A protected freshwater estuary a short walk or cycle east of the town centre, where Wentworth Springs and other underground sources maintain a lagoon surrounded by dense reed beds, willows, and palms. The estuary is a critical stopover on the Pacific Flyway and supports over 350 species of birds — including herons, egrets, ospreys, and seasonal migrants. A boardwalk trail runs along the northern edge.
The estuary is most productive for birdwatching at dawn and dusk. Arrive early on a weekday to have the trail mostly to yourself. Crocodiles were introduced to the lagoon in recent years as part of a rewilding project, which has added an element of genuine wildlife encounter to what was previously a pleasant but tame walk. The beach at the mouth of the estuary — where the lagoon meets the Sea of Cortez — is one of the most beautiful stretches of sand near town, and generally empty.