Eco Boat Tour in the Ria Formosa Lagoon from Faro
Recommended by 94% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Faro, Portugal
- 1 hour (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
The Ria Formosa flows through Portugal’s Algarve region, offering a haven for native wildlife—but exploring the lagoons without disturbing the birds isn’t easy. On this small-group tour, cruise along the Ria Formosa peacefully by eco-friendly solar-powered boat and enjoy uninterrupted views over the wetland scenery. With minimal engine noise from your solar-powered boat, spot native wildlife in its natural habitat and see the best of the Ria Formosa.
- Explore the Ria Formosa in peace by eco-friendly solar-powered boat
- Avoid disturbing the native wildlife with a noisy boat engine
- Uninterrupted views over the Ria Formosa’s wetland scenery
- Spot wild birds nesting and feeding in their natural environment
What's Included
- 1-hour eco-friendly solar powered boat trip
- Life vests
- Local guide
- Live commentary on board
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Cais das Portas do MarR. da Porta Nova, 8000-250 Faro, Portugal
The meeting point is the following: Lands Shop Kiosk at Cais das Portas do Mar, Rua da Porta Nova, Faro, Portugal
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Cais das Portas do Mar
1 minute • Admission Ticket Free
Ria Formosa Natural Park (Pass By)
Muralhas de Faro (Pass By)
Cais das Portas do Mar (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- A minimum of 2 adults per booking is required
- A maximum of 10 people per booking
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Stephen_d
Relaxing and gentle trip to see the wildlife, guide very friendly. The solar powered boat was very quiet so didn’t scare away the birds.
Reviews
4.7
based on 130 reviews
Iain_W, Nov 2025
Took a 1 hour solar boat tour just out of Faro harbour. It was okay as a solar boat sure makes seeing and hearing the shore birds easy but not sure there was enough of interest to do this tour
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re glad you appreciated the quiet and bird-friendly experience of our solar boat. We’re always looking for ways to enhance the tour and make it more engaging, so your comments are very helpful. We hope you’ll consider joining us again in the future for another chance to explore the Ria Formosa
Stephen_d, Aug 2025
Relaxing and gentle trip to see the wildlife, guide very friendly. The solar powered boat was very quiet so didn’t scare away the birds.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review! 🌟
We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the relaxing trip and that our friendly guide made the experience even more special. It’s great to know that the quiet, solar-powered boat allowed you to enjoy the wildlife without disturbance.
We hope to welcome you back soon for another memorable experience!
Warm regards,
Sandra Cabrita & Lands Team
Michael_N, Jun 2025
There are different routes depending of the tide. We made it with high water and it was nice, but probably there are more birds to See at low water.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Dear Michael,
Thank you so much for your 5-star review and for choosing our Eco Boat Tour in the beautiful Ria Formosa Lagoon!
We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the peacefulness of the experience. As you noticed, the tides play an important role in shaping each tour. High tide offers a calm and scenic journey through the lagoon, while low tide often brings increased bird activity along the mudflats. Each tide reveals a different side of this unique ecosystem.
We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you aboard again soon—perhaps next time during low tide for a new perspective!
Warm regards,
Bárbara
Dominic_S, May 2025
Relaxing boat tour through the ria formosa with an excellent guide. In one short hour we learned alot about Portuguese fauna and local customs.
Response from Host, May 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you for your lovely review! We're so happy you enjoyed the relaxing tour and found it both informative and enjoyable. It’s always a pleasure to share the beauty of Ria Formosa, its wildlife, and local traditions. We hope to see you on board again soon!
Best regards,
Bárbara, Lands - Eco Boat Tours
Abby_S, Apr 2025
What a smashing way to spend an hour on the rio famosa . Our captain was witty and very infornative This is a great little trip on a solar powered boat . I met a lovely family with 2 children
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Hi Abby,
Thank you so much for your lovely review! 😊 We're thrilled to hear that you had such a "smashing" time exploring the Ria Formosa with us. It’s great to know you enjoyed the peaceful ride on our solar-powered boat and that our witty and informative captain made the trip even more memorable.
We love hearing when guests connect with fellow travellers—there’s something special about sharing the beauty of the lagoon with like-minded people (and curious little explorers too!).
Thanks again for choosing us. We'd be delighted to welcome you back anytime you're in Faro!
Warm wishes,
Barbara & the Lands Eco Boat Tours team 🌿⛵
helene_W, Feb 2025
Very low key, relaxing, somewhat informative. I would not do twice. Friendly captain. Ask about passenger experience in Portugal and provides recommendations.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Dear Helene,
Thank you for sharing your experience!
We’re glad you enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere and the captain’s friendly recommendations.
We always strive to provide a memorable experience, and we appreciate your thoughts on how we can improve.
If you ever return, we'd love to show you even more of Ria Formosa!
Best regards,
Bárbara
Emilia_U, Sep 2024
The tour was super interesting and relaxing, our tour guide was really funny and spoke an impressive amount of languages. I liked the small group and the view was fantastic
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Hi Emilia,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We’re delighted to hear that you found the tour both interesting and relaxing.
Our guide loves to entertain and inform, and we’re glad you enjoyed their multilingual skills and sense of humor. It’s great to know that you appreciated the small group size and the fantastic views as well.
We hope to welcome you back for another memorable experience in the Ria Formosa!
Best regards,
Bárbara Abelho
Maddison_W, Jul 2024
Saw some lovely birds and landscapes, show to us by our passionate, friendly and funny tour guide. Provided with a board to help identify the birds, with the guide pointing them out.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled you enjoyed the beautiful birds and landscapes during our Eco Boat Tour. It's great to hear that our passionate and friendly guide made your experience even more enjoyable. We look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure in the Ria Formosa Lagoon!
Bryant_R, Jul 2024
My wife and I had a wonderful time on this tour! It was the perfect way to start our trip in the Faro area. Our tour guide Luis was wonderful as he showed us through the salt marsh giving us background on the local wildlife gave us recommendations for the rest of our day in town. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Dear Guest,
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the silent and comfortable experience of our solar-powered boat.
It's great to know that our guide added to the quality of your tour.
We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another eco-friendly adventure soon!
Best regards,
Bárbara Abelho
Tina_S, Jul 2024
Very relaxing cruise through the lagoon at low-medium tide. We saw some crabs and birds. The boat was quiet and peaceful and our guide was very nice. Next time I’d do a longer ride to go farther out and see more, but was tight on time
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Dear Tina,
Thank you for your wonderful review!
We're thrilled to hear you had a relaxing cruise and enjoyed the peacefulness of our quiet boat. It's great that you got to see some crabs and birds, and that our guide made your experience pleasant.
We look forward to welcoming you back for a longer ride next time, so you can explore even more of the beautiful lagoon.
Best regards,
Bárbara Abelho
Frederick_S, Jun 2024
The trip was interesting although not many birds to see at the time of year we visited but the man taking us on the trip was informative and interesting
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Dear Guest,
Thank you for your review. We're glad to hear you found the trip interesting and enjoyed the information provided by our guide. While bird sightings can vary depending on the time of year, we always strive to offer a fascinating and educational experience.
We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back during a different season for even more birdwatching opportunities!
Best regards,
Bárbara Abelho
Signy_L, May 2024
So quiet and eco friendly in an electric boat. Our guide Andre was terrific - friendly, fun, knowledgeable, and able to switch from English to French throughout. Enjoyed it very much.
Response from Host, May 2024
Dear Signy,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our Eco Boat Tour in the Ria Formosa Lagoon.
It's fantastic to know that you appreciated the tranquility and eco-friendliness of our electric boat. We're glad that our guide André made such a positive impression with his friendly and knowledgeable demeanor, and his ability to switch between English and French seamlessly.
Your enjoyment is our top priority, and we're delighted that you had such a great experience with us. We hope to welcome you back aboard for another enjoyable tour in the future!
Best regards,
Bárbara
Marco_T, May 2024
The Electric boat permits to listen the sound of the nature and to live a great experience. Very recommend.
Response from Host, May 2024
Thank you so much for your glowing review, Marco! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the experience of our Eco Boat Tour in the Ria Formosa Lagoon. It's wonderful to know that you appreciated the tranquility and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the sounds of nature aboard our electric boat. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you back for another memorable journey in the future!
Bárbara
christopher_w, Apr 2024
Andre was fantastic, great trip , very peaceful and we learnt allot , it’s a nice gentle ride and would recommend
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Dear Guest,
Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience with us following your recent Ria Formosa Eco Boat Tour. We're thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic time and that Andre's guidance enhanced your journey.
Andre will be thrilled to know that his efforts contributed to your enjoyment and learning experience.
We're pleased that you found the ride to be gentle and enjoyable. Providing a comfortable and smooth boating experience is something we strive for, and it's wonderful to hear that you felt this way.
Thank you for recommending our tour. We truly appreciate your endorsement and are grateful for the opportunity to share the beauty and tranquility of Ria Formosa with you.
Once again, thank you for choosing Ria Formosa Eco Boat Tour. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back for another peaceful and educational adventure in the future.
Best regards,
Bárbara
John_H, Mar 2024
Our guide Manuel was very knowledgable and knew the waters well.
Saw many birds and learned a lot about how the tides work and the life of the marsh
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Dear John,
Thank you for sharing your experience of our Eco Boat Tour in Ria Formosa. We're delighted to hear you had a great time and appreciated the knowledge and expertise of our guide, Manuel.
It's fantastic that Manuel's knowledge of the waters and the local ecosystem enhanced your experience. We're also glad that you had the opportunity to observe many birds and learn about the fascinating dynamics of the tides and the life of the marsh.
If you ever decide to explore Ria Formosa again, please feel free to reach out. We'd be honored to have you on board for another memorable journey.
Best regards,
Bárbara Abelho
Scott_M, Mar 2024
Great guide, like the electric boat. Nice birds. Great 1 hour boat ride. Had a nice coupe on the boat with us
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Dear Scott,
Thank you for sharing your experience of our Eco Boat Tour in Ria Formosa. We're delighted you had a great time and enjoyed various aspects of the tour.
It's fantastic to know that you found our guide to be great and appreciated the use of the electric boat. We're also glad that you enjoyed observing so many nice birds during the tour.
If you ever decide to explore Ria Formosa again, please feel free to reach out. We'd be honored to have you on board for another memorable journey.
Best regards,
Bárbara Abelho
Luanna_D, Mar 2024
Fantastic peaceful experience, solar boat is by far the best way to experience the wetlands. Saw a sea slug swimming and a black cormorant for the first time which was very interesting!
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Dear Luanna,
Thank you for sharing your experience of our Eco Boat Tour in Ria Formosa. We're thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic and peaceful experience.
It's wonderful to know that you found the solar boat to be the best way to experience the wetlands. We're also delighted that you had the opportunity to see a sea slug swimming and a black cormorant for the first time, making your experience even more interesting.
If you ever decide to explore Ria Formosa again, please feel free to reach out. We'd be honored to have you on board for another memorable journey.
Thank you for choosing our Eco Boat Tour, and we look forward to the opportunity to serve you again.
Best regards,
Bárbara Abelho
Zara_F, Feb 2024
Lovely and Peaceful. We were the only two on the boat! Andre was very nice and knowledgeable. Definitely recommend
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thank you for sharing your experience with our Eco Boat Tour in the Ria Formosa Lagoon Zara! We're thrilled you found it lovely and peaceful.
It's wonderful to know that you had the opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of the lagoon with only the two of you on the boat. We strive to provide intimate and personalized experiences for our guests, and we're glad you appreciated it.
We're also pleased to hear that Andre contributed to your enjoyment with his knowledge and kindness. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we're grateful for your support.
We'd love to welcome you back for another memorable experience in the future!
Best regards,
Bárbara
Julia_F, Dec 2023
We had a lovely hour on the boat. We saw lots of birds especially when using the binoculars our very knowledgeable guide loaned us. The boat was super quiet being solar / electric powered which really allowed us to hear the birdsong. I would highly recommend this trip.
Response from Host, Dec 2023
Dear Julia,
Thank you for sharing your experience of our Eco Boat Tour in Ria Formosa Lagoon. We're thrilled to hear that you had a lovely hour on the boat and that you could observe lots of birds, especially with the help of the binoculars provided by our knowledgeable guide.
We're delighted that you appreciated the quietness of our solar/electric-powered boat, allowing you to immerse yourself in the serene sounds of birdsong. Your recommendation means a lot to us.
If you ever decide to explore the beauty of Ria Formosa, please feel free to reach out. We'd be honored to have you on board for another memorable journey.
Thank you for choosing our Eco Boat Tour, and we look forward to the opportunity to serve you again.
Best regards,
Bárbara Abelho
Olga_P, Dec 2022
We enjoyed the views on spacious wetlands in the morning sun. We spotted several birds (we expected more to be honest) and since it was just our family and the captain on our trip, it was a nice offer we immediately accepted and our boys could try out maneuvering the boat. We expected more information to be shared with us - proactively. 1 hour is perfectly fine if you visit this place off season and you do not stop for swimming during the trip.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Dear Olga,
Many thanks for sharing your feedback about our Ria Formosa Eco Boat Trip from Faro. It is really nice to know you and your family enjoyed it.
We are sorry to hear you didn't see as many birds since Ria Formosa is a beautiful natural haven for birdlife. However if you had informed us your main interest was birdlife we would have advised to try our Ria Formosa Birdwatching Boat Trip instead.
Once again it was a pleasure having you on board and on behalf of all our team we send our kindest regards,
Bárbara Abelho
LUZFERNANDA_J, Jan 2026
Spectacular!. To know this marsh was wonderful. The boat was totally silent so the birds weren't scared. Iris, our guide was very gentle and knows the region and the Ria very well.
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Response from Host, Mar 2026
¡Muchas gracias por su maravillosa reseña! Nos alegra mucho saber que disfrutaron de la excursión por la marisma y que el bote silencioso permitió observar las aves sin molestias. Iris estará encantada de leer sus amables palabras sobre su conocimiento y dedicación. Esperamos poder darles la bienvenida nuevamente pronto para otra experiencia inolvidable en la Ría Formosa.
Dieter_T, Oct 2025
This 1-hour drive is advertised with interesting insights and explanations into the delicate ecosystem of the Ria Formosa.
So far for advertising and related 25,--€ ticket price.
In reality you are driven by the solar boat = very good! through the lagoon, sees 1 (one!) White-tailed eagles, a colony of spoonbills and a few terns and gulls from afar. That's it. The skipper was good, but could not improve the bad mood with much and useless talk.
Conclusion: completely overpriced tourist rip-off by Viator. By the way, the tickets would have been available on site for €20.00 - still completely over the top.
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Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hallo,
es tut uns leid, dass die Tour nicht ganz Ihren Erwartungen entsprochen hat. Wir möchten klarstellen, dass wir nirgends – weder online noch an unseren physischen Verkaufskiosken – Tickets für 20 € anbieten. In Portugal wäre das rechtlich auch nicht zulässig. Unsere Preisliste ist seit 2023 unverändert, daher wissen wir nicht, woher diese Information stammt.
Wie Sie in den übrigen Bewertungen sehen können, empfehlen die meisten unserer Gäste unsere Touren und die durchschnittliche Bewertung liegt bei 5 Sternen, was die Zufriedenheit unserer Kunden zeigt.
Vielen Dank für Ihr Feedback und wir hoffen, Sie trotzdem wieder an Bord begrüßen zu dürfen.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen,
Sandra Cabrita Lands Team
Esther_W, Oct 2025
Beautiful and informative excursion to the beautiful Ria Formosa
Learn a lot about flora and fauna and also observe some birds such as the white-tailed eagle.
The solar boat is highly recommended, the birds are not frightened and you can get close to them
Gladly again
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Response from Host, Oct 2025
Vielen Dank für Ihre wunderbare Bewertung! Es freut uns sehr, dass Ihnen der Ausflug in die Ria Formosa gefallen hat, Sie Flora und Fauna genießen konnten und die Nähe zu den Vögeln auf dem Solarboot besonders geschätzt haben. Wir würden uns freuen, Sie bald wieder an Bord begrüßen zu dürfen!
Herzliche Grüße,
Sandra Cabrita Lands Team
Isabelle_C, Sep 2025
Very nice time. Interesting discovery with informative comments from the very kind Guide. The loan of binoculars to better observe birds is really a plus. The hour is fast!
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Response from Host, Oct 2025
Chère Isabelle,
Merci beaucoup pour votre gentil commentaire ! Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez passé un agréable moment et apprécié les explications instructives de notre guide. Nous sommes également heureux que le prêt des jumelles ait été un plus pour observer les oiseaux.
Au plaisir de vous accueillir à nouveau bientôt !
Cordialement,
Sandra Cabrita
Lands Team
Judith_S, Aug 2025
Nice trip, lots of birds seen, funny and very sympathetic guide who spoke many languages. Nice that you also get binoculars on the boat.
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Response from Host, Sep 2025
Beste Judith,
Hartelijk dank voor je mooie review en de 4 sterren! 🌿🦆 Wat fijn om te horen dat je hebt genoten van het tochtje, de vele vogels en onze grappige en sympathieke gids die meerdere talen spreekt. Leuk ook dat de verrekijker aan boord je ervaring nog specialer heeft gemaakt.
We hopen je in de toekomst nog eens te mogen verwelkomen op een van onze tours.
Vriendelijke groet,
Team Lands Tour 🚤💙
Marie_K, Jan 2025
Eine tolle, entspannte Tour mit einem sehr netten Guide. Wir haben viel gelernt und die Stunde sehr genossen.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Dear Marie,
Thank you for your kind review!
We’re so glad you enjoyed the relaxed tour and found it both informative and enjoyable.
Our guides love sharing the wonders of the Ria Formosa, and it’s great to know you had such a positive experience. We’d love to welcome you back for another adventure soon!
Best regards,
Bárbara Abelho
francesca_m, Aug 2024
Purtroppo abbiamo beccato alta marea e quindi non si è visto molto. Imbarcazione è staff ok ma con l'alta marea non ne vale la pena
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Dear Guest,
Thank you for your review and for appreciating the quality of our boat and staff during your Ria Formosa Eco Boat Tour. It's interesting to note that, despite your mention of high tide, you still found value in our guided tour, which is limited to just 10 guests for a more personalized experience.
Our tours are carefully planned to showcase the diverse landscapes of Ria Formosa, whether during high or low tide. Each tide reveals different aspects of this unique ecosystem—while low tide may highlight the mudflats and their inhabitants, high tide allows us to explore other hidden treasures of the lagoon.
We hope you'll join us again to discover the variety that Ria Formosa has to offer, regardless of the tide.
Best regards,
Bárbara
MaradelMar_T, Jun 2024
Paseo muy recomendable! El chico fue súper simpático y nos hizo el paseo muy entretenido y ameno, está muy bien para conocer mejor la zona.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
¡Hola!
¡Muchísimas gracias por tu amable reseña! Nos alegra saber que disfrutaste del paseo y que nuestro guía hizo la experiencia entretenida y amena. Nos encanta poder mostrarte lo mejor de la Ría Formosa.
Esperamos verte de nuevo para otro paseo inolvidable.
Saludos cordiales,
Bárbara Abelho
Catherine_R, Jun 2024
Je suis déçue de cette excursion parcequ on ne voit pas grand chose à part les crabes. Presque aucun oiseau et je l aurai bien vu à marée basse.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Chère Catherine,
Nous vous remercions de nous avoir fait part de vos commentaires sur votre récente excursion en bateau écologique à Ria Formosa. Nous sommes désolés d'apprendre que votre expérience n'a pas répondu à vos attentes. Les observations d'animaux sauvages peuvent être imprévisibles, mais nous comprenons votre déception. Nous apprécions vos commentaires et nous en tiendrons compte pour améliorer nos excursions. Nous espérons que vous nous donnerez une autre chance de vous offrir une meilleure expérience à l'avenir.
Cordialement,
Bárbara Abelho
Isabelle_C, May 2024
Je recommande car naviguer avec un bateau silencieux et respectueux de l eco système nous a permis d approcher les oiseaux présents dans la lagune
Response from Host, May 2024
Chère Isabelle,
Merci d'avoir partagé votre expérience de notre Eco Boat Tour dans la Ria Formosa. Nous sommes ravis d'apprendre que vous avez apprécié naviguer avec notre bateau silencieux et respectueux de l'écosystème, ce qui vous a permis d'approcher les oiseaux présents dans la lagune.
La préservation de l'environnement naturel de la Ria Formosa et la possibilité d'observer sa faune font partie de nos priorités, et nous sommes heureux que vous ayez pu en profiter pleinement.
Nous vous remercions pour votre recommandation. Si vous décidez de revenir explorer la Ria Formosa ou si vous avez des préférences spécifiques pour votre prochaine visite, n'hésitez pas à nous contacter. Nous serions ravis de vous accueillir à nouveau pour une autre expérience enrichissante.
Bien cordialement,
Bárbara Abelho
From $29.22
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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