Discover Portugal’s hidden birdwatching gem just outside Lisbon. Witness a variety of bird species in stunning natural surroundings at Ilha das Garças.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–4 hours
Fitness Level
Light physical activity, suitable for most ages and abilities
Wildlife
History
The Ilha das Garças has been a protected conservation area since the early 2000s, playing a key role in local bird preservation efforts.
Conservation
The reserve actively promotes habitat restoration and responsible viewing practices to minimize ecological impact.
Rio-A-Dentro
Discover Portugal’s hidden birdwatching gem just outside Lisbon. Witness a variety of bird species in stunning natural surroundings at Ilha das Garças.
Rio-A-Dentro is a nature tour operator based in Salvaterra de Magos, Santarém. The company offers guided birdwatching and river nature tours on the Rio Tejo, focusing on local wildlife and landscape interpretation. Rio-A-Dentro operates three primary experiences: Observação de Aves, Passeios de Natureza Durante a Semana, and Passeios de Natureza Fim-de-Semana.
Observação de Aves takes place in Embora Escaroupim, approximately 40 minutes from Lisbon, and highlights nesting activity on Ilha das Garças with sightings of herons and storks. Passeios de Natureza Durante a Semana is a 2.5-hour nature tour that glides through islands and hidden channels on the Rio Tejo, with opportunities to observe wild horses, diverse bird species, and sunsets. Passeios de Natureza Fim-de-Semana is also a 2.5-hour journey along the Rio Tejo that passes lush islands and offers wildlife observation including free-roaming horses and flocks of birds, with notable heron activity at sunset.
All offerings are presented as nature-based experiences in the Salvaterra de Magos area of Santarém and emphasize respectful observation of wildlife and habitats. Information included in tour summaries refers to specific locations, durations, and wildlife mentioned in the tour descriptions. Rio-A-Dentro provides clear local-focused itineraries for visitors seeking birdwatching, river trips, and scenic sunset tours on the Rio Tejo.
The Observação de Aves experience highlights nesting season on Ilha das Garças, when herons and storks are visible. Tours are offered both during weekdays and weekends, reflected by the separate Passeios de Natureza Durante a Semana and Passeios de Natureza Fim-de-Semana experiences on the Rio Tejo.
Location
Salvaterra de Magos
Based in the Santarém district
Tour Length
2.5 hours
Typical nature tour duration
Tours Offered
3 Experiences
Weekday and weekend options available
Wildlife
Herons & Storks
Includes Ilha das Garças nesting
Reserve a spot on Observação de Aves or a 2.5-hour Passeios de Natureza tour and discover Ilha das Garças and the islands of the Rio Tejo.
Bring binoculars
Enhance your viewing experience with a good pair of binoculars for closer looks at distant birds.
Visit during nesting season
Plan your trip in spring or early summer for the best bird activity and nesting sights.
Wear waterproof footwear
Trail conditions can be muddy; waterproof shoes will keep you comfortable.
Photography gear
Bring a camera with a zoom lens to capture high-quality images of elusive species.
Binoculars
Critical for observing distant birds without disturbing their natural behavior.
Bird field guide
Helps identify the various species encountered in the habitat.
Camera with zoom lens
Captures detailed photos of avian species.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Preparedness for changeable weather ensures comfort during your visit.