Upcoming departures: May 23 and June 13
Spanish and English
We are committed to the environment and work towards sustainable tourism.
That is why we are taking measures in this direction. More information
- 10% of the ticket price goes toward the osprey conservation project that we lead in Santander Bay through the Osprey Centre Collective
- 5% goes to the Bearded Vulture reintroduction project through the Bearded Vulture Conservation Foundation.
- Collaboration with the FCQ on work to adapt the large aviaries
- Since 2019, we have been measuring our carbon footprint and offsetting those emissions we have been unable to reduce through the United Nations Clean Development Mechanism
- Our carbon footprint is calculated by Carbono Gestión https://carbonogestion.es/ and offset through various United Nations projects
Open map Polaciones (Cantabria), España
Wildlife watching
An experience dedicated to these two magnificent birds of prey: the osprey and the bearded vulture, which have returned to the skies over Santander Bay (Cantabria) and the Picos de Europa (Asturias), respectively.
Travel and lodging are the responsibility of the client, for greater convenience and flexibility in the visitor’s schedule. We handle the two guided observation activities focused on these two spectacular birds.
The first day focuses on a visit to the Asturian section of the Picos de Europa National Park, a Natura 2000 site and a Biosphere Reserve. This is where the bearded vulture reintroduction project is carried out. The activity will take place in the Covadonga Lakes area, where the acclimatization cages for the vultures—which come from the Pyrenees and, starting in 2024, also from Cazorla—are located. The vultures will spend a period in these cages before being released. At the Mirador de la Reina is the feeding station used to teach young bearded vultures social behavior.
The second day features a guided boat tour that travels through the Miera River estuary in Santander Bay, traveling about 5 nautical miles upstream with interpretation of two Natura 2000 sites, and focusing on birdwatching, with the osprey as the flagship species (since navigating the Miera River requires high tide, we schedule the days and times when this service is available annually). The tour concludes with a geological interpretation route highlighting the newly designated Costa Quebrada Geopark.
Spring and fall are the seasons when this activity is organized.
Fridays are the best days for this activity, as that is when food is brought in and activity is at its peak.
Prices
- Adult: €127 per person
The price includes
- Guide
- Binoculars
- Spotting scope
- Bird identification guide
Timetable
Upcoming departures: May 23 and June 13
Activity details
- Location: Dunas del Puntal Special Protection Area (SPA), Miera Estuary, and Picos de Europa National Park
- Approximate duration of the trip: Boat ride 1 hour 45 minutes
- Activity at the Lakes of Covadonga: 4 hours
- Minimum number of people per group: 6
- Maximum number of people per group: 12
- This activity is not accessible
- To make reservations: https://nansanatural.es/event/aguila-pescadora-y-quebrantahuesos-volando-de-nuevo-en-la-cordillera-cantabrica/
Day 1 program
The first day focuses on a visit to the Asturian section of the Picos de Europa National Park, a Natura 2000 site and a Biosphere Reserve. This is where the bearded vulture reintroduction project is being carried out.
Day 2 program
The second day features a guided boat tour that explores the Miera River estuary in Santander Bay, traveling about 5 nautical miles upstream with commentary on two Natura 2000 sites, and focusing on birdwatching, with the osprey as the flagship species (since navigating the Miera River requires high tide, we schedule the days and times when this tour is available annually). The experience concludes with a geological tour led by the Costa Quebrada Geopark
Available languages guide
Spanish and English