Sagres Marine Science Festival
From 6 to 9 May, the Sagres Marine Station (Estação Marinha de Sagres) hosts the Sagres Marine Science Festival. A unique event celebrating the region's marine biodiversity, with a week dedicated to scientific knowledge, environmental education and the promotion of marine systems, aiming to bring science closer to the community.
The festival broadens its scope and addresses different ocean-related themes, such as marine species, climate change, sustainable fishing, marine litter and microplastics, encouraging reflection on the challenges faced by marine ecosystems and the importance of ocean conservation and sustainability.
Through collaborations with various institutions linked to the sea and science – such as the Ciência Viva Centres, the Portuguese Environment Agency and Docapesca – the Sagres Marine Science Festival places a special focus on younger audiences.
Between 6 and 8 May, the programme includes activities aimed at students from the Municipality of Vila do Bispo, bringing them closer to scientific research and marine biodiversity. On 7 May, in addition to student-focused activities, the festival also offers proposals specially designed for elders, promoting learning, sharing and discovery experiences about the marine environment. On 9 May, the festival opens to the general public, inviting children and adults alike to take part in a variety of activities. The event concludes with a stargazing session in Sagres organised by the Lagos Ciência Viva Centre.
Programme
6 May
10h00-16h30
CIMA - Centro de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental e CCMAR – Centro de Ciências do Mar Activities
- Escola EB 2, 3 de Vila do Bispo
- Escola Waldorf a Oliveira – Polo Vila do Bispo
7 May
10h00-16h30
Centro Ciência Viva Algarve, Centro Ciência Viva Tavira, APA - Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente Activities
- Escola EB 2, 3 Vila do Bispo
- Santa Casa da Misericórdia (Elders)
- Centro Social da Figueira (Elders)
8 May
10h00-16h30
Centro Ciência Viva Lagos and Docapesca Activities
- Escola EB 2, 3 Vila do Bispo
- AEC's Sagres e Vila do Bispo
9 May (open to the public)
9h00-10h00
Vinyasa yoga for beginners
Yoga class, very easy level for all ages
Registration required Cost: €8
Material: yoga mat, sportswear, hat and water
Age group: > 15 years
Location: Centro de Interpretação da Lota de Sagres;
Contact: Inês Vian – Registration: inesvian12@gmail.com
11h00-12h00
A Sea of Finger Paint Colours
Come and paint with your fingers! Finger painting (or finger paint) is a visual arts activity where children explore colour and paint texture directly with their fingers on a flat surface, such as a table. It helps stimulate sensory development, fine motor skills, creativity and body awareness through free and playful experimentation.
Free Registration required
Age group: 3 to 10 years
Location: Centro de Interpretação da Lota de Sagres;
Contact: CMVB and UAlg – Registration: reservas.museu@cm-viladobispo.pt
11h30-13h00
Dolphin Watching
Searching for dolphins and other marine animals in Sagres, Portugal! In an unforgettable adventure for the whole family, we set out in search of dolphins and other wild marine life that inhabit our ocean. Each trip, preceded by an educational briefing, is a unique experience: the route is not fixed and depends on weather conditions.
Check-in is 30 minutes before (11h00)
Registration required Cost: €34
Age group: > 3 years
Location: Mar Ilimitado
Contact: Mar Ilimitado – Registration: hello@marilimitado.com
14h00-17h30
Illustration Workshop
This workshop is aimed at those interested in learning more about Scientific Illustration and acquiring skills to understand and share the natural world with others. Watercolour techniques will be covered, including the stages of application and how to use colour to create a sense of volume and detail, with the aim of producing a realistic illustration of a species from our biodiversity.
Registration required Cost: €25
Materials: Send an email to the registration email address
Age group: > 12 years
Location: Centro de Interpretação da Lota de Sagres
Contact: Ana Rita Afonso; Registration: rita.martins91@gmail.com
15h00-16h00
Ocean Expert Quiz
Do you think you know the secrets of the oceans? Gather the family and dive into our Ocean Expert Quiz! Test your knowledge about the oceans, marine life and the conservation of these ecosystems, and have fun while learning. Can your team earn the title of Ocean Expert? All participants receive exclusive ocean-themed certificates celebrating their knowledge of the seas.
Free Registration required
Age group: Families and > 6 years
Location: Estação Marinha de Sagres
Contact: UAlg and CMVB; Registration: reservas.museu@cm-viladobispo.pt
21h00-22h30
Stargazing
Come and explore the stars and constellations of the Sagres skies and discover the secrets hidden in this corner of the universe.
Free No registration required
Age group: All ages
Location: Jardim de Sagres
Contact: Centro Ciência Viva Lagos
Registrations are open from 13 April to 6 May.
The festival is organised by the University of Algarve and the Municipality of Vila do Bispo, and is part of the PRR Impulsos Jovem e Adulto FOSTEAM@SOUTH programme, with the support of the Parish Council of Sagres and Docapesca.
