The sandbar at Lagoa de Santo André is human-made or human-assisted in its annual opening to ensure water circulation.
The reserve protects the rare aquatic plant species 'Potamogeton pectinatus'.
It is a designated Important Bird Area (IBA) due to its significance for migratory waterfowl.
The brackish water environment allows for the coexistence of freshwater fish species like eel and saltwater species like sea bass.
The reserve encompasses two distinct lagoon systems that remain separated by a buffer of land and dunes.
The site contains archeological evidence of Roman presence near the lagoon shores.
The Lagoas de Santo André e da Sancha Nature Reserve protects two distinct coastal lagoons and their adjacent wetlands on the Alentejo coast of Portugal. Lagoa de Santo André is a sprawling lagoon separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a sandbar that is periodically breached to maintain water quality. The reserve serves as a critical nesting and migratory site for various bird species, including the purple heron and the little bittern. The ecosystem transitions between freshwater, brackish, and saltwater environments, supporting a high level of biodiversity. The landscape includes coastal dunes, marshlands, and woodlands. It is a strictly protected area under the Natural.pt network. The reserve covers municipalities in both Santiago do Cacém and Sines.
The elevated wooden boardwalks near the northern shore of Lagoa de Santo André overlooking the water and the sandbar.
Bring high-quality binoculars to observe nesting birds without disturbing their habitat.
Use designated wooden walkways to prevent erosion of the fragile dune ecosystem.
Wear insect repellent during the warmer months as the wetlands attract significant mosquito activity.
Do not attempt to walk on the unstable dune vegetation which is highly protected and prone to erosion.
Maintain silence near observation hides, keep dogs on a leash at all times, and do not collect plant or animal samples.
