Activities

The appraisal of this protected area depends to a large extent on the veracity and relevance of the information disseminated. Hence, and as far as possible, an important effort is made to manage this information and present it to the public in different formats (workshops for children, screenings, talks, training companies in park activities, etc.), with the help of expert staff and/or professionals in the field.

List of organised activities:

• Photography contest: How do you see seagulls?

  Yellow-legged gulls are an emblematic species of the Atlantic Islands National Park. The islands are home to one of the most important breeding colonies of this species, and these birds also play a fundamental role in the park's ecosystems.
  For about 20 years, their population in the Rías Baixas, and in Galicia in general, has been experiencing a significant decline, which is also very noticeable in our park. The causes are not fully understood and are currently being investigated. The reality is that the situation is worrying, although it goes largely unnoticed.
  We are also concerned about certain misconceptions circulating about this species. Yellow-legged gulls live mostly in the wild, feeding on resources provided by the sea and the coast. But in cities, where we unwittingly make easy food available to them, they are sometimes viewed with displeasure. We believe that this negative perception stems primarily from a lack of knowledge and isolated experiences in urban environments.

  Seagulls must be protected, conserved, and above all, better understood. When you come to the park, keep that in mind: you'll be on the islands of the seagulls!

  Therefore, we want to launch a photographic challenge: How do you see seagulls? How do you think we can get to know them better and coexist more harmoniously? Competition rules

  

• Guided tours to the islands during Easter and summer. During these periods daily guided tours are offered with Park guides. Some routes have been designed specifically for families with children. Registration to participate in the Cíes and Ons routes can be done in person at the information point in the islands on the day of the visit (on a first come first serve basis) or you can book a place in advance through the national park reservations website (www.reservasparquesnacionales.es) on some of the routes offered. 
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  • Spring routes "Discovering the National Park". This programme facilitates visits to the islands outside peak season, in an orderly and sustainable manner, accompanied by National Park guides. These tours are conducted in small groups in order to offer a maximum quality visit to this protected area. 

  • The theme of the routes is quite diverse and covers historical and botanical parts of the island of Cortegada such as "The secret of a woodland in the middle of the sea", and then a passage through the rocks of Salvora with its "sculptures and legends", and the little known places in Ons with the "Island and Sea" route, until you reach the history of the Cíes through a "Journey in time".

    The schedules, ports of departure, cost of transport, and number of seats offered on the routes is shown on posters in each island.

    For detailed information and to SIGN UP for the scheduled routes in low season, kindly see: www.reservasparquesnacionales.es.

     

• Activities assisted by National Park Guides: The public service national park team is formed of 6 interpreter guides, who offer the possibility of arranging guide services for park related activities like a guided tour, talks, participation in informative events, etc., whenever requested by non-profit entities. This service is only offered during offseason (that is, excluding Easter and the period from 15 May to 15 September).

   

• Lectures and workshops of an informative nature, in the Park's Visitor Centre in Vigo, and also in other centres, or in the islands.

   

• Educational activities: The National Park's public service team has designed didactic activities for Infant education students, as well as, for Secondary, High School, and Vocational Training students. Information on how to apply is in the section under Educational Programme

   

• Other activities: Recreational activities in the islands: During peak season, several companies request Park permission to carry out active tourism activities in the Cíes and Ons islands. These activities are snorkelling, initiation to scuba diving, and kayaking. It is advisable to be informed about these activities prior to your visit. Information is also available at the information booths in the Cíes and Ons islands.