Come and discover the diversity of permanent and migratory birds of the Ria Formosa Natural Park and the Eastern Algarve Ocean. On this boat tour with bird watching in Olhão, the captain is an experienced bird watcher and he will be your guide. The captain will be happy to tell you about the species they encounter. 

We provide binoculars and brochures with information about the birds. 

The Ria Formosa Nature Reserve covers an area of 14,000 hectares protected by a complex network of sand barriers and dunes with extensions of 60 km along the coast. It is home to over 20,000 waterfowl, especially in winter. Bird watching in Olhão is done throughout the year. 

Some of the most interesting species that we often see in the Ria Formosa are the black-necked grebe (podiceps nigricollis), the spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia), the oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus), the greater flamingo (roseus phoenicopterus), the woodpecker (limosa lapponica), mediterranean gull (Larus melanocephalus), cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), little heron (egretta garzeta), gray heron (Ardea cinerea), white stork (ciconia ciconia), among others. 

The Ria Formosa is a crucial point for migrating birds. 

This bird watching boat tour in Olhão from departure to arrival lasts approximately two hours

• Price/Adult: €40.00
• Price/Child (4-10 years old): €30.00
• Price/Child (up to 3 years old): €4.00 

Minimum: 4 adults

Clam tanks

One of the most important economic activities in the region can be seen during the tour. Around 80% of the seafood consumed in Portugal is produced here.

Armona Island

One of the most beautiful islands in the Ria Formosa Natural Park.

Island of Culatra

Island with a small fishing village residing all year round, being the only one in Ria Formosa, with very particular cultural aspects.

Side channels

Wild area of the Ria Formosa Natural Park of great natural beauty that can be visited during the tour.

Birdwatching

Since the Ria Formosa Natural Park is an important place for birdwatching, you will have the opportunity to observe different types of birds that inhabit it.

Ria Formosa Natural Park

Complex lagoon system with rich fauna and flora, of great economic importance for the region and considered one of the seven wonders of nature in Portugal.

Farol island

With the largest water inlet of the entire Ria Formosa made by the Olhão-Faro bar and close to the cape of Santa Maria, the southernmost point of mainland Portugal, it is an island of great natural beauty marked by its imposing lighthouse 50 meters high.