Taking a Boat Trip in the Algarve

The Algarve…where locals are as warm and welcoming as the weather! Famous for its golden beaches and azure waters, the Algarve is a magnificent destination to explore by foot or by boat. The natural environment is never less than enchanting, and there are many cultural activities to explore.

Boat trips are one of the most popular activities in Faro, the Algarve’s capital. Whether staying in a buzzing resort town or a traditional fishing village, we recommend taking to the waves to experience Portugal’s southernmost region.

But which boat trip should you choose?

Visiting the Ria Formosa Natural Park by boat is one of the must-do activities in the region. The Park is a fascinating maze of barrier islands, canals, and marshes. To narrow your search down, we’ve selected some of our favourite Ria Formosa boat trips.

At Lands – Turismo na Natureza, we can’t wait to welcome you to our home! Responsibly sharing Ria Formosa’s natural beauty is our biggest pleasure. As the Algarve’s leading eco-tourism experts, we’d love to show you around while leaving a minimal carbon footprint.

If you’d like to find out more, get in touch! We’ll happily answer your questions about all the eco-boat tours we offer. But for now, read on to find out more about what to expect on one of our Algarve boat tours.

The Best All-Rounder Boat Trip in the Algarve

The Ria Formosa Natural Park is one of Portugal’s most beautiful landscapes. Regularly lauded as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal, you’ll soon see why!

The Natural Park encompasses 18,400 hectares of water-based wonders, including five islands and two peninsulas. Departing from the Marina of Faro in the city’s heart, our 1-hour boat tour of Ria Formosa is a great way to immerse yourself in this expansive wilderness.

Whether you’re a David Attenborough-type or a beginner naturalist, our local guides offer insights to suit every level. As trained biologists, they’re passionate about conserving this naturally abundant, biodiverse area. On this boat tour of the Ria Formosa, you can absorb some fun facts while cruising the lagoon.

To complement the park’s natural wonders, all our boats are solar-powered. Meaning you can explore the serene landscape without having any environmental impact. Our trips are limited to 10 guests plus our guides, ensuring an intimate experience with excellent views.

The Best Algarve Boat Trip for Nature Lovers

As the Algarve’s most important wildlife sanctuary, the Ria Formosa is home to more than 1,500 creatures!

From the native Portuguese Water Dog (Google it – they’re adorable!) to otters (equally cute), the five barrier islands are teeming with mammals, fish, and birds. There are more than 300 recorded bird species here! (Alfred Hitchcock would’ve loved it.)

If you’ve never tried birdwatching before or you’re after an avian adventure, our Ultimate Algarve Bird-watching Boat Trip is one for the books. Ria Formosa is a key stop-over point in migration routes between Europe and Africa. In the winter, it hosts more than 20,000 birds!

Our bird-watching boat tour is 2.5 hours long and kits you out with high-quality binoculars. Guided by our biologist experts, you’ll receive plenty of bird-spotting tips for beginners and experts alike. Keep your eyes peeled for colorful flamingos, purple herons, and glossy ibis!

The park is an essential home for many endangered species, making our solar-powered boat trips an ideal way to venture into it respectfully.

The Best Boat Trip for Chill Vibes

After you’ve spent the day exploring the Algarve’s capital, what better way to kick off your evening than with a sunset boat trip in Ria Formosa?

Step aboard this 1-hour ride and unwind against a backdrop of cinematic skyscapes. Faro’s coastline will twinkle at sunset, making this picturesque spot even more snappable.

Look out into the distant Atlantic Ocean and exhale. The only sounds are the eco-boat quietly gliding through the Ria Formosa, an occasional bird cry, and the rustle of the marshland. Peaceful, right?

The boat trip will return to the Marina of Faro when the sun finally sets over the lagoon. From there, pop into Faro’s Old Town and treat yourself to a delicious dinner. You’ll have the best sleep imaginable after your relaxed excursion!

We don’t know about you, but we’re itching to set sail! No matter how many boat trips we’ve taken, Ria Formosa’s creatures and beauty always surprise us.

As the Algarve’s capital, Faro is home to many historical buildings, lovely locals, and many activities (See our Best Things to Do in Faro to learn more). Whether you’re ready to be a skipper or you’re more into trekking across the land, we guarantee you’ll have a wonderful time in our hometown!

We hope we’ve helped you find a traditional Algarve boat trip! Still undecided? Why not reach out, and we’ll find the perfect boat trip to match your needs.

(If a boat trip isn’t your thing, you can join us on a Guided Walking Tour of the Ria Formosa.)