Lands – Turismo na Natureza

Lands – Turismo na Natureza is an independent nature-tourism company based at the marina of Faro. It was founded in 2003 by the biologist Bárbara Abelho and has specialised ever since in guided outings in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, the lagoon of channels, salt marshes and barrier islands that stretches along the eastern Algarve.

Its boats are solar-powered. According to the company they burn no fossil fuel, produce no exhaust and spill no oil into the water, and their electric motors are quiet enough not to disturb the wildlife; the hulls and propulsion were chosen to have a minimal impact on a sensitive ecosystem. The guides are biologists, and every outing has a strong interpretive side, explaining the plants, birds and tides of the lagoon along the way.

Visitors can choose a one-hour tour of the channels around Faro, a longer birdwatching trip with binoculars provided, or a sunset trip with views of the old town; private outings can also be arranged. Groups are small, with about ten people per boat. Flamingos, spoonbills, egrets and many waders are among the birds regularly seen. Tours run all year.

All trips leave from the Doca de Faro, the small marina in the centre of the city beside the old town, so Lands is easy to reach on foot from anywhere in central Faro.