Ria Formosa Natural Park is truly a nature lovers paradise. Also considered as one of the “Seven Wonders of Portugal”, the park is spread over 18000 hectares and extends to around 60 kms of the Algarve coastline.

Therefore the best way to experience this marvel destination is on a boat tour. That is spending a day with the birds & marine life, on the beaches & islands and furthermore some fun time making new friends. And there is still a lot more that would make you glad during these six hours. For example, the free for all drinks on board and a lovely fish or chicken lunch in the best restaurant in one of the islands.

After a lovely morning visiting the Iconic Twin Markets of Olhão, we were eagerly looking forward to our day trip. Hence after a nice breakfast in our hotel, we were all set to go. For our ‘Ria Formosa Natural Park Boat Tour‘ from Olhão, Portugal. Moreover with our chosen partner ‘Sabino Boat Tours’ after an extensive research and evaluating many traveler reviews. The best part is you can book directly with them, as I had promptly done months back.

The Highlights & the journey

During the course of the day we would be exploring the numerous islands and islets, lagoons and marsh mazes full of marine life. Also we get to understand rich cultural history of these magnificent fishing grounds. Visiting a shellfish farm was also in our plans. There were binoculars on board so that we could observe the diverse species that inhabit the park and which is considered an important bird area (IBA).

Ria Formosa & Birds

The Ria Formosa is of great importance for a wide range of breeding, passage and wintering birds and is Portugal’s best site for bird watching.

The species that breed here and some of the islands around include the Little Bittern, Purple Heron, Egrets, White Stork. Also the Stone-curlew, Little Tern, Western Swamphen, Red-crested Pochard, Golden Oriole, Dartford Warbler and Greater Short-toed Lark. Moreover Common Waxbill and Woodpeckers are also found in plenty in this area.

Also the passage periods during Spring see the arrival of Great Spotted Cuckoo, Common Redstart,  Whinchat, Black-eared Wheatear, Spectacled Warbler and Subalpine Warbler. Likewise a wider range of passerine migrants occurs in autumn when you can get to see Tawny Pipit, Bluethroat and Pied Flycatcher. Similarly Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff and Spotted Redshank are among the many species of wader. Black Tern is regular here and raptors such as Red Kite, Short-toed Eagle and Booted Eagle pass through.

Furthermore, in winter Black-necked Grebe, Greater Flamingo, Glossy Ibis and Eurasian Spoonbill are regular. And so are the Caspian Tern and waders including Black-winged Stilt. Similarly the rarer species recorded in the Ria Formosa area include Bean Goose, Blue-winged Teal, Long-tailed Duck, White-headed Duck and Ruddy Duck, Marbled Duck and Crested Coot.

Therefore now, as they say, ” In order to see birds it’s necessary to become a part of the silence”. And enjoy the presence of some of them as we sail.

Barreta Island – Our First Stop

Barreta Island, also known as Ilha da Barreta or Ilha Deserta, is the only uninhabited and deserted island. The seven kms long island has the most pristine beach in Algarve region, which also happens to be the southernmost point of Portugal. The beach is usually quiet with only a few people. You could take a dip in the cool waters or take a long walk along the beach.

As we sail again

Farol Island

With the biggest inlet of water of all the Ria Formosa and being near the cape of Santa Maria, the most southern point of Portugal, this island is extremely beautiful and is marked by its imposing lighthouse. We had enough time to explore, first with our guide who showed us around and then some free time of our own before we sat down for lunch. Therefore it was truly relaxing as we went around with a lovely sunny weather to give us company.

Exploring the Island

Time for Lunch

We were ready to move

Culatra Island – Destination Next

Culatra Island is a very typical village of mostly fisherman that inhabit the island all year through. In addition there are some secondary residences too which are mostly used in the summer. With 7 km in length, it is one of the barrier islands of the Ria Formosa, in the eastern Algarve. The other islands are Barreta, Armona, Cabanas and Tavira, which together with the Ancão and Cacela peninsulas, protect the lagoon from the sea.

How to reach Ria Formosa Natural Park

Faro Airport is the most prominent one in Algarve region and you have flights connecting all major European cities from here. Once in Faro, you can choose to stay in the one of the three towns – Faro, Olhão or Tavira, which all have good choice of accommodation including hostels, hotels, cottages and villas. 

Faro Airport to Faro city center is 7 kms while Olhao is 10 kms and Tavira 38 kms away. You have boats operating from all the three cities for Ria Formosa Natural Park. Moreover you have various tour options available to choose from. However Olhão is the closest to Ria Formosa. But if your are reaching Ria Formosa Natural Park on a day trip from Faro, here are some more tips.

Travelwisesr Maps

Your guide to Rio Formosa Natural Park. Make it your companion when there!

Ria Formosa Natural Park. If you are a nature lover, this day trip on a boat from Olhão to this gem of Algarve region in Portugal will stay in your heart forever.

If you loved visiting Ria Formosa Natural Park Algarve, PIN it for later & your friends!