Vigo Port Flies Blue Trail Flag in Recognition of Its Commitment to Maritime and Port Heritage

Starting today, the Port of Vigo proudly flies a Blue Trail Flag in recognition of its efforts to restore and highlight a route that has become a valuable environmental interpretation and nature experience resource.

This award, granted by the Association for Environmental and Consumer Education (ADEAC), honors the work carried out by the Port of Vigo along the waterfront—from Plaza de la Estrella to the Paseo de los Peces in Bouzas.

The flag-raising ceremony was led by Carlos Botana, president of the Vigo Port Authority, and attended by José Palacios, president of ADEAC; Ana Ortiz, the Xunta’s regional delegate in Vigo; and members of the Blue Growth working groups on Cruises, Training, and History. Also present were tour guides, representatives from the Julio Verne Association, the R.C. Náutico, and local business and hospitality stakeholders.

The flag, now flying at the R.C. Náutico de Vigo, marks the start of a 7.5 km Blue Trail, named “Camiñando polo Porto de Vigo” ("Walking Through Vigo Port"). Locals and tourists will have the opportunity to discover the area’s most remarkable heritage, cultural, and environmental landmarks, thereby promoting the port’s legacy.

To support this initiative, various multilingual and accessible information panels have been installed to help visitors learn about the port’s origins and development, and its connection to the city’s growth. Highlights include the importance of Vigo’s fishing industry, the port’s founding in 1881, and significant historical events such as the Battle of Rande and the port’s role during the Galician emigration era.

The trail also emphasizes the ecological value of Vigo Bay, showcasing the Port Authority’s strategies to minimize the environmental impact of coastal infrastructure. These actions aim to create new public spaces, proving that economic and industrial port development can coexist with environmental sustainability.

The “Nautilus” Recognized as an ADEAC Blue Center

This Blue Flag joins another recent recognition: the “Nautilus” underwater viewer has been awarded Blue Center status by ADEAC, identifying it as a hub for environmental education.

The “Nautilus,” developed by the Vigo Port Authority and located in the A Laxe dock, allows visitors to observe the seabed through large glass windows. Its mission is to raise awareness about the importance of the ocean and the need to protect it. As Botana stated, “A port can operate efficiently from an economic standpoint and still be a pleasant environment for nature.”

Since opening, the Nautilus has welcomed over 75,000 visitors and more than 100 school groups, who have seen firsthand the rich biodiversity of Vigo Bay: cormorants, sea bass, otters, turtles, cuttlefish, seahorses, crabs, dolphins, and many other species.

The center allows the public to observe marine life in its natural habitat. It is open on weekends for free guided tours of about 30 minutes. Specific visiting hours are Fridays from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

For school or group visits, reservations must be made through the Port Authority’s website (https://www.apvigo.es/en/pages/visits) at least one week in advance. These visits often include a tour of the Hidria Segundo, a historic steam-powered vessel—unique in Spain—recently restored at Cardama Shipyard. Built between 1963 and 1966, the ship once supplied spring water to merchant, cruise, and fishing vessels in the bay. In addition to exploring this floating museum, visitors can participate in nautical training workshops focused on traditional navigation techniques.

A New Tourist Landmark for the City

Looking to the future, the Port Authority, led by Carlos Botana, is developing the “Peiraos do Solpor” project. This innovative and unique port initiative seeks to continue the transformation that began at Plaza de la Estrella, further opening the port to the city while promoting sustainable development, environmental awareness, and technological innovation.

Awarded the IAPH World Sustainability Award, the “Peiraos do Solpor” initiative will become a reality by the end of the year. Located on the Bouzas breakwater, it will offer the public a new sustainable tourism destination, combining leisure and educational infrastructure to enhance Vigo’s appeal.

During today’s ceremony, Botana also announced plans to submit “Peiraos do Solpor” for ADEAC’s Blue Flag awards next year, aiming to earn a third Blue Flag for Vigo Port. He also revealed plans for a maritime Blue Trail connecting various points of interest across the port.

Finally, Botana shared that this morning, the “Camiñando polo Porto de Vigo” Blue Trail was submitted as a candidate for the upcoming edition of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) Awards, popularly known as the "Environmental Oscars".