Guided Excursions / Nautical Activities

DOÑANA NATURAL PARK (WORLD HERITAGE). This is doubtlessly the most eagerly anticipated excursion for bird lovers. With our naturalist guide we’ll leave in the morning to enjoy a full day in this, one of Europe’s most famous stopover points for migratory birds. Doñana’s entire ecosystem is a vital haven and wintering ground for a multitude of birds that come there to feed and breed. Over 360 different species are seen at various times of year. We’ll begin in the well-known village of El Rocío, where the marshes become waterlogged with the first autumn rains, flooding the clay soil and creating a fantastic place for spotting waders such as flamingos and other animal species such as wild horses and organically reared livestock. We can also see a huge variety of birds of prey on the wing, such as kites, western marsh harriers and if we are lucky, the spectacular western imperial eagle. Springtime sees the arrival birds from Africa which come to breed – plenty of colour and activity. We’ll then visit the Mediterranean forest which is home to deer, wild boar, rabbit and the elusive Iberian lynx. In the afternoon we’ll approach the Dunas del Asperillo Natural Park by a path that ends at a deserted beach. Later we return by road to our hotels (17h).

– Full day (From 09h to17h)

– Price per person: 75€

– Group size: Min/Max: 6/16 people

KAYAK EXCURSION. After a short safety/training talk, we take advantage of high tide to immerse ourselves in the tranquillity of this coastal wetland and learn about its unique ecosystem. Slowly traversing areas of salt pans, marshes and navigation channels we’ll enjoy a rich diversity of flora and fauna. There are ancient mills, shore carpenters, fishing ports and fish markets offering tastes and smells it seems we’d almost forgotten. No previous experience is necessary for the kayaking – the only requirement is that you are able to swim. The excursion takes 4 hours and the remainder of the day is free to visit the old town with its port, fish market and daily fish auction – a fascinating opportunity to savour the sights and smells of this lively town.

– Kayaking time: 4 hours

– Price per person: 40€

– Group size:  Min/Max: 4/12 people

-OCEAN SAILING. Today we set sail aboard our ocean-going yacht, Alcyon. If weather and sea conditions permit then we’ll take to the open ocean to learn the ancient art of navigation.  There will be opportunities for everyone to crew the boat and help steer a steady course in search of soaring seabirds and dolphin riding the waves.  Swimming at sea is possible and the excursion includes a snack aboard ship. For a few hours we’ll feel the magic of the ocean and discover a world of wind, sea, sky and tides.

– Sailing time: 4 hours

– Price per person: 55€

– Group size: Min/Max 4/10 people

– TREKKING IN SIERRA DE ARACENA NATURAL PARK. Very early in the morning the van picks us up and we go to the north to Castaño del Robledo, a mountain village. From this point we make a gentle walk through paths and tracks that, even today, comunícate small white villages. This route crosses mountains, chesnut forests and also pastures of cork oaks and olm oaks where the Iberian porks run freely. In the afternoon, after enjoying the gastronomy, we will have a glimpse to the Rio Tinto mines. Then we go back to Isla Cristina.

.  Full day (From 08h to18h). Walking time: Five hours (Distance: 12 kilometers)

.  Price per person: 75€

. Group size: Minimum/Maximum 8/16 people

GUADIANA’S EDGE WALK, WHITE VILLAGES BETWEEN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL.  An hour transfer will take us to the beginning of a gentle walk that begins in a little stream surrounded by olive trees, cork oaks and Mediterranean bushes. The Guadiana River will appear in front of us and we will begin to walk close to the Spanish shore, facing the Portuguese shore, then the frontier villages of Sanlúcar del Guadiana (Spain) and Alcoutim (Portugal). For those who like the risk we have the option to do a Zip Line that begins in Spain and ends in Portugal which is unique in all Europe (optional). We will take a little boat to cross the border and we can visit the villages, we can eat either in Spain or Portugal and then a transfer will take us back to our resorts.

.  From 09h to16h.  Walking time: 3 hours. (Distance: 8 kilometers)

.  Price per person: 50€

. Group size: Minimum/Maximum 8/16 people

FROM SPAIN TO PORTUGAL BY BICYCLE. Today we take our bicycles and cross the Guadiana estuary by ferry to Portugal. Following a “Via Verde” or ‘green way’ (a specially conditioned cycle track reclaimed from an old railway line) we pass salt pans, marshes and tidal mills. We’ll stop to visit a traditional salt plant, one of the last in Spain, nowadays engaged in supplying the modern demand for artisan salt. Finally, our “Via Verde” brings us to the town of Ayamonte where from the quayside we’ll take the regular ferry to the Portuguese town of Vila Real de Santo Antonio. Like many towns along the Algarve, Vila real was destroyed by the great earthquake of 1755 and was subsequently laid out and rebuilt in the enlightenment style.  We’ll have time to stroll the pleasant town with its marina, stylish 18^th century architecture and highly celebrated town plan. We can extend our cycle ride following the banks of the Guadiana to the wide open beach where the river opens to the Atlantic Ocean. There should be time to swim before returning to Isla Cristina in the afternoon. This is a route suitable for everybody with a normal fitness.

. Full day. From 09h to 17h.Cycling: Distance 30 km

.  Price per person: 50€

. Group size: Minimum 8 person/ Maximum 12 people