Birdwatching Ria Formosa with A Rocha Life
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Basic fitness for walking moderate distances on uneven ground is recommended; long periods of standing may be required.
Overview
Spend a full day birdwatching in Portugal’s Ria Formosa Natural Park with A Rocha Life. From flamingos feeding in lagoons to elusive reedbed birds, this guided trip offers a front-row seat to rare species in dynamic coastal habitats.
Full Day at Ria Formosa
115€ per Person | All ages | Sundays | 8h | 4km | Easy | Great place to see Flamingos
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable 8-hour birdwatching adventure in the stunning saltpans and lagoons near Faro. Witness vibrant Flamingos, Shelducks, and a variety of other waterfowl while exploring diverse habitats. With expert guidance and a chance to see unique species, this experience promises to be a bird lover's dream come true.
Great place to see Flamingos and Shelducks
Rates
Adults: 115 € Children: 115 € Private groups - minimum 4 people
Duration
8 Hours
About
We will spend the morning at a complex of saltpans and lagoons behind Faro airport. The saltpans are usually a good place to see Flamingos and Shelducks. In the reedbeds around, you can hear Cetti’s Warbler. In the lagoons, many ducks are present in winter: Mallards, Gadwalls, Teals, Shovelers, Wigeons, Pochards, Tufted Ducks and Red-crested Pochards. After looking at these lagoons, we will walk along a golf course on the way to a bird hide. The green is a good place to see Hoopoes, Azure-winged Magpies and Waxbills. The hide overlooks a lagoon where Purple Swamphen, Black-headed Weavers and Little Bitterns breed.
In the afternoon, we will drive near Tavira and spend a couple of hour’s birdwatching at the saltpans. This place is also part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park and is good for waders. Flamingos are often seen, feeding in the lagoons with Avocets and Black-winged Stilts. On the dykes between the lagoons, we usually see Kentish and Ringed Plovers, Dunlins, Sanderlings, Little Stints and Little Terns. Audouin’s Gulls are also regularly seen with Yellow-legged and Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
The meeting point is always at the A ROCHA centre. Departure time to be arranged, as it changes throughout the year, because of sunrise time. You can book the date you prefer and we will confirm the exactly time before your activity. You will be driven to the location in one of our vehicles.
What is included
The guide, a checklist, the use of field guides, a drink at the end or middle of the day and all the driving are included in the price.
Adventure Tips
Bring binoculars
Quality binoculars enhance spotting distant or camouflaged birds in the wetlands.
Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear
Saltpans and lagoon edges can be muddy or damp; prepare to walk comfortably.
Pack sun protection
Open coastal areas offer minimal shade—use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
Carry a refillable water bottle
Stay hydrated during this eight-hour outing through diverse terrain.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Greater Flamingo
- Purple Swamphen
History
Ria Formosa was designated a Natural Park in 1987 to protect its fragile wetlands and biodiversity.
Conservation
A Rocha Life integrates conservation education to minimize visitor impact and promote sustainable wildlife tourism.
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Adventure Hotspots in Faro
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Binoculars
Crucial for identifying distant or small bird species around the lagoons and saltpans.
Waterproof hiking shoes
Protect your feet from mud and wet conditions common in coastal wetlands.
Sun hat
Provides protection from the strong coastal sun during open-area watching.
summer specific
Refillable water bottle
Hydration is essential during the lengthy full-day trip.