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

Taking a day trip that combines marine adventure with cultural exploration? This Barcelona: Tuna Baths in the Ebro Delta Route and Olive Tree Tour promises just that. Starting from Salou, this 8-hour experience offers a mix of snorkeling with majestic bluefin tunas, a scenic boat ride, and a journey into Catalonia’s ancient olive groves and traditional oils.

What we really love about this tour? The chance to get so close to giant tuna in their natural habitat—something surprisingly rare and memorable. Plus, the olive tree visit adds a peaceful, cultural touch, giving you a taste of local history and gastronomy. That said, it’s a full day with several stops, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a packed schedule and some active moments. If you’re looking for a blend of adventure and authentic regional flavor, this tour hits the mark.

One thing to keep in mind? The snorkeling activity involves swimming among tuna up to 250 kg—an incredible experience but one that requires a level of comfort in the water. If you’re not a confident swimmer, it’s worth noting that the tour provides brief instructions beforehand.

This tour is ideal for curious travelers eager to combine marine wildlife encounters with cultural exploration—particularly those interested in unique regional traditions and marine life.

Key Points

• Unique Marine Encounter: Swim among large bluefin tunas in their natural habitat, a rare opportunity that makes this trip stand out.
• Authentic Cultural Experience: Visit the Arión Museum and explore millenary olive trees, tasting local oils that have been produced for over 1,700 years.
• Scenic Boat Ride: The catamaran crossing provides a relaxed, scenic view of the Ebro Delta while watching an informative video about tuna.
• Gourmet Tasting: Enjoy a fresh tuna sashimi tasting on the boat, complemented by soy sauce and wasabi—highlighting local seafood craftsmanship.
• All-Inclusive Feel: The tour includes hotel pickup, a private guide, transportation, and all activities, making it a seamless experience.
• Full-Day Adventure: With multiple stops—marine, cultural, and scenic—this tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of active and relaxed moments.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting the Day: Pick-Up and Journey to L’Ampolla

Your adventure kicks off with a hotel pickup in Salou, Cambrils, or Tarragona, with the tour guide reaching out beforehand to confirm your pick-up time. We appreciated the private group setting, which allows for a more personalized experience. The drive to L’Ampolla, about 45 minutes, is a good time to get excited about the day ahead and enjoy some local insights from your guide.

The Catamaran Crossing and Tuna Educational Video

Once at the port of L’Ampolla, you’ll board the Balfegó Tour catamaran. The 20-minute crossing to the tuna pools isn’t just a ride—it’s an educational preview. The onboard video offers insights into the characteristics of bluefin tuna and the fishing techniques employed by Balfegó, making the experience more meaningful as you’ll understand what you’re about to see up close.

This part of the journey is appreciated for its smoothness and the chance to relax before the main event. The boat itself is comfortable, and the quiet waters of the Ebro Delta create a peaceful backdrop—perfect for setting the tone for what’s to come.

Swimming with Bluefin Tuna

Arriving at the pools, you’ll be able to observe roughly 300 specimen of tuna, some reaching two and a half meters long and 250 kg. The facility is designed to mimic their natural environment, offering a rare opportunity to see these impressive creatures in a controlled yet natural setting.

The highlight? The chance to snorkel among these giants. The tour includes a brief instruction, so even if you’re not an expert swimmer, you’ll be prepared. The actual swimming experience lasts about an hour, during which you’ll be able to get surprisingly close—perhaps only a few meters away—from these swift, powerful fish. The ability to see the tuna’s shimmering, muscular bodies up close, especially in such naturalistic surroundings, is something many reviewers mention as unforgettable.

One reviewer mentioned, “Swimming among tuna up to 250 kg was surreal—it felt like being in a different world.” Another shared, “The staff was very attentive, making sure everyone felt safe and comfortable, even beginners.”

The Return and Tuna Sashimi Tasting

After the snorkeling, you’ll head back on the catamaran, with about 25 minutes of scenic sailing. The onboard tasting of bluefin tuna sashimi is a real highlight. Served with soy and wasabi, the sashimi is fresh and flavorful, offering a genuine taste of local seafood excellence. Many reviews point out that the quality of the tuna is excellent, and the experience of eating it directly after seeing the fish alive adds a special touch.

A reviewer appreciated this moment, saying, “Having sashimi right after swimming with the tuna gave me a new respect for this fish—and made the tasting even more meaningful.”

Olive Tree Exploration in Ulldecona

The second half of the day takes you south to Ulldecona, home to the largest collection of millenary olive trees in the world. The visit to the Arión Museum in the Godall mountain range is both scenic and informative. The highlight here is seeing the Farga I, an olive tree more than 1,700 years old—an awe-inspiring sight that connects you with centuries of local history.

The guided tour includes a tasting of the estate’s oils, offering an aromatic journey through varietal and millenary oils. Reviewers mention that “the oils had rich, complex flavors that you wouldn’t find in supermarket bottles,” emphasizing how this adds depth to the experience.

The calmness of the groves provides a stark contrast to the marine activity, offering a peaceful moment to reflect on Catalonia’s deep-rooted agricultural traditions.

Final Return to Salou

After a full day, you’ll be taken back to your hotel in Salou. The journey wraps up around mid to late afternoon, leaving you with a sense of having experienced both the sea and land in one day. The tour’s balance of adventure, culture, and gastronomy makes it particularly appealing for travelers looking for a meaningful and active day.

Is This Tour Worth It?

When evaluating the value at $341 per person, consider that you’re getting a multi-faceted experience—from snorkeling with tuna to tasting local olive oils—all in a single day. The private guide and hotel pickup add convenience, while the educational elements elevate it beyond just another sightseeing trip.

The scenic catamaran ride and the chance to be close to such impressive marine life are especially attractive for those interested in marine biology or unique wildlife encounters. Meanwhile, the olive grove visit offers a peaceful, cultural insight that complements the marine adventure.

The only potential downside? It’s a long day—about 8 hours—and involves some active participation, especially during the snorkeling segment. Travelers who prefer relaxed, slow-paced tours might find this a bit intense. But for those craving a dynamic mix of adventure and culture, it’s a well-rounded choice.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous souls who enjoy outdoor activities like snorkeling and boat rides. It’s also ideal for culture enthusiasts eager to learn about ancient olive traditions and sample local oils. The tour’s private setup makes it suitable for couples, families, or small groups seeking a personalized, memorable day.

It’s especially suitable if you’re visiting Salou or nearby areas and want a meaningful, activity-packed excursion that combines marine wildlife, local gastronomy, and historical sights. If you’re comfortable with water activities and enjoy mixing active pursuits with cultural insights, this tour will meet your expectations.

FAQ

Is the snorkeling activity suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour provides brief instructions, and the pools are designed to be safe and accessible. However, comfort in water and a willingness to swim among large fish are needed.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, waterproof camera, beachwear, and weather-appropriate clothing. Water shoes are recommended for swimming.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, it suits families, especially those with children who are confident swimmers and enjoy active experiences. The private guide makes it adaptable for different ages and needs.

Are meals included?
No, the tour only includes a tasting of tuna sashimi on the boat. Lunch and other snacks are not included, so plan accordingly.

How long is the boat ride?
The crossing to the tuna pools takes about 20 minutes, and the return trip around 25 minutes, offering a relaxed scenic experience.

What is the maximum group size?
This is a private tour, which means it’s tailored for your group, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility if your plans change.

To sum it up, this tour offers a compelling blend of marine adventure, cultural discovery, and gastronomic delight. It’s perfect for travelers wanting to combine wildlife encounters with a taste of local tradition, all wrapped in a well-organized, private experience. Whether you’re a foodie, a nature lover, or someone seeking a unique story to tell, this tour from Salou provides a richly rewarding day.