Certificate Program
Whale
Watching Guide
How to protect marine megafauna and develop sustainable tourism.
March 2026 | Online + On-Sea | 20 Modules
Duration
6 months
On-Sea Experience
3 Days - Italy
*all included
Certificate
Whale Watching Guide International Certification
The world's leading and most comprehensive whale watching program.
You’ve always been an enthusiast. It’s time to become a certified whale watching guide.
Whale Watching activities:
the current scenario
Whale watching has become a global phenomenon, attracting millions of people who seek to experience the majesty of marine life in its natural habitat. Today it is practiced in more than 119 countries, generating tourism revenues and creating jobs for guides, biologists, and conservationists.
Modern tours are not only recreational experiences but powerful educational tools: guides help travelers understand ecosystems, face the threats of pollution and climate change, and experience the sea with respect.
Each sighting is a privilege — and a reminder that our choices decide the future of the oceans.
From curiosity to commitment:
their stories speak louder than any words.
Who is it for
STUDENTS
pursuing a career in marine biology or environmental science who want to move from theory to practice.
BIOLOGISTS
Scientists and Guides who want to learn new research methods, monitoring tools, and strategies for sustainable marine tourism.
NATURE LOVERS
eager to turn their passion into meaningful action and protect marine biodiversity responsibly.
Faculty
A multidisciplinary team of WWF researchers, marine biologists, and whale watching professionals sharing the best scientific and field expertise in sustainable marine tourism.
Program Structure
Program’s three pillars:
1
Discovering Mediterranean Marine Wildlife
2
Management and Conservation of Marine Wildlife
3
Monitoring Techniques & Scientific Data Collection
Whale Watching Guide
On-Sea Experience
On-Sea Experience
An intensive weekend aboard a WWF Panda Sails fleet boat, dedicated to networking and interacting with marine biologists and whale-watching experts. During the OnSea Experience, you will apply the skills you have learned in real-life conditions, learning to identify species, interpret behaviors, collecting scientific data and ensure safe and responsible observation.
Skills you will acquire
The Whale Watching Guide Certificate Program will equip you with essential scientific, operational, and communication skills to work in sustainable marine tourism and marine wildlife conservation.
Recognize and understand marine wildlife
while gaining a deeper understanding of their behavior and ecological roles.
Lead ethical and sustainable tours
by planning and conducting whale watching activities that ensure both participant safety and marine well-being.
Apply scientific research methods
using field monitoring, data collection, and analysis techniques to support conservation projects.
Communicate and raise public awareness
by engaging participants and promoting responsible behaviour through effective storytelling and education.
Career opportunities
The program opens new paths in the growing field of sustainable marine tourism. Whether you’re already working in this area and want to expand your expertise, or you’re looking to start a new career connected to the ocean, you’ll gain the skills and credentials to take on roles such as:
Certified Whale Watching Guide
leading whale-watching excursions for specialized tour operators, ensuring participant safety and adherence to environmental regulations.
Sustainability & Eco-tourism Consultant
offering consulting services to tourism businesses to promote sustainable marine experiences, integrating conservation practices and environmental responsibility.
Marine Wildlife Educator
collaborating with research organizations, NGOs, and educational institutions to raise awareness and disseminate scientific knowledge about marine biodiversity.
Operator in Marine Protected Areas
collaborating with public agencies, marine parks, and nature reserves to manage, monitor, and protect marine wildlife and organizing educational programs for visitors and locals.
Certification
At the end of the course, participants who have demonstrated active participation in the live sessions and in the Challenge will receive a certificate of course completion.
This edition
common dolphin edition
Each edition of "Whale Watching Guide" is named after a species iconic to our extraordinary natural heritage. Each living thing, from plants to animals, contributes uniquely to the balance of nature and is a crucial element in the richness of biodiversity.
Through each edition, we spread this awareness: all species deserve respect, protection and care, to ensure a healthy and sustainable future for future generations.
How to apply
Fill out the application form
Read this brochure to discover all the details of the program
1
Book a free call with our
Admissions Team for any questions
3
Become
part of EIIS!
4
Get feedback from our Scientific Committee
Evaluation Criteria
Our course participants are people who embody the values we consider indispensable in a stimulating and inclusive learning environment:
-
a passion for the topic
-
a willingness to contribute actively to discussions
-
a desire to take every opportunity to collaborate freely and respectfully, expressing their ideas and points of view.
If you recognize yourself in these values, no previous academic background or specific professional experience is needed; you are exactly the person we are looking for.
Welcome to EIIS
At EIIS, people come together to achieve environmental, social and economic sustainability through education, research, constant experimentation and a network of excellence. There are no students and professors, only people willing to play an active role in today's society; there are no companies and suppliers, only people willing to work together for a better future.
The EIIS method:
Challenge based learning
Diversity
Entertainment
Widespread campus
Proud member of M4D Secretariat
www.m4d.org
EIIS CAMPUS
Palazzo Taverna, Rome
cHALLENGE bASED LEARNING
Our approach focuses on learning through engaging challenges. Participants, divided into teams, will solve real problems from companies and organizations, our partners, to develop practical skills and critical thinking.
diversity
We value diversity of cultures and experiences.
Each of our courses presents an inclusive environment in which participants interact and collaborate with people from different countries and backgrounds, learning to understand, and appreciate, opinions very different from their own.
entertainment
We firmly believe that learning, meant as a journey to which everyone is invited, must necessarily come through fun and entertainment.
To deliver content effectively, we use innovative educational methods that make the overall experience more engaging and memorable.
widespread Campus
Wherever there is a desire to learn, interact, and have meaningful experiences, there is our campus. In this boundless space, learning merges with adventure, and unrepeatable opportunities for growth and discovery arise.
Our Network
To connect people and create value, we design and develop innovative Education pathways on the key topics of Sustainability. Through active collaboration
with companies, leading organizations,
and international experts, we create courses that go beyond theory, preparing participants to address
today's most relevant challenges
Our Summit
The European Innovation and Sustainability Summit, designed and developed by EIIS, is an international event dedicated to companies and individuals who believe that sustainability is achieved through innovative processes, products and behaviors.
The Summit's goal is to offer a fresh look at the future by sharing new ideas and concrete solutions.
Free access to the EIIS Summit
Commitment
to the SDGs
EIIS is committed to achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out in the United Nations 2030 Agenda in 2015.
At the core of the Certificate Program "Business and Human Rights" are all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, considering the topics covered specifically, by participating in this course you can contribute to the achievement of the following goals:
Do you have any questions?
Palazzo Taverna
For further information send an email to education@eiis.it with object “Whale Watching Guide” or book a call with our Admission Team.
