Notice to boaters: this is not an article for people with regrets, and it is for those who lovers of adrenaline experiences and strong flavors. A swim with tuna can offer all these sensations, and the good news is that it is possible in Mediterranean waters.
Among the plans that allow soaking with bluefin tuna, is the one proposed by Balfegó in its facilities in the province of Tarragonaand which has been baptized as Tuna Tour.
The adventure begins in the port of L’Ametlla de Mar, a town with a fishing tradition in which a seafaring air is breathed everywhere, in anticipation of what its waters hold and what you can eat in its restaurants.
In a catamaran, the participants of this experience travel to the company’s swimming pools and, during the journey, go knowing details about bluefin tuna hand in hand with the on-board team, such as their biology, physiology and customs. Along the way they delve into some curiosities, such as their favorite food or how they usually swim.
For example, among the most striking data of these giants of the water, is your weight, which can be more than 600 kilos. As for its length, it can reach three meters in length, so that the participants can start thinking about what they will find.
Once in the pools, the options are diverse, all aimed at getting to know these impressive fish. For example, on the coast of L’Ametlla de Mar, five kilometers away, you can practice a snorkeling session to swim above hundreds of tuna, all of them over two meters.
To see them more closely and swim among these specimens, another activity proposes wrapping its participants in a wetsuit and, with an oxygen bottle and weights, dive 20 meters deepsurrounding himself for 30 minutes with large and imposing specimens.
For participants who just want to get started and get a more educational and less sensory reading about these animals, the experience proposes a learning journey for cabin boys of school groups, where they can feed these great fish and learn about their modus vivendi.
Whichever option is chosen, the second part of these activities consists of a Tasting of the delicious tuna in sashimi in order to recover from the adrenaline generated and regain energy, but also to discover on-site its enormous gastronomic value.
A private party among tuna
Another possibility in the waters of this town is to celebrate events and private parties between tunaon board this company’s catamarans, as it offers the service of creating tailored events for its clients, ranging from group dynamics to the creation of relaxing atmospheres.
From the company they emphasize that this proposal is “the only experience in which it is possible to dive with bluefin tuna in their own habitat”, apart from the fact that the activity is supported by a specialized team.
“The adrenaline rush is guaranteed and security too,” they emphasize. Likewise, they assure that age is not an obstacle to having fun with the family, since it is a activity adapted to all audiencesfrom the oldest to the smallest of the house.
Integrated into the local cuisine
Beyond the bluefin tuna tasting offered as part of the experience, once on land, the day dedicated to tuna can be completed with a good agape starring this fish.
According to Balfegó, bluefin tuna has been a prominent food in the Mediterranean diet for centuries thanks to the multiple beneficial properties for health, such as the presence of omega3 fatty acids and its richness in minerals such as selenium, phosphorus and magnesium, and vitamins.
It is also remarkable its value as a protein source of high biological value, not negligible.
“It should be noted that the high selenium content in bluefin tuna it is superior compared to other foods”, they explain in Balfegó, who recall that numerous scientific studies show that selenium is highly beneficial for health.
As they explain, this is so because it is a microelement involved in antioxidant processes and neutralizes the harmful effect of mercury, “which contrary to popular belief, in bluefin tuna is well below the legally permitted amounts.”
Where to complete the tasting
The Molí des avis
El Molí de l’Avi has a menu with a clear star product: bluefin tuna, a product of high gastronomic quality due to its nutritional properties that its chef Josep Margalef works with recipes that try to extract the full potential of this animal in the palate.
C. Andreu Llambrich, nº 74, L’Ametlla de Mar, Tarragona. T. 977 456 404
The Llotja
La Llotja de L’Ametlla de Mar has among its most successful dishes the bluefin tuna, prepared by its chef Marc Miró, outstanding in the kitchen of this small fishing village and trained in direct contact with the fishermen. Tradition and innovation go hand in hand.
C. Sant Roc, 23, L’Ametlla de Mar, Tarragona. T. 977 457 361
The Espai Gastronòmic Auction
This gastronomic corner is a space for creative Mediterranean-style dishes with no pretensions to innovation and with a simple style. However, the commitment to the product and specifically to the jewel of the municipality is assured.
C. Sant Joan, 3, 43860 L’Ametlla de Mar, Tarragona. T. 722 54 64 53
Mestral Restaurant
This restaurant offers elaborate and local cuisine in a quiet and central setting. The establishment works with bluefin tuna on its menu, with surprises such as rice with diced tuna.
C. Sant Joan, 48, 43860 L’Ametlla de Mar, Tarragona. T.679 11 07 73
Cris Cove
This charming restaurant offers homemade tapas and market cuisine, all with a modern touch and background music. Tuna is one of the undoubted protagonists of his menu.
C. Major, 4, L’Ametlla de Mar, Tarragona. T. 877 91 61 88
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Photos | Balfego, [Pixabay](Photo from Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/es-es/foto/human-in-orange-black-swimsuit-in-blue-body-of-water-37530/), Isaac Mijangos/Pexels, Ruslan Khmelevsky/Pexels, Jess Loiterton/Pexels, RODNAE Productions/Pexels and Ichmi/Pixabay
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