation. Snacks are provided, and the guide speaks English, Italian, or French.

The experience

The S/Y Physalie is a 40-foot sailing vessel where you don't just watch. You actively sail. Under skipper Alberto Marco Gattoni's instruction, you take shifts at the helm, learning navigation techniques and participating in maneuvers while the boat moves through the Pelagos Sanctuary. The activity balances hands-on sailing with observation: you're responsible for part of the work, which means you're paying attention to the water, the wind, and the behavior of the marine life around you rather than sitting back as a passenger.

The whale watching follows the High Quality Whale Watching label standards, meaning the approach prioritizes the animals' wellbeing over spectacle. Skipper Gattoni combines his experience as a sailor with naturalist knowledge, so the education isn't separate from the sailing. It's woven through the 4-hour expedition. You'll learn why cetaceans behave as they do, what you're seeing in real time, and how navigation and marine conservation connect. The eco-friendly framework means the boat operates within guidelines designed to minimize disturbance to the animals and their habitat.

The experience runs year-round, though you'll need to book in advance. Snacks are included. The skipper conducts the tour in English, Italian, or French depending on the group. Service animals are welcome, and the activity suits all fitness levels, though the boat requires participants to weigh under 130kg. Infants must sit on an adult's lap during the sailing.

What’s included

• Hands-on sailing instruction and helm time.
• marine education on cetacean behavior and navigation.
• snacks.
• live guide in English, Italian, or French.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (13 to 85 years) · Child (under 13)

GroupUp to 9

Live guideEnglish, French and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Battibaleno

Is this one for you?The activity requires active participation at the helm and several hours on the water, so it suits sailors and non-sailors who are comfortable taking a turn steering and don't need a passive observation experience. If you want to learn sailing basics while whale watching rather than simply ride along, this is the version built for that.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What does "hands-on sailing" mean on this whale watching trip?

You take turns at the helm under the skipper's supervision, actively steering the S/Y Physalie and participating in sailing maneuvers rather than observing from a seat. This keeps you engaged with the boat's movement and the water around you throughout the 4-hour expedition.

How does the eco-friendly approach work during whale watching?

The S/Y Physalie follows strict guidelines that prioritize the animals' wellbeing, maintaining safe distances and minimizing disturbance. The High Quality Whale Watching label certifies this standard, and skipper Gattoni's naturalist background means the education reinforces why these practices matter.

What is the Pelagos Sanctuary?

The Pelagos Sanctuary is a protected marine area in the Mediterranean where cetaceans live year-round. The waters near Sanremo fall within this sanctuary, making it a consistent location for whale and dolphin observation.

How long is the full experience?

The expedition lasts 4 hours from departure to return. Snacks are included during the sail.