The Future of Marine Tourism: Unveiling Marina Jandía
This Friday marked a significant milestone for Morro Jable with the presentation of the upcoming Marina Jandía, a state-of-the-art sporting marina set to commence construction in November. Once completed in a two-year timeframe, Marina Jandía aims to be a leader in sustainability, boasting the capability to self-sustain its energy needs. According to the timeline revealed during the launch, the first boats are expected to dock by January 2024, upon the completion of the maritime segment.
Strategic Location and Capacity
Strategically situated in the southern dock of Morro Jable, Marina Jandía will feature 310 docking spaces, accommodating vessels ranging from six to fifty meters in length, with water depths reaching up to 4.5 meters. This marina will be equipped to service superyachts, making it a valuable addition to the local landscape. Initially budgeted at 8.5 million euros, this figure is anticipated to rise due to the economic climate and increasing costs.
The details of Marina Jandía were unveiled during an event featuring key dignitaries, including Ángel Víctor Torres, President of the Canary Government, and Sebastián Franquis, Minister of Public Works and Transport. The attendees also included local leaders like Sergio Lloret, President of the Cabildo of Fuerteventura, and Pedro Armas, Mayor of Pájara, all of whom expressed strong support for the initiative.
Boosting Nautical Tourism
José Juan Calero, CEO of Calero Marinas—the driving force behind the project—emphasized Marina Jandía’s potential to become a remarkable destination for nautical tourism in the Canary Islands. He described Fuerteventura as a “true diamond” for this segment, with enormous potential to attract more visitors. The proximity to Gran Canaria and Lanzarote is expected to enhance inter-island nautical tourism significantly, creating a ripple effect that enriches the local economy.
In addition to the docking facilities, Marina Jandía will encompass nearly 8,500 square meters of public space. This area will include promenades, terraces, five dining establishments, two kiosks, and a social club—all designed to elevate the tourist experience in Fuerteventura.
A Legacy of Family Business
During the event, an emotional José Calero fondly remembered the company’s beginnings 40 years ago, expressing his pride in the new generation taking the helm. He firmly stated, “This is not just talk; these are actions. In November, we will initiate the marina that Fuerteventura rightfully deserves.”
President Torres highlighted the economic resilience of the Canary Islands, noting that the Archipelago was ending 2022 on a positive note despite global uncertainties. Sharing personal anecdotes about his familiarity with Fuerteventura, Torres reinforced his appreciation for the Calero family’s dedication and commitment to delivering top-notch marinas, heralding this development as a historic moment for the island.
Transformative Initiatives
President of the Cabildo, Sergio Lloret, stressed the importance of Marina Jandía, not only as an investment but also as a catalyst for boosting nautical activities and tourism. Mayor Pedro Armas echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the project’s potential to transform both Pájara and the broader region into a prime destination for maritime tourism.
Juan Jesús Rodríguez Marichal, President of the Fuerteventura Chamber of Commerce, emphasized how this marina will enhance visitors’ experiences, elevating Fuerteventura’s status on the global tourism map. He referred to Marina Jandía as a “revulsor” for economic dynamism across all of the Canary Islands, highlighting its role in the burgeoning nautical and sporting sectors.
Commitment to Sustainability
From its inception, sustainability has been a cornerstone for Calero Marinas. The company has a history of collaboration with renowned conservation organizations like WWF, successfully achieving blue flag certifications for environmental compliance for 27 consecutive years. This commitment to nature will continue with Marina Jandía, which is envisioned as an entirely energy-autonomous facility powered by renewable sources.
A key innovative feature will be the installation of photovoltaic systems, combined with energy storage solutions for efficient consumption. This will greatly reduce carbon footprints and ensure the marina operates primarily on renewables while remaining connected to the grid for reliability during peak demands.
Environmental Considerations
The environmental strategy is rooted in the concept of “working with nature,” incorporating ecological considerations from the planning stages. Collaborating with marine construction expert Carlos Acosta, the design promises to minimize resource extraction and waste generation through a series of advanced engineering techniques aligned with the Circular Economy Strategy of the Canary Islands.
Construction efforts will focus on reusing existing materials and infrastructure, allowing for an eco-friendly approach that aligns with the ecological preservation goals of the region. Notably, elements like coastal rock will be repurposed to create aesthetically pleasing and functional structures, ensuring minimal disruption to the local landscape.
Architectural Inspirations
The terrestrial part of Marina Jandía draws from traditional Canarian architecture while incorporating modern, innovative designs. The resulting spaces aim to provide unique dining experiences situated above the water. The restaurant offerings will prioritize sustainable and locally-sourced culinary delights, complementing the five eateries and additional kiosks located strategically to capture picturesque views of both sunrises and sunsets.
The marina will also host various amenities, including a beach club, dive school, and boutique shops, enhancing its appeal to both locals and tourists.
A Cohesive Design Vision
Architect Néstor Pérez Batista, who designed the public spaces and buildings, integrated architectural references from existing marinas with elements authentic to Fuerteventura. The design and construction processes are intended to respect and enhance the surrounding environment, focusing on the integration of local materials and colors.
Marina Jandía promises to be a stunning addition to Morro Jable, elevating the island’s nautical offerings and fostering a vibrant, eco-friendly tourism landscape while preserving the uniqueness of the Canary Islands.
