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Dolphins are back in Guadiana River. Portugal

Dolphins are back in the Guadiana River thanks to the cleaner waters and the quantity of food available. However, they only risk going a little north of the international bridge that connects Portugal to Spain.

The search for food, in particular mackerel, seems to be the main reason for these mammals to make a detour from their normal route.

At the Capitania de Vila Real de Santo António (VRSA), the local maritime authorities, Commander Rocha Pacheco told The Resident that the Polícia Marítima, the maritime police, has been receiving reports from people spotting small groups of dolphins in recent weeks.

“Two weeks ago, a group of three dolphins was spotted a little up north from the Ponte Internacional do Guadiana”, he said, adding that, in the previous week, another group of five dolphins was also seen at the same location.

“We believe they are getting in to the Guadiana in their search for food, in particular the mackerel, their favourite at this time of the year,” he said. “The waters of the Guadiana River are now cleaner and these species are very demanding about the pollution levels of their feeding locations.” After feeding, the dolphins usually return to the sea and continue their journey to warmer waters between the cold Atlantic Ocean and the warmer Mediterranean Sea, near Gibraltar.

Guadiana River

For an extraordinary experience, take a drive up the Guadiana River from the eastern edge of the Algarve heading north. You will enjoy Portugal like it was, going back in time. This is a journey that reacquaints you with nature, from the warmth of the Portuguese terrain to the charm of the Portuguese people living in this region. Very few visitors take this route as there is no 5-star glamour. As a visitor, you become somewhat of an unusual attraction as you roam the villages on this romantic voyage up the Guadiana River. You will create a memory that is irreplaceable on this your Portuguese escape.

The Guadiana River forms a natural frontier between where Portugal meets Spain. Plan this as a full day trip from Lagos, heading out in the early am and arriving back late.

As you exit the A22 at Castro Marim/Mértola, just prior to the Spanish Border, resist the urge to drive to Castro Marim, and instead head north instead on the N122 towards Mértola. You now begin your the climb through windy roads leading you through rolling hills and mountains, past the Barragem (Dam) Odeleite and the picturesque orchards.