Diogo Cam Expedition – Bird Watching on Tagus Estuary


Book NowLeave the city behind, cross the Tagus Estuary and meet the ‘other side’ of Lisbon. Rivers border nations and continents, here the Tagus River kept the wilderness protected from the growing city.
This fluvial expedition is a winter escape from the Ocean’s high seas. Admire the wild landscape where Europe’s winged population spends the winter months, from the comfort of a spacious and cosy sailing trimaran.
In line with the end of the expedition of Diogo Cão that explored the estuary of the Congo River, we will sail upstream to the Tagus’ Estuary. The called “Sea of the Straw” is a small sea enclosed inland. The route will pass by the most iconic monuments of the City of Lisbon and below Europe’s longest bridge, then we will sail to the North-eastern side of the Estuary.
We consider that 4 hours is enough to cover the intricate coast covered by salt-marsh. It seems long but time will fly, as our specialist biologist on board will take you on a learning quest, from the ancient river history to the magnificent creatures of the estuary. The Tagus Estuary Natural Reserve is the area where the human impact is the lowest. You can find 100 000 migratory birds, during winter, where you can find a high diversity of about 200 species such as flamingos, ospreys, herons, stilts and eagles. We will explain the differences between species and their way of living. Our research boat enables close observation as only needs 1 meter deep waters, but it still is spacious enough to walk around. There are wide seating spots where you can look through binoculars, enjoy our didactic material, the Sun, beverages and appetizers.
We are properly licenced for wildlife observation in the Natural Reserve. All expeditions are genuine scientific surveys where a biologist is always present collecting valuable data and you are our guests. Everyone is invited to experience the “shoes” of a researcher, learning how to identify and photograph birds like a professional. As we like to be one with the environment, we will sail under minimum engine use, which also will provide a more pure experience.
In the 8 hour expedition the boat will be beached during low tide, enabling a closer observation of the birds as they scavenge in the mud around the boat. The gained stability will enable the observation through telescopes.
Duration:
4 hours, 50€

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