Faro: Dolphin & Wildlife Watching Tour with Marine Biologists

Summary

Atlantic dolphins, seabirds and Faro’s wild side with real scientists

You’ll head out from Faro with marine biologists who know these waters inside out. Watch wild dolphins swim alongside your boat, spot rare seabirds and maybe even glimpse ocean sunfish or turtles. Ask questions (they love it), breathe in that Atlantic air—and leave with a story you’ll want to tell twice.

What’s the experience like?

I barely had time to adjust my lifejacket before our little boat pulled away from Faro’s docks. The Ria Formosa was still waking up — a mix of salty air and that faint smell of seaweed. Our guides, both marine biologists (not just saying that — they actually had binoculars glued to their faces half the time), waved at some fishermen as we left the lagoon behind. I tried to look like I knew what I was doing, but honestly, I just gripped the rail and hoped for dolphins.

We were maybe twenty minutes out when someone shouted — I think it was João, our guide — and suddenly everyone was pointing at a flash in the water. Bottlenose dolphins, right there, surfacing so close you could hear them exhale. It’s weird how quiet everyone went for a second. You could just hear the splash and the gulls overhead. João explained how they track these pods for research (he even scribbled something in his notebook while we watched), and he answered every random question we threw at him — even my clumsy one about tuna migration.

There were more surprises after that — a sunfish drifting by like some prehistoric pancake, gannets diving hard enough to make you wince, and once I thought I saw an orca fin but it turned out to be a log (everyone laughed, including me). The wind picked up on the way back; my hair was a mess and my hands smelled like salt. But that moment when the dolphins surfaced? I still think about it sometimes when things get too quiet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dolphin and wildlife watching tour

• Depart from Faro
• Cruise through Ria Formosa Natural Park
• Explore Atlantic Ocean for marine wildlife
• Spot dolphins and other cetaceans
• Observe marine birds and other animals
• Learn from Marine Biologists on board
• Collect scientific data on wildlife
• Return to Faro

Top questions

How long does the dolphin & wildlife watching tour from Faro last?

The exact duration isn’t specified, but expect a half-day outing including time on the water searching for wildlife.

Are marine biologists really on board during this tour?

Yes, marine biologists guide every tour and share research insights along the way.

What animals can you see on this Faro wildlife boat trip?

You might spot bottlenose or common dolphins, seabirds like gannets, sunfish, tuna, sharks or turtles—sometimes even whales or orcas.

Is this dolphin watching tour suitable for kids?

Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; all ages are welcome but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

Does the tour include lifejackets?

Yes, lifejackets are provided for all passengers during the trip.

Where does this dolphin & wildlife tour depart from?

The boat departs directly from Faro in southern Portugal’s Algarve region.

Can I bring my service animal on board?

Service animals are allowed on this wildlife watching tour.

Will there be opportunities to ask questions during the trip?

Absolutely—guides encourage questions about dolphins, birds or any marine life spotted during the cruise.

What’s included

Your day includes guidance from real marine biologists who share their expertise as you search for dolphins and other wildlife off Faro’s coast. Lifejackets are provided for safety throughout your small group journey before returning to town together.