Overview
- The Port of Vigo opened the submerged observatory to the public on Friday, July 24, 2026, with free guided visits that last about 30 minutes and admit up to 15 people per session.
- Visitors descend by stairs or an elevator adapted for reduced mobility to viewing windows 6–10 metres below the surface that show live marine activity.
- The €5.7 million project is funded with €3.8 million from EU Next Generation/MRR via Puertos del Estado and €1.6 million from the Autoridad Portuaria de Vigo.
- Artificial reef structures were installed about four months before opening and early monitoring with underwater cameras shows colonization by species such as sargos, lubinas and pez ballesta and two seahorse refuges are under constant camera observation.
- Opening-day queues and positive visitor reactions prompted schedule adjustments, and the project is framed within the Peiraos do Solpor initiative as part of the port's Blue Growth strategy to boost urban access, education and local biodiversity.