Ria de Aveiro-Portugal - Canoe/Kayak Trips on Waymarking.com

Ria is the result of the retreat of the sea, with the formation of strands that formed a coastal lagoon that is one of the most important hydrographic accidents and beautiful Portuguese coast. It covers about 11,000 hectares, of which 6,000 are permanently flooded, and breaks down into four major estuaries in branched channels that surround a number of islands and islets. It flow into the rivers Vouga, the Antu, the Boco and Fontão, whose only communication with the sea a channel that cuts the umbilical coast between Barra and S. Jacinto, allowing access to the Port of Aveiro, deep draft vessels, and our outlets to the sea (some have ventured successfully). It should be noted that not even when the sea is calm, is safe and easy to sea if the tide is ebbing. In fact, do not advise anyone to do this alone. Rich in fish and waterfowl, has large expanses of water, places for the practice of all sports. Although it has been losing, year after year, the importance it once had on the economy Aveiro, salt production, using ancient techniques, is still one more characteristic of the traditional activities of the Ria de Aveiro


This trip will start in the recreative port of Sesimbra: N 40° 38.236 W 008° 41.231The objective is to reach the Barra de Aveiro, where the sea enters the estuary near: N 40º 39.437 W 8º 42.097.

As long as it does you can see the typical lagoon boats to fish.

You will find an amazing coast, with several beachs, that are possible to reach by land but are not easy, so you have a good chance of finding an desert beach.

then come back and go to the city of Aveiro will find a place where almost equal to venice near N 40º 38.701 W 8º 39.864.

completed the journey back to the starting point.


Of the four channels mentioned above, one goes to the south of Barra - Canal de Mira - the other goes east, which will give access to the city of Aveiro - Canal St. Roque - the other goes north - Canal de Ovar - and there is a four in importance - the Channel Aveiro - each with several estuaries in an authentic network of branched water.

In terms that better connects me to the Ria de Aveiro - kayak - the channel that I know best is the Canal de Ovar, despite having already rowed them all. Although, continue to be for me, a true labyrinth, in certain areas.

Indeed, the Canal de Ovar have a length of 23 km from the Carregal to S. Jacinto, which in terms of canoeing - tourism - may represent about 3h30m / 4 hours to paddle.

Its waters seem to be murkier than they really are, as a result of the intervention that the estuary suffered many years. He was then removed from the seaweed, which gave its name to the famous and traditional boats that sailed across the lagoon - the Moliceiro - and was raised a whole layer of mud, which is lighter than the sand, rolled out over the making this the mud, the base of the bed of the Ria.

This sludge, in turn, make the Ria, a very great danger, because in some places has a top layer to 2.19 meters (measured by my paddle that can bury all the mud). I advise therefore that everyone go visit the lagoon and take a kayak around, not to leave even when atascanço, without checking what type of fund is around you. It can be dangerous!

On the other hand, this channel presents itself to us as a nursery, par excellence, waterfowl, given proximity of the natural reserve of S. Jacinto.

Overall, is the place to visit, and is actually a nice place to paddle ... without taking into account the traditional paddle to fish.

The Channel of Aveiro is undoubtedly the smallest of the four statements. He leads us (as long as one knows, for that, for this area looks like a maze) to Aveiro. Not know their history, but try to research and develop this theme.

Canal St. Roque, has recently been visited by the Friends of the paddle. It is indeed the channel with the cleanest water, given the proximity to the bar, and therefore with the sea.

In fact, this channel, at the beginning, is strongly conditioned by the state of the sea at this place to paddle is advised in good weather, and preferably coordinated with the tide. ... Here does not apply the saying "Going Against the tide ..." but that is very helpful for rowing, there it helps ...

Place so the visit.

Finally we have the Canal de Mira. This channel also know very little, although it is not navigable from the bar to Mira, as there are several dams to raise the water level, taking advantage of this ... for irrigation.

It may be that there will changes to this route, since it is predictable in Mira install a fish factory. Yes! A fish factory! - To this we eat today is already a vast majority of poultry.

Finally, consider the Ria de Aveiro, a very interesting place to practice kayaking tour, presenting itself as a body of water that meets all the characteristics for true adventure in nature. From dawn to dusk, Ria has in it, a thousand and one adventures from the wild horses on the island of flour, through the various aquatic birds, even the famous eels (regional dish of Aveiro), there is a bit of everything. It should be noted that in August, has seen the arrival of pink flamingos, do not know where from .... I know is that they settle an island there only be reached by kayak or rowing boat, given the shallow ...

We met one day in the Ria.

Parking/put-in/launching information: There is a boat ramp in N 40° 38.236 W 008° 41.237 It is possible to park you vehicle nearby. Paddling conditions to be expected: Expect regular river kayaking, unless it's a windy day. Difficulty of the trip: Because of the length i would say experienced. But you can always go just to halfway and then return, in good weather condition i would say beginner level is ok. Length of trip: 10 km round trip to the sea and then return to Aveiro Portages: Beachs Permits required: no Type of trip: You must return to the starting point Take-out Coordinates: Not Listed Other information: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
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Date Logged Log User Rating   08/15/2015 bmps2003 visited it