The Algarve is home to some of the most glorious landscapes on the planet. From gorgeous white sandy beaches, picturesque Portuguese towns, and sunshine year-round, it is understandable why a staggering 5 million tourists visit here every year.
Often tourists miss one of the best things the Algarve has to offer: some of the most diverse marine life you could ever see! That’s why on your next visit to the Algarve you NEED to book this Marine Life and Dolphin Watching boat trip to get to see the incredible marine life for yourself. Here is your ultimate guide to dolphin watching in the Algarve, helping to answer all of your need-to-know questions before you go!
Why Should I Go on a Dolphin-Watching Tour in the Algarve?
A dolphin-watching tour provides you with a fantastic insight into the marine diversity in the Algarve, allowing you to learn about the animals that you see and witness them in their natural habitat.
Where Are Some of the Best Places to See Dolphins in the Algarve?
If you are based near Faro, the capital of the Algarve region, then Ria Formosa Nature Park and the Atlantic Ocean are going to be some of the best places to see dolphins and other aquatic animals.
Ria Formosa is an unspoiled landscape consisting of wetlands, salt marshes, islands, channels, lagoons, and reefs. It is a sanctuary for a wide range of animals.
Our dolphin-watching tour of Ria Formosa goes to both the Ria Formosa Nature Park and the Atlantic Ocean, making it one of the best tours if you are departing from Faro. There are also dolphin-watching tours that depart from locations all along the southern Algarve coastline, including Albufeira, Lagoa, and Lagos, allowing you to pick the one that is most convenient for you.
When is the Best Time to See Dolphins in the Algarve?
Whilst you can see dolphins in the Algarve all year round. The best time is between May to September. The naturally warmer weather and tranquil water provides the ideal conditions for dolphin spotting.
Dolphins also tend to be at their most active during the early mornings or late afternoons. Our dolphin boat trip from Faro starts at 8.30am, the perfect time to spot dolphins whilst they are out hunting for their breakfast.
What Kinds of Dolphins Will You See in the Algarve?
There are several species of dolphins in the Algarve but the most sighted are the Common Dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphin, Striped Dolphin, Harbor Porpoise, and Risso’s Dolphin.
If you have any questions about the marine life in Ria Formosa and beyond you will be able to ask the experienced guide on board. They will be providing you with live commentary throughout the tour.
What Are the Chances of Seeing Dolphins Near Faro?
There’s no 100% guarantee of seeing dolphins in the Algarve. The dolphins are wild and have not been tagged, so the guides have to use their expertise to make an educated guess as to where the dolphins may be.
Tour companies also communicate with each other if they happen to spot a dolphin. This means the chances of seeing a dolphin are above 80% and this statistic increases when you choose to go on a tour during the summer months and early in the morning.
What Other Animals Will You See in the Algarve?
Seabirds are amongst the most commonly observed animals on this tour, including the Northern Gannet, Mediterranean gull, and Balearic Shearwater.
There’s also a chance of spotting minke whales, orcas, sea turtles, seahorses, the ocean sunfish, and even sharks on your tour!
What is Recommended for a Dolphin Watching Tour in the Algarve?
Pack a small backpack with a snack, plenty of water, suncream, sunglasses, a hat, and of course a camera to help you capture all those magical moments on this tour. Flat shoes and comfortable clothing are recommended. Pack a waterproof coat in case it ends up raining or the sunshine has forgotten to come out that day!
Other Essential Information About Our Dolphin Watching Tour from Faro
Our highly-rated dolphin boat trip from Faro costs €50 for an adult and €40 for a child (ages 5-8 years old). Children under five are not allowed on this tour due to safety reasons. The tour also lasts between 2–2.5 hours.
Holidays in the Algarve are already filled with special moments from soaking up the sunshine and swimming in the sea, to sitting watching the sunset, enjoying delicious al fresco dinners, and spending quality times with loved ones. However, what makes a holiday go from being good to downright extraordinary is booking unforgettable experiences. Dolphin-watching in the Algarve is one of those experiences that you’ll remember for years to come!
Going on a dolphin-watching tour is a much more ethical option than going to see dolphins in captivity as you’ll see them and other marine life in their natural habitat. In addition, you’ll also get to see more of the Algarve on your tour including the southern Portuguese coastline and the ecologically-rich landscapes of the Ria Formosa Nature Park.
This comprehensive guide will prepare you for what to expect on your dolphin-watching tour, and help to answer all those need-to-know questions you may have before you go!
