Kategorie: News
“Unknown Italy” tour – at the Parco Ittico near Milan
On our way to the “Unknown Italy” tour, we made a detour to Milan, where Dr Armando Picinnini, an Italian aquatic expert, has discovered a new and fascinating underwater photography destination. He acts as a fisheries consultant on biological matters in the park and is frequently on site in his capacity as an expert. Anyone keen to photograph these quirky sturgeons is guaranteed a great shot here!
At first, I was actually a bit sceptical when Franz Pramendorfer told me about it! Taking photos in a former fish farm? But when we arrived here and I saw how beautifully everything is laid out and that the fish have plenty of space, even though they live in restricted areas. Unlike how it probably used to be, today only a few fish live in relatively large tanks that are constantly flushed with fresh water. There are countless shelters and areas where they can retreat and are not disturbed by ‘normal’ park visitors. We, the snorkellers here, probably do disturb them after all, as we are in the water, even though we move very slowly and keep a good distance from one another.
In consultation with the other photographers, everyone keeps a good distance and stays at a reasonable range so as not to stress the animals. The slower you move here, the more likely the animals are to approach of their own accord. Trout, carp and char are naturally rather shy, and it is difficult to get close enough to them to take good photos. With catfish, it’s much easier, as they’re extremely curious and approach of their own accord when you hold a dome port right under their noses.
With sturgeon, it’s many times easier. They pay us virtually no attention. Especially the large and largest among them. Here, we are the ones who have to get out of the way, because who wants to be rammed by an animal weighing hundreds of kilos?
A friend of Armando’s meant well but thought the giant sturgeon would simply move out of the way. The result was a few bruises and two broken ribs. Sturgeons are aware of their strength and know they are the masters of the waters. We are merely guests and should behave accordingly. I can highly recommend this adventure and will certainly be back. Perhaps with you!
Sturgeons
Sturgeons are actually found worldwide in coastal seas and estuaries, right up to the major rivers of the Northern Hemisphere. They grow up in salt water but migrate upstream to suitable, clean rivers to spawn. Only a few species live permanently in freshwater. As they are also the source of the popular caviar, they are hunted everywhere. Female sturgeons produce around 10–15% of their body weight in roe, which is a delicacy when served as caviar. Depending on the species, it is more or less expensive and so popular that some sturgeon species are already virtually extinct in the wild. That is why it is important to breed sturgeon as well, and this is precisely where the Parco Ittico comes in.
The ponds were originally created by a fish farm. Today, the park’s 13 hectares are home to 43 ponds containing 27 species of fish (including 8 species of sturgeon) and various land and water animals (turtles and frogs).
The park features display waters where visitors can admire the fish through specially installed viewing panels and tanks. Swimming and snorkelling are permitted only with special authorisation.
The tour
Franz Pramendorfer is a close friend of Dr Armando Picinnini and organises a special trip here every year, where visitors can snorkel in each of the five separate streams, which are home to various fish species. Four locations are of particular interest and are ideal for diving. These sections are home to various species of sturgeon. Depending on their size, the sturgeons are separated into different areas so that the animals of varying sizes do not injure one another.
The tanks containing the special specimens are:
Large fish: 60 to 100 cm
Very large fish: 100 to 140 cm
Extra-large fish: 120 to 180 cm
Plus the highlight – Siberian giant sturgeons: 180 to 250 cm
In the other tanks, you can also marvel at koi, catfish (including several albino catfish), sterlets (20–40 albinos), trout, perch, char, eels, carp and whitefish.
This extraordinary adventure can only be booked through Atlantis Qualidive and offers the chance to experience and photograph various species of sturgeon up close. A maximum of twelve people are allowed in the water at any one time, with no more than four guests per team taking turns in each tank. The tanks are up to several hundred metres long. As all the tanks are flowing water systems, visibility is not an issue. Teams will take turns several times so that each team can access every tank. The four best spots will be spread over two days to ensure everyone has the same conditions.
Programme 25–28 October:
- 25 October 2026: Independent travel. Meet in the evening to get to know each other at the restaurant next to the hotel (address provided upon booking)
- 26 October 2026: Breakfast at the hotel and joint departure for Parco Ittico at 9.20 am. 10.00 am to 3.30 pm: guided tour of the park followed by snorkelling. Departure for the hired hunting lodge on the park grounds by 4.00 pm at the latest. Dinner there with a debriefing of the day and a briefing for Day 2
- 27 October 2026: 10.00 am to 3.30 pm snorkelling in the park, back at the hunting lodge by 4.00 pm. Group meal and debriefing / photo presentation of the pictures taken.
- 28 October 2026: Departure after breakfast
A perfect follow-up programme awaits in Ticino. Here lie the two rivers, the Verzasca and the Maggia, which are ideal for diving at this time of year. If required, Atlantis Qualidive offers a guided tour there. This tour is available for groups of four or more. Price on request!
Services and price:
750 euros payable on site (own travel arrangements), payable in advance.
3 nights’ accommodation with breakfast in a double room at the hotel, 2 park entries plus snorkelling permit
2 group meals with drinks (limited) in the hunting lodge at the park
2 visits to the hunting lodge, guided tour of the park with an explanation of the six snorkelling spots, snorkelling itinerary planning with on-site draw, and supervision at the giants.
Registration:
with Franz Pramendorfer on 0043 676 4190107 or by email to franzpramendorfer@hotmail.com