Starting from

225 €

Duration

8h - 14h

Min. Participants

1

Max. Participants

4

Difficulty

Easy

General Info

The bustling city of Lisbon, steeped in history and culture, offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. Nestled on the scenic shores of the Tagus River, Lisbon boasts a vibrant atmosphere and a rich tapestry of experiences waiting to be explored.

The Tagus Estuary is a sanctuary of ecological significance, ranging over 14,000 hectares of wetlands, wooded slopes, and expansive pastures. It is a haven for a diverse range of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. From the elegant Greater Flamingo to the majestic Bonelli’s Eagle and the elusive Bluethroat, the estuary is home to over 250 bird species. Visitors can witness the spectacular sight of over 150,000 waders and waterfowl during winter, while migratory seasons bring a flurry of avian activity, showcasing nature’s beauty at its peak.

What sets the Tagus Estuary apart is its harmonious coexistence of agriculture and wildlife. The age-old relationship between the land and its inhabitants has created a delicate balance, fostering a wide biodiversity. Enormous black bulls graze lazily under the shade of Cork Oaks, while families of Egyptian Mangoose roam freely, adding to the area’s natural allure.

Exploring the Tagus Estuary is a year-round delight. In winter, the estuary teems with migratory birds seeking refuge, offering a captivating sight for birdwatchers. During the summer, the landscape transforms into a Mediterranean oasis, bustling with breeding species. Guided tours by Portugal Birding provide a unique opportunity to witness this natural spectacle up close.

Just a short 30 minute drive from Lisbon, bird enthusiasts can embark on a full-day guided tour to explore the diverse habitats of the Tagus Estuary. From open water and mudflats to salt marshes and reedbeds, these tour offer a glimpse into the rich avian life that calls this estuary home.

Rare and elusive species, such as the White-fronted Goose and the Sociable Lapwing, have also been spotted in recent years, adding an element of excitement for avid birdwatchers. The Tagus Estuary stands as a testament to the beauty of nature, inviting visitors to connect with the wild heart of Portugal, right on the doorstep of its capital city.

What can we see

Anseriformes (Ducks, Geese, and Swans): Greylag Goose, Common Shelduck
Galliformes (Gamefowl), Red-legged Partridge
Podicipediformes (Grebes): Black-necked Grebe
Phoenicopteriformes (Flamingos): Greater Flamingo
Ciconiiformes (Storks and Herons): White Stork, Glossy Ibis, Eurasian Spoonbill, Eurasian Bittern, Little Bittern, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Purple Heron, Great Egret
Accipitriformes (Birds of Prey): Western Osprey, Black-winged Kite, Short-toed Snake Eagle, Booted Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Western Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Black Kite
Otidiformes (Bustards): Little Bustard
Gruiformes (Rails, Cranes, and Allies): Water Rail, Western Swamphen, Eurasian Stone-curlew
Charadriiformes (Shorebirds and Gulls): Black-winged Stilt, Pied Avocet, European Golden Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Eurasian Whimbrel, Eurasian Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, Red Knot, Ruff, Curlew Sandpiper, Temminck’s Stint, Little Stint, Green Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Common Greenshank, Collared Pratincole, Mediterranean Gull
Columbiformes (Pigeons and Doves): European Turtle Dove
Cuculiformes (Cuckoos): Great Spotted Cuckoo, Common Cuckoo
Strigiformes (Owls): Western Barn Owl, Little Owl, Short-eared Owl, Red-necked Nightjar
Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars):Pallid Swift
Coraciiformes (Kingfishers): Common Kingfisher
Piciformes (Woodpeckers): Eurasian Hoopoe, Eurasian Wryneck, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
Falconiformes (Falcons and Caracaras):Common Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon
Passeriformes (Perching Birds): Iberian Grey Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Iberian Magpie, European Crested Tit, Eurasian Penduline Tit, Woodlark, Eurasian Skylark, Crested Lark, Greater Short-toed Lark, Red-rumped Swallow, Cetti’s Warbler, Long-tailed Tit, Iberian Chiffchaff, Western Bonelli’s Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Eurasian Reed Warbler, Melodious Warbler, Savi’s Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Dartford Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Short-toed Treecreeper, Crested Myna, Spotless Starling, Bluethroat, Common Nightingale, Spanish Sparrow, Rock Sparrow, Black-headed Weaver, Yellow-crowned Bishop, Common Waxbill, Scaly-breasted Munia, Western Yellow Wagtail, Water Pipit, Hawfinch, European Serin, Cirl Bunting, Common Reed Bunting

Not so common but seen in recent years, and depending on the time of the year, we coil see:

Anseriformes (Ducks, Geese, and Swans): Barnacle Goose, Pink-footed Goose, White-fronted Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, American Wigeon, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Marbled Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Long-tailed Duck, Common Goldeneye
Phoenicopteriformes (Flamingos): Lesser Flamingo
Pelecaniformes (Pelicans): White Pelican
Gruiformes (Rails, Cranes, and Allies): Red-knobbed Coot
Charadriiformes (Shorebirds and Gulls): Sociable Lapwing,American Golden Plover, Buff-breasted Sandpiper,Pectoral Sandpiper ,Long-billed Dowitcher, Terek Sandpiper, Red-necked Phalarope, Lesser Yellowlegs, Marsh Sandpiper, Franklin’s Gull, Ring-billed Gull
Charadriiformes (Terns): White-winged Tern

Some photos of this tour

Location

Good to know

Difficulty

Easy, mostly done on car with some short distance flat walks

Time

Full day tour. Departure and return time to be arranged.

Included

– All entrance fees
– Accident’s Insurance
– Transport (pick up and drop in Lisbon hotel. Gas and tolls included)
– Water
– Guide

Price

1 person: 225 €
2 persons: 275 €
3 persons: 325 €
4 persons: 375 €

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      Philip Elbek (mentalwarbler) profile picture
      Philip Elbek (mentalwarbler)
      Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifica se a fonte original da avaliação é Google.
      Rui and I was on a 12 hour trip in the vicinity of Lisbon. Rui was able to adapt the trip to my wishes, but was also great at suggesting places to go depending on local rarities, the season, tidal currents, heat, direction of the sun etc. Rui also knew great places for small breaks to get some local lunch, coffee, pastries or something refreshing to drink on a hot day. I ended up getting 7 lifers, including several I had not thought about when arraging the trip with Rui. I would 10/10 recommend and also do again another time.
      Publicado em Google Google
      Jeff Kelleher profile picture
      Jeff Kelleher
      Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifica se a fonte original da avaliação é Google.
      Had an amazing time. The guide was very informative and knowledgeable.
      Publicado em Google Google
      Eric Morey profile picture
      Eric Morey
      Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifica se a fonte original da avaliação é Google.
      An absolutely outstanding birding experience and easily one of the highlights of my trip to Portugal. I spent a full day exploring the Tagus Estuary with Rui, and the entire experience exceeded my expectations. We saw an incredible 80 bird species, and Rui’s knowledge of the birds, habitats, and best locations was exceptional. He seemed to know exactly where to go throughout the day, and even chose a perfect spot for lunch that made the experience feel especially thoughtful and well planned. What I appreciated most was how relaxed the day felt. I never felt rushed, and Rui was incredibly patient with all of my questions. As someone who is still relatively new to birding, I felt completely comfortable asking questions and learning along the way. His enthusiasm, knowledge, and patience made the day both educational and genuinely fun. If you are considering a birding tour in the Lisbon area or the Tagus Estuary, I cannot recommend Rui highly enough. It was a perfect day from beginning to end and an experience I will remember for a very long time. Thank you, Rui, for such a fantastic day!
      Publicado em Google Google
      Victor Carrozzino profile picture
      Victor Carrozzino
      Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifica se a fonte original da avaliação é Google.
      We visited several different habitats which provided a great number of sightings. Pedro is extremely knowledgeable of the environments and species. If I come back to Portugal to do any birding I would work with Portugal Birding.
      Publicado em Google Google
      Kevin Rebelo profile picture
      Kevin Rebelo
      Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifica se a fonte original da avaliação é Google.
      Our tour was incredible with an astonishing 87 species observed! Pedro was a brilliant guide who could even identify birds by sound. We look forward to using Portugal Birding's again next time we are back in Portugal!
      Publicado em Google Google
      Mark Jones profile picture
      Mark Jones
      Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifica se a fonte original da avaliação é Google.
      Excellent tour. Highly recommend! Full day of exploring for birds. Rui was very knowledgeable and interested in finding all the species possible we could find. Had a lovely coffee break in a small shop and enjoyed a delicious lunch in a local restaurant. Memories were made. Looking forward to coming back some day and doing another tour.
      Publicado em Google Google
      Janusz Jagiello profile picture
      Janusz Jagiello
      Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifica se a fonte original da avaliação é Google.
      Rui is a very knowledgeable birding guide, a talented photographer, skillful enterpreneur and a great travel companion at the same time. Thanks to his determined efforts I managed to spot some 'lifers' despite of challenging conditions on that day. I highly recommend services of 'Portugal Birding' headed by Rui!
      Publicado em Google Google
      Aron Rider profile picture
      Aron Rider
      Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifica se a fonte original da avaliação é Google.
      Our experience with Rui was warm, comfortable, informative, and really enjoyable! Rui is a great guide and very helpful. We had time for an all day trip including Tagus. It was so nice to see nature outside of Lisbon! We learned a great deal and saw over 75 different birds in beautiful places. We highly recommend this experience, and look forward to another trip with Portugal Birding!
      Publicado em Google Google
      Karsten Kriedemann profile picture
      Karsten Kriedemann
      Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifica se a fonte original da avaliação é Google.
      At the end of June, I went on a day trip with PortugalBirding to the Tagus Estuary wetlands near Lisbon. I can honestly say it was one of my best birding excursions—and that is saying something, given how much I have traveled across Europe and Africa. Rui is an excellent birder with expert knowledge of the area, and he was completely attentive to my preferences. We spotted nearly 80 bird species that day. A real highlight was a flock of around 400 house martins resting on the dirt track and "bathing" in the warm sand just a few meters away from us. I can highly recommend this tour—and undoubtedly all of Rui’s other tours—and I plan to return during the peak birding season in winter. Best regards @karsten.kriedemann
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      Tatsutoshi Honjo profile picture
      Tatsutoshi Honjo
      Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifica se a fonte original da avaliação é Google.
      市内の公園の探鳥だったのでそれ程期待はしていなかったのですが、42種も見れ、一番の収穫はヤツガシラが至近距離でしかも飽きるぐらい長く観察できました。 別の場所で巣に餌を運びこむ姿もじっくり見れました。 他にキバシリが頻繁に見られたのも大きな収穫でした。 また、ガイドの方も積極的に探してくれました。ありがとうございました。
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