Astronomical Expedition to the Cíes Islands. Sailing on a schooner

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Astronomical Expedition to the Cíes Islands. Sailing on a schooner

Maritime-terrestrial National Park of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia

Expeditions to the Cíes Islands on a historic schooner.
You'll feel like an explorer aboard this traditional vessel built in Galicia in 1912.

Description

This experience offers two options to immerse yourself in the natural and astronomical beauty of this National Park. The first option offers an overnight stay on board, departing one hour before sunset. A Starlight Foundation-certified guide will explain the sunset phenomena and the constellations, while you anchor in the Cíes Mountains to enjoy a dinner featuring local cuisine and vegan options, under one of the clearest skies in Spain, recognized as a Starlight destination. The following morning, you will disembark on the northern island for a guided tour focusing on the flora and fauna.

The second option, an overnight stay in an ACÍES apartment, offers an alternative for those who prefer to spend the night on land. Accompanied by a Starlight guide, participants will travel to areas with low light pollution, such as the sandy beaches of Nerga and Barra, to enjoy a detailed explanation of the skies and stars after a picnic. The following morning, they will board a schooner to head to the Cíes Islands, where they will take a guided tour focusing on the park's fauna and flora.

The experience in detail

Programme

1st option: night on board

We will sail an hour before sunset. A specialized guide, accredited by the Starlight Foundation, will explain the sunset phenomenon and the reasons for the different color ranges. We will then anchor in the Cíes Islands for dinner on board. Local cuisine from the Galician estuaries will be offered, with vegan options available. After dinner, the guide will begin explaining the different constellations and stars. This national park is an accredited Starlight destination for its sky quality and low light pollution. The group will enjoy an unparalleled setting in front of one of the most diverse sandy beaches in Spain. The following morning, you will disembark on the northern island to enjoy a guided tour of the Cíes Islands when there are hardly any people on it. The route will focus on showcasing the fauna and flora that make this natural area so special. On the way back to port, we will stop at a mussel raft to show the group the great fishing wealth in the Vigo Estuary. On weekdays, you will be able to watch the boats fishing. An onboard guide will explain the daily work of seafarers. Approximate hours: 20.00:14.00 PM to XNUMX:XNUMX PM. Depending on sunset.

2nd option night apartment ACÍES

Accompanied by a specialized guide accredited by the Starlight Foundation, we will travel to an area with minimal light pollution, the sandy beaches of Nerga and Barra, for an explanation of the skies and stars, the phenomenon of sunset, and the reasons for the different color ranges. After a picnic, the guide will begin to explain the different constellations and celestial bodies. At 8:20.00 a.m., you will board the schooner to enjoy a guided tour of the Cíes Islands when there are hardly any people on board. The tour will focus on showcasing the fauna and flora that make this natural area so special. On the way back to port, we will stop at a mussel raft to show the group the great fishing wealth in the Vigo estuary. On weekdays, you will be able to watch the boats fishing. A guide on board will explain the daily work of sea professionals. Approximate hours: 14.00:XNUMX p.m. to XNUMX:XNUMX p.m. Depending on the time of sunset.

Included services

Accommodation:
On the boat itself. It could also be considered at the Cíes Campsite.
Travel Guide
Lunch/Breakfast

Additional Services

Transfer is not included but could be included.

Ecotourism Commitment

Perspective from environmental education.
Respect for the skies and the importance of controlling light pollution.
Knowledge and interpreted tour of natural heritage.
Enhancement of fishing resources.

Sustainable tourism

These expeditions are the result of a union of small businesses that share common values regarding respect and environmental awareness. We participated in the following proposal:

Bluscus Marine Tourism:
Committed to promoting the maritime professions and maritime culture of Galicia. They come from Galician seafaring families.
Extensive knowledge of fishing environments and traditional navigation. Only through knowledge will it be possible to respect and protect maritime heritage.

Alecrín Adventures
"Environmental educators committed to active environmental education," another way of understanding activities, guided services, and other projects.
They highlight natural and cultural resources through their experiences and routes, in an entertaining and educational way.

North Wind Scientific Tourism:
A team of marine scientists who firmly believe that knowledge is the best way to conserve Galicia's natural marine heritage. We want to convey the message of how important the ocean is in our lives by using citizen science as a powerful tool. Santa Marta Beach, a 5-minute walk from Acíes Tourist Apartments, is the perfect place to relax, stroll, or enjoy water activities. From this point, hiking enthusiasts can follow different sections of the Cangas-Donón coastal path.
Its mission will be achieved by creating tourism and educational experiences that are always framed within scientific activities, through which citizens can collaborate on projects with public research institutions.

ACíes Apartments:
Our facilities, opened in the summer of 2021, feature a total of eight tourist apartments, one of which is accessible. All sleep up to four people and feature air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and home automation, powered by solar energy.
Santa Marta Beach, a 5-minute walk from Acíes Tourist Apartments, is the perfect place to relax, take a stroll, or enjoy water sports. From here, hikers can follow various sections of the Cangas-Donón coastal path.