RIA FORMOSA
Considered one of the 7 wonders of Portugal, the Ria Formosa is undoubtedly one of the lost paradises of Portugal and has been considered a Natural Reserve since 1978, having been promoted to Natural Park in September 1987, due to its richness from the biodiversity point of view.
The Ria Formosa is a Natural Lagoon about 70 km wide and consists of two peninsulas (Ancão and Cacela) and 5 islands (Barreta, Culatra, Armona, Tavira and Cabanas) that form a dune cord that serves as protection from the Atlantic Ocean to a vast area of channels and islands, thus forming a lagoon system of calm waters, perfect for boat trips.
The natural park is made up of several marine habitats, with the waterfowl being one of the most important in the world, making it an excellent destination for boat trips throughout the year for the sighting of more than 180 species of existing birds.
But also underwater there is a stunning ecosystem that is very important for the environmental balance of this region and where more than 1300 marine species are recorded. The marine prairies that exist throughout the Ria Formosa are the perfect habitat for numerous species, such as seahorses. On the other hand, the existence of these seagrasses are, in themselves, very important for the entire ecosystem, as they are responsible every day for capturing tons of Carbon Dioxide, thus preventing its release into the atmosphere, thus contributing to the reduction of global warming.
At an economic level, the Ria Formosa also plays a very important role in the region, as it is the scene of multiple economic activities, from shellfish farming, fish farming, salt farming, tourism, etc…
For those who like sun and sea, in Ria Formosa and its Islands, you will find true paradises with extensive desert beaches, and it is the best and largest level of protected water to relax and forget your daily routine where the pleasure of navigation is taken to the extreme and where you can sail all year along the canals and anchor in some bays next to some beautiful deserted beaches of white sand.
Visiting the Ria Formosa on our boat tours is the best way to explore the region, accessing the best places and enjoying the best that this charming corner of the Algarve has to offer.