Birds & Nature Tours
Birds & Nature Tours
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About
Birds & Nature Tours is the first Portuguese company specifically dedicated to birds and birding tours.We offer you a wide variety of programmes, including guided birding tours, photographic tours, bird-dedicated courses and birding trips outside Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2023
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
527 reviews
Excellent
514
Very good
13
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Sally
1 contribution
Oct 2022
Final port of call for our cruise ship was Lisbon, we booked a half day bird tour in advance and were met by Jaime our guide outside the cruise terminal. Lisbon was very busy due to the Marathon but Jaime expertly navigated a route out of the city to a number of different locations in the Tagus estuary. Jaime is an expert guide, his ornithological expertise and local knowledge plus excellent spoken English made for a very interesting and productive tour with a bird count of 72. We thoroughly recommend booking direct with Birds and Nature Tours. Jaime returned us to the cruise terminal in good time for our departure.
Written October 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy B
Montrose, CO3 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We were blessed to celebrate our 50th anniversary with Joao Jara's company " Birds and Nature" in Portugal in October, 2022. We took a 12 day "Birds, culture, wine" tour in southern Portugal, spent two extra nights in Lisbon, then a 7 day private tour in northern Portugal. We couldn't have been more pleased. They cap the group size at 7 people (we had 5), with comfortable Mercedes van. Everything on the group tour is covered, breakfasts usually at hotel, lunches on the road, dinners in nice restaurants. The accommodations were all 3 and 4 star, with emphasis on historic buildings. Our guide, Helder Cardoso, was with us the entire time. The emphasis is birding, and he was a fantastic bird guide. In finding birds, recognizing song, identification, I've never seen better. We ended with 186 species. He was also very knowledgeable on history, botany/zoology, culture, food and wine. He added immeasurably to the experience. There were also guide led historic/culture tours, and wine tours and tastings. The food is regional emphasis, and we found it quite good. Joao put together a 7 day tour into northern Portugal and one day into Spain that was equally well planned. An emphasis was on the beautiful Douro valley from the Spanish border to the Atlantic. Helder again was our guide.
I have seldom been able to recommend individuals and the company with more confidence, and look forward to booking with them in the future.
I have seldom been able to recommend individuals and the company with more confidence, and look forward to booking with them in the future.
Written October 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Penny R
London10 contributions
Dec 2022
We had such a special morning with Bernardo. None of us are birding experts, and he pitched the tour and the sightings perfectly, allowing us to enjoy more than 75 species in a few hours.
Our trip with Birds and Nature Tours Portugal was a highlight of a great long weekend in Lisbon, and I would recommend time with them - for amateurs like us, or real experts. I know they can cater for all.
Our trip with Birds and Nature Tours Portugal was a highlight of a great long weekend in Lisbon, and I would recommend time with them - for amateurs like us, or real experts. I know they can cater for all.
Written December 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2bajadreamers
Oceanside, CA45 contributions
Apr 2022
We took a nine day trip to northeastern Portugal and northwest Spain arranged by Birds and Nature Tours. In addition to this we had 2 day trips arranged in each of 3 locations, Tagus Estuary, Algarve, and Mertola. All of these trips were outstanding. The guides provided, the knowledge of the areas targeted and overall attitude of everyone involve was exemplary. We have used different tour services and guides many times in many different countries and this was one of the best services we have used.
Our interest is photography, not birdwatching, and accommodations were made to facilitate that.
This trip was postponed twice because of COVID. Offers were made repeatedly to fully refund our deposit money if we so desired. We are certainly happy we just rescheduled instead.
Our interest is photography, not birdwatching, and accommodations were made to facilitate that.
This trip was postponed twice because of COVID. Offers were made repeatedly to fully refund our deposit money if we so desired. We are certainly happy we just rescheduled instead.
Written April 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ckm818
Hong Kong, China256 contributions
Jan 2020
On our last day in Lisbon, we made a good choice to wake up before seven to visit the delightful Tagus estuary at Alcochete: Reserva Natural do Estuário do Tejo. That's an important breeding ground for water birds.
Our birdwatching guide Bernado Barrelo knows the estuary the way a hawk knows his meadow: how to check, where to hide, and even how to read weather in the clouds.
We learned about the less-than-promising weather forecast, but Bernado reassured us that we should go ahead. And he's right. We're lucky to have followed his advice and guide.
Our family had an amazing half day trip at the Tagus Estuary Natural Reserve covering a vast area of estuary water, salt marshes and small islands. A haven for water birds, and a must for birdwatchers.
Our birdwatching guide Bernado Barrelo knows the estuary the way a hawk knows his meadow: how to check, where to hide, and even how to read weather in the clouds.
We learned about the less-than-promising weather forecast, but Bernado reassured us that we should go ahead. And he's right. We're lucky to have followed his advice and guide.
Our family had an amazing half day trip at the Tagus Estuary Natural Reserve covering a vast area of estuary water, salt marshes and small islands. A haven for water birds, and a must for birdwatchers.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol W
Oro-Medonte, Canada31 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
We two Canadian seniors made an excellent choice booking a tour of the Tagus Estuary with Birds and Nature Tours Portugal. We knew of the principals by reputation and felt sure it would be value for money.
Amélia was our guide for the day. Her English is excellent, she knows her birds by sight and sound, and was adept at helping us find them. Her spotting scope was much appreciated. What a time and effort saver to go with someone who knows where to go, when to be there (tide times, sun position) and has access to places that are privately arranged. All that, plus not having to negotiate unfamiliar roads.
We took the full day tour, and it was indeed a FULL day. We saw and/or heard 70 species in total, including several for the first time, including Squacco Heron, and an Egyptian Mongoose.
The highlight was huge flocks of glossy ibis in flight, a massive concentration of black-tailed godwits (tens of thousands at minimum), and a thrilling pink cloud of flamingos as the day drew to a close.
We heartily recommend this tour and Amélia who was able to honour my special request for a tour and dissertation on cork trees.
Amélia was our guide for the day. Her English is excellent, she knows her birds by sight and sound, and was adept at helping us find them. Her spotting scope was much appreciated. What a time and effort saver to go with someone who knows where to go, when to be there (tide times, sun position) and has access to places that are privately arranged. All that, plus not having to negotiate unfamiliar roads.
We took the full day tour, and it was indeed a FULL day. We saw and/or heard 70 species in total, including several for the first time, including Squacco Heron, and an Egyptian Mongoose.
The highlight was huge flocks of glossy ibis in flight, a massive concentration of black-tailed godwits (tens of thousands at minimum), and a thrilling pink cloud of flamingos as the day drew to a close.
We heartily recommend this tour and Amélia who was able to honour my special request for a tour and dissertation on cork trees.
Written December 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KennethScottBoston
Hingham, MA7 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Highly recommended. António guided us through several birding sites during a full-day tour in the Algarve region, which we arranged with manager João Jara. António kindly focused on birds we had never seen before (“lifers”), and we were thrilled to see six of them during the day. We happened to see 78 species in all. Highlights for me personally were Western Swamphen, Northern Lapwing, and European Golden-Plover.
António knows the area well. We visited sites that would otherwise be difficult to find on our own. It was great to learn from him about the areas around where we birded, and some of the challenges in sustaining habitat. He was friendly, clearly committed to conservation, expert in his field, and easy going.
For anyone interested in learning more about birds and their habitats in Portugal, we highly recommend one of these tours. João is always great at arranging a great visit. This was our fourth in the country with Birds & Nature, and we look forward to returning for number five in May. These tours are also a great view into Portugal beyond touristed areas.
António knows the area well. We visited sites that would otherwise be difficult to find on our own. It was great to learn from him about the areas around where we birded, and some of the challenges in sustaining habitat. He was friendly, clearly committed to conservation, expert in his field, and easy going.
For anyone interested in learning more about birds and their habitats in Portugal, we highly recommend one of these tours. João is always great at arranging a great visit. This was our fourth in the country with Birds & Nature, and we look forward to returning for number five in May. These tours are also a great view into Portugal beyond touristed areas.
Written March 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SJWS18
Buffalo, NY5 contributions
Apr 2022
Our small group, 12 day bird watching tour in the Alentejo and Algarve Regions of Southern Portugal was inspirational! Both the owner of this exceptional touring company and our guide, Joao, could not have been more professional, knowledgeable and kind throughout our time in their beautiful country. Joao was encyclopedic in his ability to identify birds as well as plants, through both sound and sight. We have deeply internalized the passion that was so palpable in our time together. Our cultural tours were also excellent! We were very impressed with the lovely and unique hotels. Joao really went out of his way to accommodate our every need. Best of all, we had so much fun! Two thumbs up for our exceptional experience with Birds and Nature Tours!!!
Written May 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dale P
Burnley, UK12 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our tour of the Tagus Estuary with our knowledgeable and friendly guide Bernardo. He asked us which species we were hoping to see and tailored our adventure accordingly. The Tagus Estuary is a vast patchwork of habitats which would have been impossible to navigate without Bernardo's local knowledge. He also has access to a private farm with a beautiful lake surrounded by ancient cork oaks that proved to be a particular highlight. We saw several species new to us, including a wryneck in a location we would never have considered. Highly recommended.
Thanks once again, Bernardo.
Thanks once again, Bernardo.
Written September 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicolas K
New York City, NY2 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Tagus Estuary excursion with Bernardo. My wife and I enthusiastically recommend birds.pt and Bernardo. Bernardo's years of experience and passion for birding and nature really made the trip worthwhile. We are complete novices to birding and we learned so much from our time with Bernardo that we feel more confident to go out on our own and enjoy birding in the future.
We made some memories for life and took enough pictures to keep me busy editing for the next few months. Bernardo has an eye for good lighting and interesting bird photograph opportunities and always tried his best to get us as close as possible to each bird to net us the best quality shot.
We have no reservations recommending this company and Bernardo as novice birders.
We made some memories for life and took enough pictures to keep me busy editing for the next few months. Bernardo has an eye for good lighting and interesting bird photograph opportunities and always tried his best to get us as close as possible to each bird to net us the best quality shot.
We have no reservations recommending this company and Bernardo as novice birders.
Written December 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelerQuilter
Rochester, NY253 contributions
A group of 4 is looking into booking a 1/2-day birding tour from Lisbon in the first week of October 2024 in the Tagus River estuary, inclusive of transportation to/from the estuary. Can you suggest a tour/pricing for us either as a small group or private tour? Thank you.
Sue K
7 contributions
I highly recommend Birds & Nature Tours Portugal. They have group and private tours available.
thelma142
Attard, Malta9 contributions
Hi, could you please send details for booking?thanks for your review
BBarreto
Lisbon, Portugal1 contribution
If you would like to book an activity with Birds & Nature Tours Portugal, please send an e-mail to:
booking@birds.pt
Thank you.
The Birds & Nature Tours Portugal Team
guidaduarteprojetos
Lisbon, Portugal
Olá, o meu marido é fotógrafo profissional de natureza , portanto, gostaria de saber se a empresa dos senhores realizam pacotes destinados ao campo da fotografia. Obrigada
Leviticus_Plews
Washington DC, DC1 contribution
Wife and I will be in Lisbon second week of December. Is that a good time?
Cathy M
1 contribution
I think it will be, but if I were you I would email them and ask them as they really know the birds habits and where to find them and who will be around at that time of year!
I will be in airport of Lisbon area waiting for my flight to depart 18 hours, want to know what can I do while waiting.
BBarreto
Lisbon, Portugal1 contribution
If you will be interested in a birdwatching tour, we can organize a tour during that period.
Please inform us about the date and time.
Please reply to my mail if possible:
bernardo.barreto@birds.pt
Thank you.
hashan
kandy6 contributions
what area of portugal is this please?
Janet Emily B
9 contributions
We spent the whole day in October E of Lisbon on the Tagus estuary, but I a friend went in spring last year inland from Lisbon to the hills. Depends on season and your interests but the guides are happy to advise if you email the company.