Sicily Fishing and Barehanded Octopus Fishing, in particular, were recently featured on a BBC show.
It showcased a barehanded octopus snorkeling trip, on a busy central summer day (it was the 15th of August, the so-called “ferragosto”!).
Using a little rental boat for the occasion, while our boat was used for the numerous directors and filming crew, the guests were taken to one of the best octopus fishing grounds, where, once ready they had to jump in the warm waters of south-eastern Sicily. This location may be considered perfect to enjoy one of the best snorkeling in Sicily. Interesting scenarios under but also above the sea surface, being located between old Tonnara buildings, old defensive towers, Caves, white sand beaches, rocky cliffs, etc. Other snorkeling hotspots are there in the same area but the time at disposal was limited so we went to the closest!
The port location, one of the best for fishing in Italy and fishing in Sicily in general is located South of the city of Siracusa and Noto, right by the south-easternmost corner of the island in Sicily and Italy. This place is perfect not only for Octopus but also for Giant Squid fishing or Calamari fishing, due to its geographical position, between the African and the Euro-Asian platforms.
We operate these adventures all year round, tending to jump in the water from April to November, using wetsuits from 3 to 8mm and free diving gear in the spring and fall months. Various support diving boats are available to host big groups if necessary.
More details from the BBC website, about the full episode to watch on the channel BBC One or online are here:
Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Sicily – “Strictly Come Dancing stars Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice’s Sicilian road trip begins in the port town of Sciacca as they explore the southern coast of the sun-kissed island, from its long-lost ancient cities to its breathtaking coastlines. Giovanni is introducing his good friend Anton to his beloved homeland of Sicily, and the boys need to hit the road.
Their first stop is one of Sicily’s greatest treasures, the Valley of the Temples – the remains of a huge Greek city, featuring some of the best examples of classical Greek architecture anywhere in the world. From there, they hit the beautiful white beaches of Porta Bianca before taking in some more history in Syracuse. Today, Syracuse is just a small provincial city, but over 2,700 years ago, it was one of the largest colonies in the ancient Greek world, and some of the original buildings remain inside the city’s Archaeological Park.
Next, it’s off to Marzamemi, a gorgeous seaside village that has been a fishing hub since the 10th century. Giovanni has arranged a day’s fishing but with a twist. Instead of fish, the boys are going to look for octopus. After a stop in Ortygia to participate in the Feast of the Assumption, the final stop on the first leg of Anton and Giovanni’s tour of Sicily is the island’s second city, Catania. This place is very significant to Giovanni, as he moved there at age 14 to further his dance career. The evening is taken up with a visit to Catania’s annual tango festival, where the boys put on a show-stopping performance to remember.
Check out BBC to see more details of Anton and Giovanni’s Sicilian road trip.
