Top Faro Wildlife Encounters in 2026

If you’re a nature lover in The Algarve, Ria Formosa National Park should be at the top of your itinerary. During this 2-hour tour from Faro, you’ll explore the natural landscape on a ‘saveiro’ (a traditional painted boat) while learning about the myriad of bird species that inhabit the area. With luck, you’ll spot birds such as white storks, little egrets, spoonbills, and grey plover. This small-group tour is limited to 10 people to guarantee an intimate atmosphere.

The Ria Formosa Natural Park is one of Portugal's most important coastal ecosystems, but most visitors to the Algarve never see beyond its shoreline. This small-group tour takes you through the lagoons and barrier islands by boat, stopping to explore the villages of Ilha da Culatra and Ilha do Farol on foot. Your skipper—a local fisherman—provides guided commentary as you go.

Explore Portugal’s Vicentine Coast by horseback during this private excursion in Carrapateira. Meet your guide at Carrapateira Extreme Tours and ride your horse through the small village as you make your way to the rugged coastline. Follow trails along the beach, through the brush, and up a sand dune, all while admiring the coastal views. Suitable for riders aged 12 and older weighing up to 90 kgs.

Experience the best of Ria Formosa Natural Park—renowned for its white sands and wildlife—on a boat tour that stops at two of the archipelago’s best islands, Deserta and Farol Island. You’ll have free time to snorkel, swim, or simply soak up the sunshine on the beachfront.

Kayak along Olhao’s Ria Formosa on this guided tour where you’ll explore islands like Farol or Fuseta with just your private group. You can customize this tour according to your interests, since you’re not on a large group tour. You’ll have drybags available for your belongings and phone, so you can bring it with you and take some incredible photos of the islands and your group.

One of the best ways to enjoy the gorgeous nature in the Ria Formosa Natural Park is to explore by kayak. This group tour lets you glide over the waters in an eco-friendly way, without gasoline or intrusive noises. You can also choose a standup paddleboard if that’s more your style. Keep an eye out for all sorts of wildlife in this sprawling lagoon system.