Ria Formosa Bird Watching Boat Tour

Embark on an ecotourism experience in Ria Formosa on board a comfortable pontoon boat.

Led by an expert nature guide, this Ria Formosa boat tour will show you why this incredible place was elected one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal. 

Ria Formosa Natural Park is considered one of Europe’s most important wetlands for aquatic birds. It’s no surprise, then, that the diverse birdlife here is one of the highlights of any visit.

This Ria Formosa bird watching tour gives these amazing animals the special attention they deserve. Join us for bird watching in the Algarve and observe birds like the White Stork (Ciconia ciconia), Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), and the Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia).

Waders are most abundant, especially during winter, although birds like the Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus), the Turnstone (Arenaria interpres), and the Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) are a constant presence. 

The trip continues towards the islands of the Natural Park, through oyster and clam farms, one of the most important economical activities in the Algarve. Here, you can also see interesting species such as the Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa), the Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus), and many more.

Towards the point where the lagoon meets the sea, we make a stop so you can enjoy this small slice of paradise. This is an important reproduction area for the Little Tern (Sterna albifrons) and the Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus). During wintertime, we often observe the Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicensis) and the Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus).

As we head back to Faro, you will have many opportunities to observe other species while our boat sails slowly through the channels of this natural wonderland. Bird watching in Faro and the Algarve doesn’t get any more complete than this!

If you have any questions about this Ria Formosa boat tour, please feel free to get in touch. 

In addition to Ria Formosa bird watching experiences, you can discover more treasures of the Algarve on our boat trips to Deserta and Farol Islands.

• A minimum of 2 adults per booking is required.
• A maximum of 11 people per booking.
• Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• May be operated by a multi-lingual guide.
• Wheelchair accessible.
• Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
• Safety comes first, please follow the instructions and recommendations of your skipper, especially those relating to safety issues.
• Trips may be amended due to weather conditions or the physical condition of the participants should our skippers deem this advisable.
• This is an activity subject to weather conditions. The decision to leave or return earlier than expected, due to unexpected weather conditions, is solely to the skipper.
• The schedules of departures and arrivals, the duration and itineraries of the activities are subject to change without previous notice due to security determined by the weather conditions, tides and/or other circumstances beyond our control.