Bird Watching in Sado Estuary Natural Reserve

Location: Setúbal, Portugal

Recommended by Marga of Discover Portugal

How do I know it’s ethical?

The Sado Estuary Natural Reserve is one of 30 areas that is protected in Portugal. The wetlands are within reach of Lisbon and are located close to the town of Setúbal. The protected area is around 23,000 hectares, leading towards the Sado River and the Atlantic Ocean. Besides many, it’s the home of bottlenose dolphins. 

Description of the Experience

Looking for a peaceful moment in nature? The Sado Estuary Natural Reserve will offer just that! Only a few people live in the area, and the surrounding land is mostly used for agricultural purposes. It is in this landscape where you’ll find the spring of the Sado River, the only river in Portugal that flows towards the north. 

The Sado Estuary Natural Reserve wetlands are a true paradise for bird watchers! Especially in fall and winter when many birds migrate. Common birds at the Sado Estuary are flamingos, the great white egret, herons, storks, spoonbills, and the ibis. The best place to start your bird-watching adventure is Moinho de Maré da Mourisca. There is a place to park your car, and you can set out to discover some short walks in the area. Don’t forget to take a look inside as well. There is a small museum in this old tide mill! The landscape includes salt marshes, dunes, beaches, saltpans, and mud flats. Walking, boat, and bird-watching tours depart from this spot.

You can also decide to venture out yourself. It’s easiest to have a car to explore the entire estuary as it’s very spread out. The landscape is flat, so cycling is another option. You can go as far as the Tróia peninsula, close to Comporta. This area is known for its beautiful beaches! Or discover Carrasqueira, where you can find the fishing community of the Sado Estuary. Looking for some ancient sites? Even that is possible at the Sado Estuary! There are historical ruins here from Phoenician times.

Besides birds, you’ll also be able to discover bottlenose dolphins in the Sado River. They are rare in Europe, but a small pod lives in the estuary. They’re monitored closely to protect them, and sometimes they can even be seen from the shore! The best place to spot them is at the nearby national park Arrábida. This area is also a paradise for hikers, and you’ll find several stunning beaches at the foot of the mountain range. 

Company/ Cost: 

Boat tours by Mira Sado leave from Moinho de Maré da Mourisca, but you’ll have to book in advance. The time of the trip depends on the tides and the season. Several options are available, such as a 1-hour route (Ponta de Musgos) or a 3-hour bird-watching experience. Prices start at € 20,00 per adult or € 10,00 for children. A minimum of 4 people is required for the tour to go ahead. You can book a boat tour out of Setúbal or Sesimbra to see the bottlenose dolphins. 

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This is one post on a series of ethical animal tourism posts by travel content creators. The experiences cover all seven continents and a variety of animals. Ensure that your animal experience is an ethical one.

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