Serra Negra Nature Reserve
Reserva Natural de Serra Negra
A protected area on Sal's southeast coast, where black lava hills meet the sand. In summer and autumn it is an important nesting site for green sea turtles.
Serra Negra Nature Reserve lies north of the Fragata coast. It is made up of black volcanic hills, dunes and shoreline, and is an important habitat for seabirds and sea turtles. Every year from July to October, turtles come ashore at night to dig nests and lay eggs. Local conservation groups run limited night-time turtle-watching tours, which must be booked in advance in Santa Maria. Flash photography is strictly forbidden, and you must not approach the turtles. At other times of year, you can walk along the reserve's coast and climb the black hills for sea views. Do not drive onto the beach and do not damage the dune vegetation.
Opening hours
Open all day; turtle-watching tours at night
Nearby sights
- Kite Beach (Costa da Fragata)
- Santa Maria Salt Pans
- Murdeira Bay
- Santa Maria Beach, Sal
- Santa Maria Pier (Pontão)
- Ponta Preta
- Shark Bay (Baía da Parda)
- Monte Leão (Lion Mountain)