Cruise Into Nature At Ria Formosa Natural Park

Any visit to Faro would be incomplete without some time spent at the Ria Formosa Natural Park. This protected crucible of nature, elected as one of the seven Natural Wonders of Portugal, comprises an ever-changing sequence of lagoons spanning 18,000 hectares. A place for independent adventure and exploration, your experience of the Natural Park will be exactly what you choose to make of it and for this reason, it is one of most popular attractions in the Algarve.

The area is full of secret wonders and it is home to a diverse ecosystem of animal and plant life that offers endless pursuit for nature enthusiasts. By contrast, for those seeking a more reflective escape through tranquillity and isolation, the park is also resident to the unblemished Ilha Deserta beach, which is among the most peaceful and picturesque coastal sites in the Algarve.

Teeming with Wildlife

This is an internationally recognised birdwatching hotspot, hosting up 20,000 aquatic birds at any one time. These include rare native breeds like the egret, stork and pochard, and equally mesmerising migratory birds, including flamingos, spoonbills, and wigeons. What makes the park a prime hub for birdwatchers from all corners of the globe is that it forms a peak transit zone, in which many different types of birds mingle and cross-fertilise for a brief time.

Looking beyond birds, the Natural Park also provides exclusive access to some of the most wonderful but imperilled animal species, ranging from the chameleon to the Portuguese water dog. Unique on our planet, Ria Formosa affords otherwise endangered species a new lease of life where opportunities for survival are severely limited.

Half-Day Cruise

There are many boat tour companies that offer convenient and enjoyable travel around the Natural Park, with multilingual guided tours that typically last three to four hours. Depending on your time of travel, you could find yourself snorkelling among the sea horses at Armona or delighting in an authentic culinary experience with newly caught fish. Although prices vary between companies, the average cost for a four-hour tour is around €30.

What better way to inhale Ria Formosa in its entirety than to clamber aboard a comfortable vessel with expert and experienced staff to navigate you across the waterways at the ideal pace?

How to Get There

The easiest way to ensure a hassle-free start to your holidays is to organise your Faro transfers from the airport to your accommodation before you leave home. With pre-booked Faro transfers, you can immediately guarantee for yourself a bespoke door-to-door service, and be spared the stress of chasing public transport or expensive taxis in an expensive last-minute panic.

For anyone looking to get out into nature and enjoy a relaxed, educational and highly enjoyable break, this is one of the most rewarding places in the Algarve to do it. Book your Faro transfers and get ready to explore this gorgeous natural destination.

Author Plate

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers in various countries across the globe. If you’re looking for affordable Faro transfers, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.