The Starlight Foundation has granted Océano de Experiencias, S.L., owner of nauticocean.com and partner of the TWINNEDbySTARS project, the 2025 International Starlight Award in the Astrotourism category.
This recognition celebrates years of pioneering work combining navigation and astronomy to turn dark skies into living experiences.
A recognition of innovation and vision
According to the official statement from the Foundation, Nautic Ocean was the first nautical company to receive the Starlight certification. Since then, it has designed maritime routes free from light pollution, allowing visitors to enjoy pure night skies from the sea. The jury highlighted the innovative character of its immersive experiences, the use of interpretative technology, and the company’s international consolidation as a benchmark in nautical astrotourism.
Alongside Nautic Ocean, other awarded projects include El Pueblo Korres, Casa Starlight Posada el Candil in Almería, and the Astrotourism Inclusion Document of Valle de Alcudia and Sierra Madrona, all recognized for their commitment to protecting and promoting the night sky.
From Nautic Ocean to Sea Starlight and TWINNEDbySTARS
This recognition crowns a continuous journey of innovation and collaboration. Nautic Ocean became the first nautical company to receive the Starlight certification, a distinction granted to initiatives that safeguard the quality of the night sky. Building on that achievement, the company launched the Sea Starlight project together with nine other partners, funded by the Next Generation programme, to create astronomical sailing routes and experiences along Spain’s coastline.
That experience then expanded into the European context through TWINNEDbySTARS, a project funded by CINEA – EMFAF, which connects the outermost regions of Canary Islands, Azores, Madeira, and Martinique in a network of Starlight territories. Its aim is to foster scientific, tourism, and outreach collaborations that reinforce the night sky as a shared heritage.
The 2025 Starlight Award therefore consolidates a collective journey defined by vision, commitment, and international projection.
A renewed responsibility
For Océano de Experiencias, this award represents a renewed responsibility. It reaffirms that their mission—to sail under dark skies, to educate, and to preserve our celestial legacy—has meaning and visibility. It also serves as motivation to keep developing routes under protected skies, strengthen partnerships with scientific and tourism entities, and continue innovating in outreach tools and educational experiences.
The official award ceremony took place on 23 October during the closing dinner of the VIII International Starlight Meeting, held at the Hotel Alfonso VIII in Soria, gathering institutions and professionals committed to the protection of the night sky.
An invitation to gaze at the stars from the sea
If you are passionate about the sea and the stars, discover Sea Starlight routes and experience the magic of sailing beneath the purest skies.