During our trip we will follow nature and natural light; that means waking up early in the morning and also going to sleep early in the evening (of course this is up to you). After breakfast we will start the day. There are only two transfers by road (Aracena and Doñana) but they will never take more than two hours. We will have time enough for enjoying both tracks and villages.  Andalusia is a privileged site to enjoy all year round: good weather, an island surrounded by mountains, natural parks and long sand’s tongue that creates a system of both dunes and very thin sand beaches perfect in order to do all kind of activities.

What’s Included:

• 7 Nights accommodation in a Double/Twim Room in our Apartments
• Transfers from/to Faro airport (Portugal) or Seville airport
• Specialised guides
• All transfers in private vehicles exclusively used by the group
• All activities included in the program (bicycles, kayaking, Doñana Natural Park, sailing with skipper and appetizer, Aracena Natural Park hiking)

Our Apartments:

We have 4 Apartments in Isla Cristina. Each apartment has 3 bedrooms, lounge area and kitchen.  You will be allocated a twin/double room in one of the apartments and will share with the other guests on the holiday. If you prefer to have an apartment to yourself or for your group. We can request the price for you. Our apartments located on coast line and in front of a natural reserve.

Your Itinerary:

DAY 1.- Transfer from Faro (Portugal) or Sevilla (Spain) to Isla Cristina. Meeting point for all groups is Faro airport at 17:30 or Sevilla airport at 17:00. If your flight arrives earlier, then you could visit Sevilla or Faro Old City Centre, both very interesting. You will be then taken to our offices and we have a meeting to discuss the different activities and our itinerary. You will then check into the apartments.

DAY 2.- Touring by Kayak. Taking advantage of high tide and after receiving a short training about how to manage the kayak, we get into the marshes world where we will enjoy a unique ecosystem. Several areas of salt plants mixed with swaps and navigation channels that we cross, slowly, enjoying fauna and flora diversity… Ancient mills, fishing port, shore carpenters, the fish market…Smells and flavors that we thought we had already lost. You do not need previous experience for going in kayak; the only requirement is being able to swim. Route takes 4 to 5 hours. Rest of the day is free.

DAY 3.- Hiking in the Sierra De Aracena Natural Park. We start 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 take a gentle walk through paths and tracks. This route crosses mountains, chestnut forests and also pastures of cork oaks and olm oaks where the Iberian pigs run freely. In the afternoon, after enjoying the gastronomy, we will have a glimpse of the Rio Tinto mines. Then we go back to Isla Cristina.

DAY 4.- Portugal by Bicycle. Today we take the bicycles and go to the Portuguese Algarve. We cross the marshes by a Coastal Green Track, between former salt plants and tidal mills, and reach the lovely town of Ayamonte. We wait for the ferry at the dock to cross Guadiana river and reach Portugal. These Natural parks and reserves are privilege places for observing fauna and flora. We stroll around Vila Real de Santo Antonio, a charming village, and continue by river bank until the river‘s mouth to Atlantic ocean. We will rest at one of the lonely beaches where you might swim. Return to Isla in the afternoon.

DAY 5.- Donana Protected Area. One of the most awaited days for bird lovers. We will be leaving early in the morning with our biologist and guide to tour the landscape of this protected natural area. Doñana is a vital stopover, breeding and wintering ground for many birds, and over 360 different species seen at various times of year. We will start our bird watching 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 farmed livestock. You 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. We will then visit various monitoring centre’s, such as La Rocina and Acebuche. In the afternoon, we will get close to Natural Park Dunas del Asperillo by taking a path that will lead us to a desert beach. After that, we make our way back to Isla Cristina.

DAY 6. Sailboat. Today we go sailing in our sailing boat. If weather conditions are good we will go to open ocean and there we will enjoy of an appetizer consisting of regional products. During the sailing excursion you will learn all about the sailing secrets and you can also drive the ship. We will reach the port at lunch time. Rest of the day is free.

DAY 7.- Free till 15:30. Then, we will pick you up at the apartments and return you to Faro or Seville.

Our Sailing Boat:
Alcyon is a 9,5m sailing boat, classic designed and has space for eight people. Driving the boat is easy with our skipper there to help.  He will teach you about the navigation art. The comfortable mats allow us to sunbath while we sail to the horizon. Inside the boat, you have all you need, wood living room, kitchen, toilet, hot water shower. From the boat stern we can jump into the sea. The sailing boat has all the required safety equipment: life jackets, GPS that gives us information about our position, sounding line, automatic pilot and radio to contact local ports.

Our Kayaks:
Our kayaks are designed to go slowly across the marshes. They are stable and do not need special skill to use them. Two people will be comfortable inside each kayak. We will bring a 26 l barrel where you can keep your personal items. OCEAN DUO is a very versatile kayak. It is perfect for marshes and coastline.
Before departure, we will give you basic instructions on how to manage your kayak.

Staff:
A guide will join every group. His/ her task is that the daily activities comply with the program and to coordinate the group during all the time. It is provided that guides know already where the trip is going to take place. Staff has proved experience in organising groups.

Group:
The group is formed from 2 to 16 people. Although the guide coordinates and develops logistic and support tasks, it is important that the people get involved in smalls details.

Food
There are several restaurants and local bars for people that would like to have lunch or dinner; this experience will allow you to get in touch with local people. Prices are going to be approx 10/15 Euros. You could also prepare food at the apartments as the kitchen is fully equipped and food can be bought at local market.

What to pack?

• Comfortable and light clothing for summer (cotton trousers and shirts, long and short sleeves T-shirts, sweater, rain coat, shorts, swimming costume, towels, etc)
• For the rest of the year warm clothes (rain coat as well)
• Comfortable trekking boots in winter. For summer trainers and flip-flops
• Small rucksack, canteen or water bottle
• Hat, sunglasses and towel
• Spare glasses in case someone uses glasses or contact lenses
• First-aid kit with personal medicines.
• High protection suntan lotion and insect repellent

All the activities are subject to changes due to weather conditions or any other forces beyond our control.