Barcelona: Tuna Baths in the Ebro Delta Route and Olive Tree Tour

If you’re looking for a unique blend of marine adventure and land-based cultural exploration in Catalonia, this tour from Salou offers just that. For around $341 per person, you’ll spend 8 hours discovering the fascinating world of bluefin tuna in their natural habitat and then wandering through the centuries-old olive groves of Ulldecona. This private experience is guided by a knowledgeable host, with the flexibility to tailor the day to your pace.

What we love about this experience are two things in particular: first, the chance to swim among giant tuna—something that’s rare and genuinely thrilling—and second, the opportunity to taste fresh, millennia-old olive oils right where they’re produced. These intimate, behind-the-scenes moments make it feel more like a day with friends than a standard tour.

A single consideration is that the day’s schedule is quite packed, so if you prefer a more relaxed pace or more time in each spot, this might feel a little rushed. But overall, it suits travelers who want a blend of adventure and culture in one day, especially those eager to experience something outside the usual tourist trail.

If you’re keen on marine life, enjoy culinary tastings, or want a private guide to show you the highlights of southern Catalonia, this tour offers a well-rounded, memorable outing.

Key Points

• Unique marine experience swimming with bluefin tuna in their natural habitat.
• Includes a catamaran ride for a scenic crossing to the tuna pools.
• Cultural visit to Ulldecona’s ancient olive groves and oils.
• Tasting of fresh tuna sashimi and millenary olive oils enhances the experience.
• Flexible private tour with pickup from your hotel in Salou.
• Family-friendly and suitable for curious travelers wanting a full-day adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Ebro Delta and Ulldecona: A Day of Marine and Land Wonders

This tour strikes a compelling balance, combining a marine adventure with culture. We’ll start with the exciting prospect of swimming among bluefin tunas—a true highlight. These majestic fish can weigh up to 250 kilos and measure over two meters long, making the chance to observe them up close quite extraordinary. Watching these creatures glide effortlessly in their large pools is fascinating, but what makes this experience stand out is the opportunity to swim with them—an activity that’s rare and not widely available elsewhere.

What to Expect at the Tuna Pools

Your day begins in Salou, with pickup arranged by your guide. The roughly 45-minute drive to L’Ampolla sets the stage for the adventure ahead. Once aboard the catamaran, you’ll enjoy a quick 20-minute crossing while watching an informative video about tuna biology and fishing techniques. This sets a good foundation, especially if you’re new to the subject.

Arriving at the Balfegó tuna pools, you’ll see around 300 tuna specimens swimming in spacious tanks. These fish are impressive—up to 2.5 meters long and 250 kilos—and observing them in a semi-natural environment is both educational and inspiring. After a brief safety briefing, the real fun begins: snorkeling among these giants. For about an hour, you’ll glide through the water, witnessing their sleek movements and powerful fins up close.

One of the reviews highlights how “swimming with the tuna was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” emphasizing how this activity offers a rare glimpse into marine life that’s usually hidden beneath the surface. The activity is designed for all skill levels, with instructors providing guidance.

The Tasting and Return Journey

After the snorkeling, you’ll reboard the catamaran and set off back towards the port of L’Ametlla de Mar. During this 25-minute return, you’ll enjoy a delicious tasting of Balfegó bluefin tuna sashimi, served with wasabi and soy sauce, paired with a drink. This moment not only satisfies your palate but also offers an educational perspective on the quality and culinary value of the tuna.

Transition to the Olive Grove Experience

From marine life to ancient history, the next part of your day takes you northward to Ulldecona. This small town, situated by the Sénia River in the Montsià region, boasts over 1,300 millenary olive trees—the largest concentration in the world. Visiting the Arión Museum and walking among monumental olive trees like the 1,700-year-old Farga I makes this a truly special land-based experience.

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Olive Trees and Tasting

The guided visit here is both educational and sensory. You’ll learn about traditional olive cultivation and production, then taste varietal and millenary oils produced on-site. The oils are remarkably flavorful, with reviews praising how the tasting “really opened my eyes to the depth of flavor an olive oil can have.” It’s a rare chance to connect the cultural significance of olive trees with the culinary delights they produce.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those interested in marine biology, food, and history. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate small-group, private tours that allow for a more personalized pace. Families, couples, or groups with a sense of adventure and curiosity will find this day both fun and enriching.

The Practicalities: From Transportation to Cost

Transport is comfortably arranged in a vehicle suited to your group size, with pickup and drop-off included, making logistics effortless. The tour is strictly private, which means you won’t be sharing with strangers, allowing for a more relaxed experience.

At $341 per person, the price reflects a full day of diverse activities—snorkeling, boat rides, tastings, and cultural visits. When you consider the cost of individual activities, especially the seafood tasting and private guide, the overall value becomes clearer. It’s not just a sightseeing trip; it’s a curated experience that emphasizes authenticity and personal connection.

The tour’s flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind, and the option to reserve now and pay later adds convenience for planning.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For travelers eager to see and do something different, this tour delivers. The chance to swim among large tuna is a rare experience, and combining it with a visit to ancient olive groves creates a well-rounded day. It’s especially suited for those who value small-group intimacy and want a culturally rich yet adventurous outing.

While it’s quite a full itinerary, it’s a rewarding way to maximize a day in Catalonia without feeling rushed. If marine life, culinary experiences, and historical landscapes appeal to you, this tour is a wonderful choice.

On the other hand, if you prefer more leisure time or a slower pace, you might find the schedule a bit tight. Also, keep in mind that snorkeling activities require a bit of comfort in water, but instructors are there to guide you.

In essence, this tour offers an exciting, authentic slice of Catalonia’s marine and land-based treasures—ideal for curious, adventurous travelers ready to explore beyond the usual.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Salou to L’Ampolla?
The trip takes approximately 45 minutes, making it a manageable and comfortable start to your day.

Is snorkeling among tuna suitable for all skill levels?
Yes, it’s designed for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike, with guidance provided to ensure safety and comfort.

What can I expect during the tuna observation?
You’ll see around 300 tuna in spacious pools, some up to 2.5 meters long and 250 kilos. It’s a visually impressive sight.

Are the tastings included in the price?
Yes, the bluefin tuna sashimi and olive oil tastings are part of the tour, enhancing the overall experience.

Does this tour include transportation?
Yes, pickup from your hotel in Salou and transportation in an appropriately sized vehicle are included.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Absolutely, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, waterproof camera, sunglasses, beachwear, weather-appropriate clothing, and water shoes are recommended.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, especially for those interested in marine activities and cultural visits.

What languages are available for guides?
The tour offers a private guide in Arabic, Spanish, or English, with an audio guide available in French, German, Italian, and Portuguese.

This tour presents a balanced mix of adventure, culture, and culinary delights in Catalonia, making it a memorable choice for those eager to explore in an authentic, engaging way.

You can check availability for your dates here: