Agurtza teaches us the art of fishing and the way of life of Basque fishermen from land.

This Biscayan tuna fishing vessel has been converted into a fishing technique interpretation center in the Biscayan town of Santurtzi. A perfect setting to remember one of the most important trades in the economic and industrial development of the Basque Country.

Normally we have to be content with enjoying the beauty of these giants of the sea from the port, but on this occasion the tourist office of Santurtzi, gives us the opportunity not only to enjoy the inside of a Basque tuna boat, but to learn and understand the ins and outs of such a traditional profession in the Basque Country, that of arrantzale (fisherman in Basque).

Agurtza, center for the interpretation of fishing techniques

6 very interesting points to visit the Agurtza tuna boat:

Santurtzi: Before enjoying the charms of the Agurtza tuna boat, we must know the history and relationship between the coastal town of Santurtzi and the sea. Santurtzi has been one of the most important inshore ports of the Biscayan coast, hosting in its port more than 50 fishing boats. As you can see a perfect scenario to understand the way of life of the Basque fishermen.

Santurtzi Tourist Office

History of the tuna boat Agurtza: The tuna boat Agurtza is one of the few wooden tuna boats used during the second half of the 20th century that still exists today. This Basque fishing vessel was born in the Murelaga shipyard in Lekeitio in 1968, starting its activity in this same port.

During the first years it not only sailed along the Cantabrian coast, but also worked in waters near Senegal, the Canary Islands and even Venezuela. By the end of 1999 it was going to be scrapped, but the Santurtzi City Council acquired it, winning a competition of ideas and recovering this important sample of our maritime heritage.

As you can see, the Agurtza’s journey begins and passes through great fishing ports in the province of Bizkaia, ports with a lot of history that we recommend you to visit.

• Born and operates in Lekeitio.
• Reborn in Santurtzi.

Agurtza from the outside

This ship is a sample of the good work of the ship’s carpentry, if you are interested in knowing more details about this trade about to disappear we recommend you to visit Albaola a popular project to remember the maritime past of our town through the reconstruction of the Nao San Juan.

A historical legacy of fishing in the Basque Country: The tuna fishing vessel Agurtza represents all those fishing boats and their crews that sailed the Cantabrian Sea with great courage in search of large shoals of fish.

Port of Bermeo

Women and fishing: In this section we would like to emphasize the essential role of women in the fishing sector. Women, as in many other sectors, were essential for the development of fishing in the Basque Country; their work, often undervalued, was crucial for the daily life of the fishermen. Fixing the nets, selling the catch, helping to unload the catch and maintaining the house at the same time was as hard work as being a fisherman on the high seas.

Agurtza Networks

Price: Agurtza is very good value for money. As they say…judge for yourselves:

• Between 18 and 65 years old: 2€.
• Between 7 and 17 years old, over 65 and students: 1€.
• Children under 7 years of age and registered in the municipality of Santurtzi: Free of charge

If you also want to complete the tour by visiting the building of the Casa de Venta de pescado in the Cofradía de pescadores and the Santurtzi Itsasoa Museoa, they offer a special rate:

• Between 18 and 65 years old: 2.5 €.
• Between 7 and 17 years old, over 65, students and groups (+10 people): 1€.
• Children under 7 years of age and registered in the municipality of Santurtzi: Free of charge

Acquiring the card of the Basque Coast Museum Network 2×1.

Location: TheAgurtza’s land mooring is located on the promenade that joins the towns of Portugalete and Santurtzi, where the Bilbao estuary begins its journey into the Cantabrian Sea. A perfect place to know other jewels of our land as the Bizkaia Bridge or the fishing port of Santurtzi, a perfect place to eat some sardines On egin!

Transformation of fishing: Until the twentieth century the force that made the inshore boats move was none other than the force of man, thus, the typical boat for this activity was the trawler, you know it, right? But from the twentieth century the engine entered fully into the maritime world, marking a before and after in this sector, completely changing the capabilities of the boats that were used so far.

Sardine

Most fished species: Although we all associate Santurtzi with the sardine because of the popular song “from Santurce to Bilbao”, not only this species was fished. The sardine was the most fished or most popular species, but it was closely followed by anchovies, mackerel and many others.

We leave you a video of the song in case you don’t know it.

If you want to know more about fishing in the Basque Country we recommend Albaola and the fisherman’s museum in Bermeo. We look forward to hearing your opinions about the Agurtza fishing technique interpretation center.