In the end of the sandy barrier extending between Ovar and the village of San Jacinto, limited to the west by the Atlantic Ocean and the east by the Ria de Aveiro channels, the Nature Reserve almost fades before the greatness of the surrounding scenery. In it, a well maintained dunes, consolidated by spontaneous vegetation, bordering a forested area from 1888, in order to fix the sands.

Between 1981 and 1984, several ponds, currently attended by numerous water birds of the estuary were opened.

From the century. IX, and over many centuries, human populations have fought for their stay in these riparian lands, facing a harsh nature, knowing the success and failure, but always adapting to new situations.

The end of the century. XIX, with maritime pine plantation, this dunes of recent formation, populations imposed decisively its rhythm, ending stagnant water and speeding up the process, always slow, natural stabilization of sand.

Discover the “niche” green of a coniferous forest threatened by acacia trees, exotic species from Australia and invasive behavior, the nuclei of hardwoods in the lower areas and even their own species of wetlands next to artificially open ponds. In beach areas, the pioneer species, will naturally colonizing and fixing the sand, forming dunes.

Are about two and a half hours in close contact with nature, the average time to fly the route an area that has become a place of refuge for waterfowl and lagoon other waterfowl. Properly marked, are publicly available variants to the route with different distances wishing to respond to any option.

The Natural Reserve of S. Jacinto Dunes covers an area of 960ha, of which 210ha match maritime area. Is located in the tip of the peninsula extending between Ovar and the village of S. Jacinto. It is bordered to the west by the Atlantic Ocean and the east by the Ria de Aveiro’s arms.

The artificial opening of the bar channel, in the early nineteenth century, was authorized again the salt sea water to mix the sweet river water. It is the origin of the Ria de Aveiro. A multitude of dunes out of sight!

And a must see for all lovers of fauna and flora. Be sure to visit the Interpretive Center and braving the Rail Nature Discovery.
When to go?
You can visit the Nature Reserve every day except Sundays and holidays. For security reasons, the hunting season the duck house access tracks are also forbidden on Thursdays.

In a region characterized by a mild climate, this protected area can be visited throughout the year, however the routes may be temporarily closed with adverse weather conditions.

For your safety, their presence within the Reserve must be authorized by the services of this protected area, so you must always pass through the reception. If closed call 960 335 438. You can also send a message in advance for the Nature Reserve or Angelina Barbosa | email: angelina.barbosa@icnf.pt. Entry may be made of 9:30 to 12pm and from 13h to 15h.

Can be divided into three main areas: the southern area includes the canals of Aveiro (Boco) and Mira, respectively with 7:14 km long and 200 and 300 meters at its widest point. The Channel S. Jacinto – Ovar in the north is 25 km long. In the far north this channel is very shallow resulting in a complex network of small canals and basins. The third zone, with a very complex geography, ends in front of the mouth of the river Antuã and is designated by Ria Murtosa.

Until about 10 centuries Ria did not exist, the rivers emptying directly into the ocean. At that time, began the development of two sandy languages, one to the north in Espinho and south near the Cabo Mondego. Over time the location of the bar was ranging from Torreira and Mira with periods in which the pond was completely isolated from the ocean. In 1808 was built the current bar, fixed by two piers.

The Vouga and Antuã rivers are the main sources of fresh water. The movement within the pond is dominated by the tide. On the west coast of Portugal the tidal wave propagates from south to north. The water penetrates into the Ria through the bar channel and the low speed propagates along the channels. The rate of spread is so low that in some places the phase state can be opposed to that which occurs in the ocean. Phase delays are higher in low tide reaching five hours, the ends of Mira channels and S. Jacinto – Ovar (Vicente, 1985). The maximum speed of 1 m / s order occur in the bar area, in the most narrow and deep channels.