Tuna Next To Humans: A Comprehensive Guide

Swimming with whales, dolphins or sharks while diving are the dreams of many people who love the underwater world. However, have you ever thought about swimming next to a school of tuna fish? While not as common, swimming with tuna can be an exhilarating experience.

If you’re wondering what it’s like to be in the water next to these large, powerful fish, you’ve come to the right place.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about swimming with tuna. We’ll discuss why tuna congregate in certain areas, what species of tuna you’re most likely to encounter, where the best places are to swim with them, and what you can expect during a tuna encounter.

By the end of this article, you’ll understand the appeal of tuning and know how to safely maximize your chances of an incredible in-water tuna experience.

Why Tuna Congregate in Certain Areas

Feeding Grounds

Tuna are apex predators that require a lot of sustenance to support their large body size and high metabolism. As such, they tend to congregate in areas with abundant food sources like schools of smaller fish, squid, and crustaceans.

Tuna will migrate long distances to reach highly productive feeding areas like upwellings, which bring nutrient-rich water to the surface. These nutrient-rich waters support large populations of the prey species tuna rely on.

Some well-known tuna feeding hotspots include the California Current off the western United States, the Humboldt Current off Peru, and the Kuroshio Current off Japan. By honing in on productive feeding grounds, tuna can maximize their caloric intake and chances of survival.

Migration Routes

Tuna migrations often follow predictable routes between feeding and spawning areas across ocean basins. For example, juvenile bluefin tuna will leave spawning grounds in the Mediterranean Sea and follow migration corridors across the Atlantic to reach feeding grounds off the northeastern United States and Canada.

The currents and water temperatures along these routes help guide tuna on their journeys. Many tuna species also show fidelity to specific migration routes between seasons, likely following chemical cues in the water and using magnetic fields for orientation.

Key oceanic features like underwater seamounts and the edges of continental shelves serve as waypoints for migrating tuna. By sticking to tried and true migration highways, tuna can minimize energy expenditure and risks on their long journeys.

Environmental Factors

Tuna distribution and movements are heavily influenced by environmental variables like water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and current patterns. Most tuna species are restricted to tropical and temperate waters between around 15°C and 30°C.

Tuna abundance tends to be higher in temperature fronts or thermal boundaries where warm and cool waters converge. Areas where ocean currents collide also aggregate prey species that tuna feed on. Dissolved oxygen is another key factor, as tuna require high oxygen levels to support their physiology.

Minimum oxygen levels of around 3.5 ml/L are typically needed. Tuna will avoid stagnant waters or oxygen minimum zones. By honing in on areas that meet their physiological needs, tuna can better survive and reproduce.

Species of Tuna

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin tuna are one of the most popular and economically valuable tuna species in the world. They are a large predatory fish that can reach lengths of over 6 feet and weigh over 400 pounds! Yellowfin are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world.

Their torpedo-shaped bodies allow them to swim at blazing speeds to hunt down prey like squid, mackerel, and other fish. Some amazing facts about yellowfin tuna include:

• They are sometimes called ahi tuna, which comes from the Hawaiian language.
• The Hawaiian name reflects their bright yellow coloring on the fins and belly.
• They are a fast growing species, able to reach lengths of 5-6 feet in just a few years.
• Yellowfin can retract their dorsal and anal fins into slots to reduce drag while swimming.
• They have special blood vessels in their muscles that help keep them warm in deep, cold waters.

The yellowfin tuna fishery is a huge global industry but there are some concerning population declines due to overfishing. Sustainable management and fishing practices are needed to protect this amazing fish species long into the future.

Bigeye Tuna

The bigeye tuna is another important commercial tuna species found in warm waters around the world. As their name suggests, they have notably large eyes which allow them to hunt prey at deeper depths than other tuna. Amazing bigeye tuna facts include:

• They grow up to 6.5 feet long and weigh up to 400 pounds.
• Bigeye can dive to depths of over 3,000 feet to find prey like squid, crustaceans and fish.
• Their large round eyes give them excellent vision in low light conditions underwater.
• They are a highly migratory species capable of transoceanic journeys.
• Bigeye stay mostly in deeper waters which makes them harder to target by some fishing gear.

Global bigeye populations have declined due to overfishing driven by the demand for tuna meat, especially for sushi. Careful management of catch limits and fishing methods is important for protecting bigeye tuna numbers.

Albacore

Albacore tuna are a highly prized tuna species due to their mild, rich flavor and light color flesh. They are found mainly in temperate waters in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Here are some incredible facts about albacore:

• They earn the nickname “longfin” from their exceptionally long pectoral fins.
• Albacore can reach lengths of over 4 feet and weights up to 90 pounds.
• They make extensive seasonal migrations between cool and warm water habitats.
• Albacore are stunning silver-white in color with dark blue backs and fins.
• Their flesh is lighter in color and lower in fat content compared to other tuna.

Albacore is popular as tinned white tuna and also used raw for sashimi. Their populations are in better shape than other tunas but still face threats from overfishing if not properly monitored and managed.

Skipjack Tuna

The skipjack tuna is a small, fast swimming tuna species found in tropical and subtropical oceans around the world. Though smaller than other tunas, skipjacks make up a huge bulk of commercial tuna catches. Here are some skipjack facts:

• They grow up to 3 feet long and weigh up to 40 pounds.
• Skipjacks can reach top speeds of over 40 mph thanks to their streamlined, torpedo-shaped bodies.
• They school in large numbers close to the ocean surface.
• Skipjacks have dark metallic blue backs and silver-white bellies.
• They mature quickly and have a short lifespan of around 8-10 years.

Skipjack meat is canned for tuna products or used dried or smoked. Careful management is still needed to prevent depletion from overfishing.

Bluefin Tuna

The bluefin tuna is the largest, fastest and most iconic tuna species. They are prized for sushi and sashimi but face severe population declines from decades of overfishing. Bluefin tuna facts include:

• Pacific bluefin can reach weights of over 1,000 pounds and lengths of 10 feet.
• They are built like torpedoes for high speed swimming to catch prey.
• Bluefin dive over 3,000 feet deep and have blood that stays warm even in cold water.
• Overfishing has depleted bluefin populations by over 90% since the 1970s.
• A single bluefin can sell for over $10,000 dollars on the Japanese sushi market.

Strict quotas and limits on bluefin fishing are desperately needed to prevent a complete population collapse. More sustainable seafood choices may also help take pressure off this majestic but vulnerable species.

Best Locations to Swim with Tuna

Gloucester, Massachusetts

The cold Atlantic waters off Gloucester, Massachusetts are a prime spot to encounter giant bluefin tuna during the summer and fall. These behemoths can reach over 1,500 pounds, making them a dream catch for sport fishermen.

Swimming alongside these massive, torpedo-shaped fish as they feed on schools of herring is an unforgettable experience. The peak season is late August through October. Local charter boats offer full and half day tuna sightseeing trips where you can slip into the water for an adrenaline-pumping swim.

Don’t forget your wetsuit!

Venice, Louisiana

Venice, Louisiana near the mouth of the Mississippi River is a hotspot for yellowfin tuna. From April to November, anglers hooked up to feisty yellowfin often allow snorkelers to slip in for an underwater thrill ride.

Getting pulled around by a 100 pound “football” tuna fighting against the line is an exhilarating way to encounter these speedsters in their element. Local charter outfits like Reel Screamers Charters specialize in taking swimmers out to experience these hard-charging fish up close and personal.

Just don’t forget your snorkel and fins!

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The warm blue waters off Cabo San Lucas at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula are legendary for enormous yellowfin tuna up to 300 pounds. From May to October, the amazing amount of baitfish draws in massive schools of hungry yellowfin.

Charter boat captains like Picante Fleet love taking swimmers out to fulfill their tuna encounter dreams. Jumping in the midst of a feeding frenzy with hundreds of huge tuna is simply mind-blowing. Fish whisperer Dr. Tristan Guttridge of the Bimini Shark Lab highly recommends this spot for reliably incredible tuna swims year after year.

Azores Islands, Portugal

In the deep azure waters of the Azores Islands, giant bluefin tuna pass through from May through July on their migratory journeys across the Atlantic. Schools numbering in the thousands provide incredible sightings for snorkelers and divers.

The clear, warm waters around Sāo Miguel island are especially famous for incredible access to these ocean giants. Three companies – Atlantic Safari, Azores Experiences, and Azores Tuna Diving – specialize in tours placing swimmers among crowds of giant tuna, an awe-inspiring experience.

As Jacques Cousteau said of this magical spot, “Here, the fish look at you as much as you look at them.”

Sri Lanka

The seas around Sri Lanka offer spectacular opportunities for swimming with speedy yellowfin and skipjack tuna. April through November, these hungry predators herd baitfish into massive bait balls at Mirissa and Kalpitya.

Local companies like Sri Lanka Diving Tours and Blue Force One Mirissa camp these hotspots for their clients’ offshore adventures. Getting in the water as thousands of tuna converge is simply incredible. If you want a piscine adrenaline overload, this is your place.

As Sam Jones of Blue Force One says, “The tuna action here is just mental!”

What to Expect When Swimming with Tuna

Speed and Power

When encountering tuna in the open ocean, be prepared for high speeds and powerful movements. Tuna are built for acceleration and can reach top speeds over 70 km/h as they chase down prey. Their streamlined, torpedo-shaped bodies allow them to shoot through the water with incredible momentum.

You’ll be amazed seeing a giant bluefin or yellowfin tuna streak past in a blur.

Tuna also have very strong tails and muscular bodies to propel themselves forward and change direction rapidly while hunting. So while swimming with tuna, give them plenty of space and don’t make sudden moves that could startle them.

Startled tuna may speed off quickly and could unintentionally collide with divers in the process.

Being in a Bait Ball

One stunning experience while swimming with tuna is finding yourself in the midst of a “bait ball.” This refers to large rounded up clusters of small fish and marine life corralled by tuna and other predators as they feed.

It’s a sight to behold as hundreds or thousands of anchovies, sardines, mackerel, and more are compacted into a seething ball by the tuna circling them.

As a diver, hovering at the edges of a bait ball puts you right in the action. Giant tuna with mouths agape may speed past just feet away or even directly below you as they gorge on the tightly packed bait fish.

The organized chaos of a feeding frenzy around a bait ball makes for an unforgettable memory.

Safety Precautions

When diving with tuna, some key precautions will ensure your safety:

• Avoid shiny jewelry or gear – the glint and flash of light can look like prey to a hunting tuna.
• Stay aware of what’s below you – tuna often speed upward through bait balls hunting from below.
• Keep your distance and avoid sudden movements – give tuna space to feed and move.
• Never chase or corner tuna – blocking their escape path may cause them to lash out defensively.

Etiquette for a Positive Encounter

Following some basic etiquette helps create positive interactions when diving with tuna:

• Approach slowly and cautiously to not alarm them – if tuna exhibit signs of distress, anxiety, or avoidance behaviors, move away.
• Stay quiet and minimize bubbles – do not chase, grab at, or harass tuna.
• Treat tuna with respect as fellow ocean travelers – admire these amazing fish from a polite distance.
• Strictly follow rules and guidelines from dive operators for responsible interaction.

Learning to read tuna behavior allows you to have amazing yet respectful encounters with these incredible fish.

Additional Tips for an Optimal Experience

Choosing the Right Tour Operator

When selecting a tour operator for swimming with tuna, it’s crucial to find one that prioritizes sustainable practices and the well-being of the fish. Look for companies that follow guidelines on minimal environmental impact and respectful interaction with marine life.

The ideal tour will use small groups and give the tuna plenty of space. Avoid operators that chase or provoke the fish. Top-rated outfits will have excellent online reviews and advertise responsible tour policies.

Ideal Time of Year

For the best chance of a memorable tuna encounter, plan your tour during peak migration and feeding seasons. In many locations, late summer and early fall is when huge schools of tuna gather to feast on bait fish. Local operators will know the prime times. Be flexible with your schedule if possible.

While tuna migrate through much of the year, their presence is not always predictable. Give yourself several dates to choose from to accommodate ideal conditions. Avoid peak tourist seasons if you want a less crowded experience.

Proper Gear

Swimming with these powerful fish requires the right gear for comfort, safety and minimum environmental impact. Most tour operators will provide or rent you equipment. Opt for a thick wetsuit to prevent hypothermia in cool water temperatures tuna prefer.

Fins and snorkel gear allow easy mobility near the surface. Don’t wear sunscreen, which can harm the fish – rash guards offer sun protection. For footwear, soft neoprene booties prevent scrapes from shells and rocks.

Weight belts can help you gracefully sink below the surface while avoiding aggressive kicks. And take care not to wear or bring anything that could fall off and pollute this fragile ecosystem.

Underwater Photography Tips

Capturing stunning images of tuna in their natural habitat is a dream for underwater photographers. Equip your waterproof camera or enclosure with a wide angle lens to get very close to the large, fast fish. Maintain horizontal composition for the most impact.

Adjust settings for the optimal exposure based on depth and available sunlight. Shoot in burst mode to capture dynamic movements. Get low perspectives looking up for a powerful point of view. Most importantly, avoid using flash and lights which can disturb the tuna.

And never chase or provoke the fish for better photo ops. Patience and care will reward you with incredible memories.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has provided you with a comprehensive overview of what it’s like to swim with tuna. By understanding tuna behavior, choosing locations wisely, and preparing properly, you can have an amazing in-water encounter with these incredible fish.

Just remember to choose responsible tour operators, respect the tuna, and follow safety guidelines. With those boxes checked, you’ll be ready for a tuna adventure you’ll never forget!