Caiado Lagoon – Pico Island

The Caiado Lagoon is located in the parish of São Roque, on Pico Island. This lagoon is situated at an average altitude of 821.8 meters, within the Partial Natural Forest Reserve of Caiado Lagoon.

Caiado Lagoon is the largest lagoon on Pico Island, covering an area of 5.50 hectares. Its watershed, spanning 18.8 hectares, is in excellent ecological condition and has been used for public water supply since 1993 by the São Roque Municipality.

Lagoa do Caiado
Fotografia de Ana Leonor Cavalheiro

Easily accessible, this lagoon is close to Landroal Lagoon, Seca Lagoon, Cabeço da Rocha, Pico do Landroal, and Cabeço da Passagem. It is a place of great natural beauty, surrounded by endemic vegetation and excellent for duck observation.

The lush green landscape, fostered by the high humidity levels on the island, enchants all visitors. Endemic species like juniper, heather, holly, laurel, crowberry, laurustinus, and buckthorn can be spotted around Caiado Lagoon.

Visiting Caiado Lagoon

Visiting Caiado Lagoon is very easy. From Madalena (29 km), São Roque (16 km), or Lajes (15 km), simply follow the signs toward the wind farm/lagoon area until you find Caiado Lagoon on your left.

All roads are well-paved, and the lagoon is well worth a stop. Due to its altitude and other weather conditions, such as fog and strong winds, many people overlook this location for birdwatching, which is a missed opportunity, as it is one of the best places on Pico Island for observing birds and ducks.

Lagoa do Caiado, Ilha do Pico
Fotografia de António Faria

Birdwatching

The best season for birdwatching is from October to March. Since the area around Caiado Lagoon is open for hunting between September and January, duck observation may be affected.

Ideally, your first approach should be from above, along the main road, using binoculars or a telescope. Since the birds are always alert, move slowly toward the lagoon’s “wall” to observe them up close from different angles.

At Caiado Lagoon, you can find species such as the snipe, the common snipe, the teal, the grey heron, the wagtail, and the Azores chaffinch. Other species that you might occasionally see include the wigeon, the Azores wood pigeon, the Azores warbler, the moorhen, the blackbird, and the canary.

Less common and considered rare sightings include the American wigeon, the shoveler, the blue-winged teal, the ring-necked duck, the lesser scaup, and Wilson’s snipe.

Undoubtedly, Caiado Lagoon is enchanting for its natural beauty, surrounded by a lush green landscape rich in endemic species and ideal for birdwatching.

Location on the Map

Video

When visiting Pico, this location is a must-see. See also: Places to Visit on Pico Island