Scuba diving surrounded by Atlantic bluefin tuna is offered at the Costa Daurada in a new ecotourism activity
The Balfegó Group, which captures wild tuna to breed them and sell them to Japan, has launched a new ecotourism project: scuba diving surrounded by the Atlantic bluefin tuna, the world’s largest tuna species and a food delicacy. The ‘Tuna Diving Tour’ is located in L’Ametlla de Mar, on Catalonia’s Costa Daurada. Visitors sail by catamaran to the Balfegó Group’s giant bluefin tuna cages – situated in the middle of sea –, and then dive amongst 400 tuna, some of which are 2 metres long and weigh 250 kg. Each trip involves 20 visitors and they will receive a tour and learn about the process of catching and farming the endangered Atlantic bluefin tuna. The tour starts at 10 am, lasts two hours, and takes place every Sunday throughout the year.
L'Ametlla de Mar (ACN).- Balfegó Group, a company dedicated to the fishing and farming of the Atlantic bluefin tuna has launched a new ecotourism initiative known as the ‘Tuna Diving Tour’. The project enables visitors to scuba dive surrounded by 400 huge tuna in the Costa Daurada, in southern Catalonia. The Atlantic bluefin is the largest tuna species and some male adults can reach more than 4 metres long and weigh over 600 kg. In addition, it is considered a true culinary delicacy, particularly appreciated in Japan where its characteristic red meat is sold at extremely high prices. Balfegó’s tour enables visitors to travel via catamaran to one of the company’s cages, situated in the middle of the sea, and scuba dive amongst these giant fish. Balfegó’s pools contain 400 tuna, some of which are more than 2 metres long and weight more than 250kg. In order to participate in the tour, visitors are required to have the ‘Open Water Diver’ qualification and have previously completed more than 20 dives. The tour lasts 2 hours, starts at 10am, and takes place every Sunday throughout the year. Each trip has capacity for 20 people and the price includes the catamaran ride, the renting of the diving gear (oxygen cylinder, weights, etc.) as well as a professional guide. The pools are located about 5km from the shore, with departures from the fishing town L’Ametlla de Mar.
Balfegó, a company dedicated to fishing, breeding and selling Atlantic bluefish tuna, has created this ecotourism initiative to enable visitors to discover first-hand how these huge fish are kept and bred. Director General of the group, Juan Serrano, has stated that “this diving activity is a further step in our goal of enhancing the attractiveness of the Costa Daurada as a leisure destination”. He explained how they aim “to show the world the history, farming, and gastronomic value of the bluefin tuna, while simultaneously being a sustainable and responsible business”. Tuna fishing and farming directly generates 200 jobs within this area.