Planning a Unique Family Day Out in Ria Formosa

Ria Formosa is more than just a beautiful landscape — it’s a living, breathing environment rich in biodiversity, local culture, and activities. With a mix of lagoons, barrier islands, and charming fishing villages, it offers the perfect setting for families to explore, play, and reconnect.

At Lands, we’ve taken countless families on our Ria Formosa Boat Trips Near Faro for a fun day out in the Algarve. If you’re wondering how best to spend your time in the region, we’ve created this guide to planning a unique family day out in Ria Formosa, which everyone from the kids to the grandparents can enjoy! Keep reading for our suggested itinerary, or feel free to contact us to learn more about our tours. 

Start Your Day with an Eco-Friendly Ria Formosa Boat Tour

Kickstart your adventure in the Algarve with one of our signature eco-boat tours. On our solar-powered boats, you’ll glide silently through the lagoon, allowing your family to discover Ria Formosa’s unique ecosystems without disturbing the wildlife. Keep an eye out for flamingos, egrets, and other fascinating bird species that call Ria Formosa home. If you’re a birder or birdwatching enthusiast, you can choose to join our specialised Birdwatching Boat Trip in Ria Formosa, where our expert guide will share their knowledge of the local fauna and flora. 

The slow pace and safe, stable boats make a Ria Formosa boat trip the perfect option for little ones and grandparents alike. And with our Ria Formosa Private Boat Trips From Faro, you can customise the itinerary to suit your family’s needs and preferences. With the entire boat to yourselves, choose what time you leave and where you go. Our guide will ensure that you enjoy the best day out with your family!

Hop Off and Explore the Ria Formosa Islands

There is so much to do in Ria Formosa besides sightseeing. As part of our Private Ria Formosa Boat Tour from Faro, you can make a stop at one of the barrier islands of the Ria Formosa and enjoy free time for swimming, picnicking, and exploring local villages. 

Some of the most popular islands to stop at include Deserta, Farol, and Culatra. Farol Island is home to pristine beaches perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkelling and it’s also home to the iconic Cabo de Santa Maria Lighthouse. 

At Culatra, you can explore a traditional village where fishermen live year-round, giving you a glimpse into the maritime culture of Ria Formosa. Admire the colourful homes or grab a bite to eat in the village before relaxing on the beach. 

For more inspiration on what to see in the area, read our blog about the 10 Must-See Landscapes in the Ria Formosa.

Go Biking and Hiking in Ria Formosa 

Once your boat tour comes to an end, continue the adventures back on land. The Ria Formosa’s beauty extends beyond its lagoons and islands, with pine woodlands, salt pans, and marshes to explore. You can walk or cycle through these unique habitats, encountering more birdlife as well as salt extraction farms and clam farms. 

For an immersive journey, add our Guided Faro Walking Tour of the Ria Formosa to your boat tour. Let our guides lead you through the areas of Ludo and Quinta do Lago, sharing insightful details about these sections of Ria Formosa. 

If you’d prefer to explore on your own, the Ludo Trail is unmissable. Spanning approximately seven kilometres, depending on your route, this trail is suitable for both hiking and cycling. Along this trail, you can spot flamingos, storks, and even purple swamphens — the symbol of Ria Formosa. 

For more ideas on what activities to enjoy, read our guide to the Best Things to See and Do in Ria Formosa. 

Book Your Family Day Out in Ria Formosa with Lands

Ready to spend a special day with the family in Ria Formosa? Then book with us and experience the Algarve like never before! Whether you join us for one of our eco-friendly boat tours or Faro Activities, we will ensure your family has an unforgettable adventure. If you have any questions for us, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.