Why Take a Guided Kayak Tour in Ria Formosa

Breathtaking landscapes, exotic flora and fauna, and awe-inspiring natural biodiversity make Ria Formosa Natural Park one of Algarve’s best-kept secrets. 

A constellation of salt marshes, sand dunes, islets, agricultural fields, ponds, and tidal flats, Ria Formosa is a treasure trove of rare habitats and natural life. Tucked in Portugal’s southern coast, close to the city of Faro, it is a protected lagoon that stretches 18,400 hectares between Ancão Beach and Manta Rota. 

It is a dynamic bio-spot, ever-changing due to continuous movements of tides, winds, and currents. 

Sought after by tourists and locals alike, Ria Formosa is a haven for travellers and wildlife aficionados. With its surging, dynamic waterways and varied animal life, it is hailed as one of the seven natural wonders of the country.

Though options of guided walking tours and boat trips are always available, a leisurely kayak through the pristine waters is undoubtedly the most unforgettable way of taking in the jaw-dropping beauty of the locales. Kayaking in Ria Formosa offers a wholly unique perspective of the lagoon, where you can marvel at the stunning views that engulf you, while also enjoying a splash of its calm waters.

With our kayak renting services, you can opt for your own kayaks, paddle at your own leisure and explore locations as you please. However, for a more enriching experience, we offer guided kayak tours in Ria Formosa from Faro. They are deeply informative and valuable for those wanting to make the most of their trip to the Algarve. 

Kayak in Ria Formosa with Expert Guides 

Ria Formosa is a valuable site of study for marine biologists and ocean scientists. Our staff at Lands includes highly trained instructors and expert biologists. 

Our guides are professional and highly informed, helping you discover and better understand the mind-boggling diversity of the flora and fauna of the marshlands. They are more than happy to share their knowledge and answer every one of your questions about the park.

Our Guided Kayak Tour in Ria Formosa is Family-friendly 

Our guided kayak tour in Ria Formosa is a relaxing activity for anyone visiting Portugal’s famous Algarve region. Stable, safe, and comfortable, our kayaks are ideal for fun-filled family outings, or simply for a memorable journey through its azure waters.

Your kayaking tour will take you through tranquil lagoons, stopping at one of the islets for a break, where you will be able to get up close and personal with the lush plant and animal life of the surroundings. 

Your guide will not only delve into the natural history of the place but also the unique traditions and local economic activities of the nature reserve. 

Kayak Through Algarve’s Famous Marine Life 

The shallow waters of the Ria Formosa lagoon serve are home to rich, diverse marine life. Keep a special eye out for mollusks, crustaceans, and a bounty of rare, fascinating fish. 

When the tide is low or lowering, kayaking in Ria Formosa also allows you the unique chance to observe shellfish farmers hard at work in the tidal planes of the reserve — a source of 80% of Portugal’s clam exports. The process is tough and gruelling and a valuable lifeline for the community’s economy. You will be filled with admiration for the skill and dedication of the workers.

Kayaking in Ria Formosa while Birdwatching 

Ria Formosa is a treasure trove for bird enthusiasts. Watch out for Spoonbills, White Storks, Flamingos, Egrets and many other bird species as you paddle through the waters.

A vital migratory stop between Europe and Africa, Ria Formosa is visited by over 30,000 birds during winters. Its rich and bountiful ecology serves as a perfect sheltering and breeding ground for these rare, enchanting birds. Our eco-boat tours in Ria Formosa, are great for birdwatching but this experience is also possible on a kayak as you can move, unhurried, through the calm waters. 

Kayaking in Ria Formosa is Eco-friendly 

Here at Lands, we pride ourselves on helping tourists and locals experience the wonder of this ecological marvel without any environmental damage. We treasure the rich ecosystem that we are a part of and we are dedicated to preserving this remarkable place. 

Be assured, we go to great lengths to make sure our kayak tours in Ria Formosa are sustainable, with the lowest possible carbon footprint. In fact, kayaking is one of the most eco-friendly ways to explore the Algarve. Unlike large commercial boats that operate on oil and gasoline, kayaks are sustainable without emitting any sound pollution from motors. 

In addition to this, we ensure nothing is artificially added or extracted from the natural water of the lagoon to make sure the habitats remain unperturbed.

We hope this blog on guided kayak tours in Ria Formosa has not only inspired you, but also taught you a little about the fascinating area. We truly adore this slice of paradise and look forward to showing you around. For any questions on kayaking in Ria Formosa, please feel free to get in touch, before you start packing for your guided kayak tour in the Algarve.