REEL THRILLS

Hook into the depths of the Ligurian Riviera on this full-day sea spree. If you’re hankering for crystal clear waters, gorgeous views, “reel” excitement and the scent and spray of the salty open sea, this adventure is just what you need. Both newcomers to the world of fishing and seasoned anglers will have the thrilling opportunity of spinning their rods along one of Italy’s most enchanting stretches of coastline, while learning about its extraordinary rich marine biodiversity.

Meet your private driver at your accommodation and relax on the ride to Levanto. Here the crew, consisting of your friendly skipper and his inseparable puppy – a skilled seadog indeed! – will welcome you on board the stable, spacious 10-metre-long vessel, featuring a large cockpit, a covered cabin crew and a Cummins 370 hp engine which can cruise at a speed of 16 knots. Fully equipped for fishing, the boat is also furnished with a barbeque for roasting your catch. The skipper has a lifetime of experience sailing and fishing in these waters and is delighted to share his knowledge with young beginners and expert fishermen alike. As a child himself he used to spend most of his free time on his father’s boat, diving, trolling and learning about the species that inhabit the Ligurian Sea. At the age of 13, he received his first boat as a gift and has, ever since, been sailing along the Riviera sharing his passion for fishing first with friends and later with customers.

You begin your day with a cruise around the promontory of Punta Mesco and along the rugged, scenic portion of coastline known as Cinque Terre. The views offered from this privileged perspective are simply stunning. As you will learn, this stretch of sea belongs to a protected marine area and, therefore, strict rules define which type of fish can be caught and where. The king of the depths here is bluefin tuna but the limpid waters of the Ligurian Sea also offer an ideal environment for snappers, amberjacks, bluefish, bream, mackerel, cuttlefish, squid, barracuda, mahi mahi, sharks and swordfish. Different tried and tested fishing techniques will be used depending on the season, the type of prey you prefer to hunt, your interests and level of expertise. Respect for the ecosystem is at the core of this activity which is both sustainable and compatible with the resources offered by the sea. Under the guidance of your skipper you will sharpen your skills, discover both habits and habitats of several types of marine creatures and enjoy a revealing and educational fishing experience. Your sporting efforts and patience will be rewarded with a delicious dish of freshly caught fish accompanied by a glass of wine.

But it gets even better. You may not know that the Ligurian Sea is also part of the Pelagos Sanctuary, another vast protected marine area, stretching between France, Sardinia, Tuscany and Liguria, which hosts one of the highest concentrations of cetaceans and marine wildlife in the Mediterranean. A unique interplay of currents, winds and upwellings, together with the jagged shape of the seafloor with its profound canyons and underwater mountains, produces a particular abundance of nutrients, attracting eight different species of whales and dolphins. Enjoy spotting these beautiful creatures on a heart-pounding boat ride before returning to Levanto. Here your private driver will be waiting ready to drive you back to your accommodation.