The Algarve is rightly famed for its golden sandy beaches, golf courses, and wonderful year-round climate but is still a secret destination for great birding. The region has a wonderful variety of birds and many places where you can go and find them. At almost any time of the year, there is something of interest to see.
This is a birding tour based in the Ria Formosa Natural Park (RFNP) and is designed to help you see as much of the avifauna and flora as possible. We’ll also take you to several wetland areas west of the RFNP, Ludo and Quinta do Lago, and to East Castro Marim Natural Reserve.
The Algarve is rightly famed for its golden sandy beaches, golf courses, and wonderful year-round climate but is still a secret destination for great birding. The region has a wonderful variety of birds and many places where you can go and find them. At almost any time of the year, there is something of interest to see.
This is a birding tour based in the Ria Formosa Natural Park (RFNP) and is designed to help you see as much of the avifauna and flora as possible. We’ll also take you to several wetland areas west of the RFNP, Ludo and Quinta do Lago, and to East Castro Marim Natural Reserve.
Birdwatching Ria Formosa marshes, recognized for their biodiversity and ecological significance.
The RFNP covers an area of around 16,000-hectares stretching from Manta Rota in the east to Ancão beach 60km west. The Ria consists of coastal lagoons, vast areas of tidal flats, saltmarsh, and saltpans that are enclosed by a belt of sand dune islands and peninsulas. It is of particular importance as a wintering area for many birds from northern Europe and as a resting and feeding station for birds migrating between Africa and Europe. Classified as Nature Reserve in the 70s, this protection status was elevated to a Natural Park in 1987. The Ria Formosa is also classified under the Ramsar Convention as a Wetland of International Importance and as a Special Protection Area under the EU Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds.
Birdwatching Kentish Plover is resident all year but there are also both summer and winter migrant birds arriving.
Amongst those occurring in notable numbers are Black-tailed Godwits, Ringed Plovers, and Little Stints. There is also a diverse population of breeding birds that includes Little Bittern, Purple Swamp-hen, Purple Heron, Red-crested Pochard, Collared Pratincole, Kentish Plover, European Bee-eater, Red-necked Nightjar, Woodchat, and Southern Grey Shrikes, and Little Tern. Marsh Harriers are resident as are a small number of Booted Eagles, now a regular sight in winter. To the west is the largest area of reed beds in the Algarve, where in season, Ferruginous Duck, Purple Heron, Black-winged Kite, Penduline Tits, and Black-headed Weaver can be found.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival
Arrival at Tavira. Free time until evening meeting (the Tour Guide will give a preview of next day’s program) and dinner.
Birdwatching Algarve Black-headed Weaver, photo Peter Dedicoat. Medium-sized weaver. Breeding males are striking with a black face and neck and a dark brown iris that contrasts with its yellow body
Day 2 – Tavira Ria Formosa
Tavira is located in the heart of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a wetland area of international importance that is recognized under the Ramsar Convention. Salinas and saltmarsh attract a wide range of birds according to season. In autumn and winter bring Spoonbills, hundreds of Greater Flamingos, Audouin’s Gulls and Slender-billed Gulls, and as many as 20 species of wading birds, including Stone-curlews. In spring/summer, local breeding species include European Bee-eaters, Red-necked Nightjar, Little Terns, Avocets, and Kentish Plovers.
Part of the day will be spent exploring the area on foot; we will also take a boat trip in the Ria Formosa.
Birdwatching Ria Formosa marshes, There is a diverse population of breeding birds that includes Little Bittern, Purple Swamp-hen, Purple Heron, Red-crested Pochard, Collared Pratincole, etc…
Day 3 – Ludo and Quinta do Lago
Ludo Farm and Quinta do Lago are located west of Faro near to the airport and between them have an excellent mix of habitats including salinas, woodland, reedbeds, and saltmarsh. The lake at Quinta do Lago is well-known as one of the best places in the Algarve to see Purple Swamp-hens but at any time the area is home to an excellent variety of species and in winter thousands of wildfowl and waders are usually present.
Birdwatching Ria Formosa, In the wintertime, Ria Formosa is a congregation area for thousands of wintering waders.
Day 4 – Castro Marim
A day visiting the local Reserva Natural do Sapal de Castro Marim e Vila Real de Santo Antonio, an enormous area of wetland, saltmarsh, and saltpans at the eastern end of the Algarve which is home to a wealth of birdlife. Among the attractions here are Greater Flamingos at least some of which can be found all year-round. As many as 1000 of them may be seen in the winter months. A varied selection of gulls, wildfowl, and wading birds can be expected in spring, autumn, and winter.
Spoonbills Castro Marim. The Castro Marim Nature Reserve supports a significant population of Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia)
Day 5 – Departure
Free time until departure.
What's included
Accommodation
4 nights in a twin standard room for two pax
Shared ensuite room with a traveling companion of the same sex
Single supplement available with a surcharge
Extra nights available on request
Meals
4 buffet breakfasts at the Hotel
4 Dinners with drinks included
Transport
Meet & Greet Airport Transfer to the hotel on the first day – group transfer
Transfer from the hotel to the airport on last day – group transfer
Additional transfers are available on request at an extra cost
Tour Leaders
Dedicated English speaking local tour leader
The tour leader will assist and guide the group throughout the holidays, handle all the arrangements and other needs that might arise, making sure that you don’t have to worry about planning your days and you can enjoy your holiday
Each evening, your tour leader will discuss the details and program for the following day
Exclusions
Any services not listed as included
Flights to and from Portugal
Meals, tips/gratuities, baggage, or personal insurance (except as outlined)
Admission fees to castles & attractions or events (except as outlined)
Personal expenses
Supplements
Guide services inside monuments
Insurance
You must be adequately insured to join our Guidedbirdwatching Tours and Self-Guided birding holidays. We do not insist that you insure with us but we require that you are adequately insured for the nature of your holiday.
BeCool Travel has partnered with WorldNomads.com to keep you traveling safely. WorldNomads.com Travel Insurance is designed for independent and adventurous travelers, with coverage for overseas medical expenses, cancellation, baggage, and other expenses.
Please consult our Travel Insurance page, where you’ll be able to get more detailed info about insurance requirements and an immediate quote for your trip.
English 
Portuguese 
German 
French 
Dutch 
Swedish