Faro, which is the capital of Portugal’s Algarve, is surrounded by the stunning Ria Formosa Nature Park and the Atlantic Ocean. This incredible landscape is a sanctuary for an abundance of wildlife and it provides you with the perfect opportunity to observe these animals in their natural habitat. Take our Short Boat Tour in Ria Formosa from Faro through one of Europe’s most important wetlands to get an insight into the biodiversity of the region.
As you venture past the Ria Formosa Nature Park and out into the open ocean, you may be able to spot a pod of playful dolphins and other marine life as you cruise along the southern Portuguese coastline on our Marine Life and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip.
Use this guide to help you understand what going on a Dolphin & Whale Watching tour in the Faro District entails. It should help you to plan the ins and outs including what time to go and which tour to book. You’ll be escaping to the open ocean in search of the incredible wildlife in no time!
Best Time to Spot Dolphins & Whales in Faro District
Although you can go on a dolphin-watching tour year-round in the Algarve. The best months to spot dolphins and whales in Faro District are between May and September. During these months, the calmer waters, longer days, and warmer temperatures provide optimal conditions that maximise your chances of spotting dolphins and other marine life around Faro.
In addition to the best months to go dolphin and whale watching, there are also more favourable times of the day: early morning and late afternoon are the best times. Dolphins, in particular, tend to be more active during early morning and late afternoon as they are out looking for their next meal. Booking a tour that departs early morning or late afternoon will increase your likelihood of spotting these curious creatures.
On our Marine Life and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip From Faro, we do our best to provide you with that unforgettable experience of seeing dolphins in their natural habitat. We’ve run these tours for years and we know all the main spots to catch a glimpse of these incredible animals. Tour operators also tend to communicate with each other if they happen to spot any dolphins. Although, we can’t 100% guarantee that you’ll see a dolphin on our tour, your chances of seeing some are still pretty high.
What Animals Can I Expect to See Whilst Dolphin & Whale Watching in Faro District?
The Faro District is home to several species of dolphin that you’ll have the opportunity to spot on your dolphin-watching tour. The most commonly sighted include the Bottlenose Dolphin, the Common Dolphin, the Striped Dolphin, the Harbor Porpoise, the Risso’s Dolphin, and even, orcas! Both the Common Dolphin and Bottlenose Dolphin tend to be the most sociable, often approaching and swimming alongside our boats. They also love to put on a good show, showcasing their gymnastic ability of high jumps and somersaults.
The Minke Whale is the most common whale species in the Algarve and can be spotted year-round. Similar to dolphins: they are quite curious animals and aren’t afraid to come close to the boat. They are solitary animals: often travelling alone or in small groups of two or three whales. You may also be able to spot a Fin Whale, which is the second-largest whale species in the world. This whale is found throughout the world’s oceans but due to commercial whaling, the population has drastically declined and it now features on the endangered species list. Although more difficult to spot, it’s not impossible.
In addition to dolphins and whales, other marine life that you will have the opportunity to observe on your tour include Bluefish Tuna, Sea Turtles, Ocean Sunfish, and Blue Sharks! Having such a rich diversity of marine life in the waters entices a large range of aquatic birds to also make the Algarve their home. You’ll be able to spot a lot of different bird species from the Northern Gannet to the Mediterranean Gull.
Best Dolphin & Whale Watching Tour in Faro District
Our Marine Life and Dolphin Watching Tour is one of the best tours you can go on from Faro! On our 2.5-hour tour, we’ll navigate our way through the Ria Formosa Nature Park before taking on the open ocean. As we glide along the southern Portuguese coastline, you’ll get to see the region’s magnificent landscapes and scenery from a different perspective.
Joining you on board are our local expert guides providing you with live commentary and helping you to spot any wildlife along the way. They are also on hand to answer any questions you may have. Considering that the aquatic animals tend to be more active in the early morning, it’s by no means a coincidence that our tour departs at 8.30 am. This optimises your chances of being able to see dolphins, sea turtles, seabirds, and other marine life.
We are extremely proud of the tours we run; our reviews from other happy customers reflect the high-quality service we provide. We look forward to welcoming you on board and showcasing our region’s incredible diversity!
Private Boat Tour from Faro
This guide should have provided you with more information about what to expect on a dolphin and whale-watching tour in the Faro District. If you are looking for something that will allow you more freedom and flexibility to explore the Ria Formosa Nature Park and the Atlantic Ocean at your own pace, you should book one of our Private Boat Tours. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions that you would like answered.
