- The Sea International Fair, taking place until Sunday, coinciding with World Oceans Day, features a broad program of scientific outreach, nautical activities, and children’s programming for the youngest visitors.
The second day of the Sea International Fair offered this Saturday a complete immersion into the many ties that connect the city to the Atlantic Ocean. From the early hours of the morning, Muelle Sanapú was abuzz with activity, combining scientific dissemination, nautical entertainment, maritime tradition, and a strong educational component that made the event a true meeting point for knowledge, innovation, and maritime culture.
The public responded enthusiastically to FIMAR’s call on Saturday, June 7. The first groups of visitors were already waiting for the fair’s gates to open. Now firmly established as the main gathering for the blue economy in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the island, the fair brought together over fifty nautical and marine-maritime companies, and around eighty exhibition stands formed the event’s offering, which saw a steady stream of visitors throughout the day. All attendees were able to immerse themselves in FIMAR’s programming in a pleasant atmosphere.
Scientific Outreach
One of the main pillars was undoubtedly the scientific outreach program, which enabled the public to learn about the latest developments in ocean research and biodiversity. Using language that was both accessible and rigorous, researchers from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), along with experts from other centers and institutions, presented fascinating advances such as autonomous underwater exploration robots, new applications of artificial intelligence to predict changes in the marine environment, and sustainable biofuel production systems using microalgae.
All this outreach work, led by researchers from ULPGC, RedPROMAR, and the Canarian Maritime Collectors Association, was accompanied by exhibitions from ULPGC stands, the Department of Primary Sector, Food Sovereignty and Water Security of the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN), and Poema del Mar Aquarium. Some displays had a clear educational focus, especially for younger audiences.
Young visitors at FIMAR were able to explore different marine species and understand how marine research works—all in a fun and engaging way—also within the children’s zone of the fair.
Additionally, the program included guidance for educators and citizens on climate change awareness, measures to protect consumers from ciguatera toxins in fish and seafood, and explanations on the real impact of tourism on marine litter statistics in the Canary Islands—another major topic addressed at the event.
Direct Contact with the Sea
But FIMAR was not just about science: it was also about excitement, direct contact with the sea, and unforgettable experiences for all audiences. In the water area, hundreds of people enjoyed boat rides, beginner sailing experiences (bautizos de mar), mini cruises, pedal boats, canoe demonstrations, and spectacular exhibitions of adaptive sailing, light sailing, and traditional boats, such as Canarian vela latina sailing and radio-controlled boats from Club Los Guaires. Nautical training centres also played a key role, bringing maritime education closer to those who dream of a life at sea.
The demonstrations in the water also featured participation from sports organisations such as the Real Club Náutico de Gran Canaria and the Club Marítimo Varadero, as well as the long-standing presence of Vela Latina Canaria, which has always been part of FIMAR. In addition to the boat trips—eagerly awaited and fully booked throughout the day—visitors could enjoy guided tours of the SASEMAR vessel Miguel de Cervantes and a Navy ship, both of which drew large crowds.
Family Atmosphere on Land
On land, the fair delivered an entirely family-friendly experience. A street parade with Banda Isleña filled the morning with rhythm and color, while the constantly active children’s zone became a hub of laughter and learning for the little ones. Through games and workshops, children learned values such as sustainability, respect for the marine environment, and the history of navigation. Meanwhile, the gastronomic area brought together Atlantic flavors and creative culinary offerings that delighted visitors and onlookers alike.
Training and Career Development
One of FIMAR’s goals is to promote growth in the blue economy by showcasing specific training opportunities in the sector. In this regard, the Canary Islands Maritime Cluster plays a key role, along with public institutions such as the Municipal Institute for Employment and Training of the city and academic institutions like ULPGC.
The event aims to promote opportunities for career and professional development in the blue economy, particularly in Las Palmas and throughout the island. This includes partnerships such as the one with Ericeira (Portugal), invited as a guest city in this edition of FIMAR.
On Saturday, FIMAR once again demonstrated its capacity to connect tradition and innovation, science and society, childhood and future. It is a fair that not only celebrates the sea, but also invites us to protect it, understand it, and experience it.
Final Day: Parade and Concert
FIMAR 2025 will host a very special final day on Sunday, June 8, World Oceans Day, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. At 1:00 p.m., Los Lola, a popular Canarian band, will perform a live concert for attendees. There will also be the usual boat tours through the port from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., a parents’ regatta in the optimist class (Trofeo Benéfico Alejandro Da Silva) from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and a light sailing exhibition from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
These events will offer additional incentives for visitors, in addition to the already rich program that consistently guarantees a valuable experience for both professionals and the general public.
Attendees can also visit the Elder Museum, where they can enjoy a parallel Planetarium activity with the session “Navigating by the Stars” at 11:00, 12:00, and 1:00 p.m.
Organization and Collaborating Entities
FIMAR is promoted by the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, the City Council of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and the Port Authority of Las Palmas, and organised by the City Council’s Department of Ciudad de Mar and INFECAR – Feria de Gran Canaria.
The fair also counts on the collaboration of the Ministry of Primary Sector, Food Sovereignty and Water Security of the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), the Canary Islands Maritime Cluster, GESPLAN (RedPromar, EducaIsla), and the Municipal Institute for Employment and Training (IMEF).
Full details about the new edition of FIMAR, the Sea International Fair, as well as its program and participating companies, can be found on the official website: https://feriainternacionaldelmar.com
