The Algarve, located in the south of Portugal, is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. With its beautiful golden sandy beaches, cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean rich in marine life, this region offers many options for exploration and discovery. Among the most popular activities in Faro, the capital of the Algarve, is dolphin and whale watching in the Atlantic. This unique experience allows visitors to get up close to these natural wonders in their natural habitat.
Dolphin and whale watching is not only an exciting activity, but it also plays an important role in the conservation of these marine species. By observing these animals in their natural environment, scientists and researchers can gather valuable information about their behaviour, migration and reproduction. This data contributes to the development of protection and management measures for marine wildlife.
Watch dolphins and whales from Faro
- See dolphins in their natural habitat
- Learn more about dolphins and other local wildlife from your marine biologist guide
- Discover the barrier islands of the Ria Formosa
An unforgettable experience in the heart of the ocean
If you are looking for a unique and rewarding experience during your stay in Faro, don’t miss the opportunity to go dolphin and whale watching in the Atlantic. This exciting adventure will take you deep into the marine life and allow you to experience these extraordinary creatures up close in their native habitat.
The Algarve is renowned as one of the best places in Europe for dolphin and whale watching. The clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean provide the perfect environment for these marine animals. Whether you are a nature lover, an animal lover or simply curious to discover new experiences, this activity will be unforgettable for the whole family.
An educational and environmentally friendly adventure
Dolphin and whale watching is more than just entertainment. It is an opportunity to learn more about these marine species and to contribute to their preservation. The local guides from the south of Portugal who will accompany you on these sea trips are experts in their field. They have an in-depth knowledge of the behaviour of these animals and are committed to respecting their environment.
The excursions are conducted in a responsible and respectful manner, following established guidelines to minimise the impact on the animals and their habitat. The boats used are equipped with advanced navigation systems that allow us to approach the dolphins and whales without disturbing them. Strict distance rules are applied to ensure the safety of the animals and the participants.
Dolphin and Whale Watching in the Algarve: How it works
This activity will allow you to discover the different species of cetaceans, birds and other marine animals that inhabit this magnificent region.
The adventure begins in Faro, where you will leave the mainland to venture into the Ria Formosa Natural Park. As you sail through this unspoilt landscape, you’ll be able to admire barrier islands such as Deserta and Culatra, as well as the surrounding marshes. Once you’re in the open sea, you’ll be amazed by the diversity of marine life around you, including dolphins, whales and porpoises.
The whale season is between February and May, offering a great opportunity to see these majestic marine creatures. Dolphins, on the other hand, are present all year round, increasing the chances of encountering them on your trip. While at sea, don’t miss the opportunity to see birds such as gannets and shearwaters flying overhead.
To accompany you on this adventure, a team of two marine biologists will be on board to help you spot as many species as possible and provide you with valuable information about the wildlife and surroundings.
When you spot a pod of dolphins, you will have the chance to spend 30 minutes with them, observing them in their natural environment. Take advantage of this time to ask any questions you may have about dolphins and other marine animals to one of the biologist guides and learn more about collecting data for scientific research on dolphin populations.
Once this unforgettable experience is over, it’s time to return to the Ria Formosa and head back to Faro with a lifetime of memories.
Useful information for this unique experience
What is included for this activity is a guided boat tour with a marine biologist guide.
You will be provided with life jackets and hotel pick up is not included in this activity. The meeting point is here: Ocean Vibes Algarve office. Look for the common shop with a banner saying “Ocean Emotions” in Faro harbour/marina.
The following people cannot participate in this activity:
- Children under 2 years old
- Pregnant women
- People with back problems
- People with reduced mobility
Smoking is not allowed on site. Similarly, pets are not allowed, with the exception of assistance dogs. It is also important to respect the no-feeding rules and not to touch the animals.
You may get slightly wet on windy days, so it is recommended to bring a jacket to protect you from the cool wind, even on hot days. Also bear in mind that dolphins are free roaming in the wild, which means that it is impossible to guarantee a 100% sighting rate. However, as a general rule, 9 out of 10 trips are successful.
Don’t forget to bring water and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun during the tour. Be prepared to have an incredible experience in harmony with nature, while contributing to the conservation of these fascinating marine species.
Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in this Algarve activity that will allow you to create unforgettable memories and discover the beauty of marine life in a respectful and responsible way.
