Algarve
Portuguese Marine Wildlife
Marine Mammals, Birds, Fish and Reptiles
Animal Protection information
Ria Formosa Natural Park
In Ria Formosa natural park, we have some protected species – for example the sea horses! In order to preserve the natural patrimonium, we kindly ask every visitor to respect the animals and their habitat. In some areas of the park you may find signs regarding conservation measures for some of these species such as the nesting zones of terns in Faro beach. Avoid walking over dunes, vegetation or even sea grass banks.
If you find a dead marine animal during your visit, please take pictures and let us know about your finding. If you come across a stranded marine mammal (dolphins, whales, porpoises) on the beach, please report to the local authorities (Polícia Marítima and ICNF). We strongly recommend to take pictures of strandings as well as sharing them on social media to increase awareness.
Cetaceans Strandings (alive)
If you found a live stranded cetacean click this link and follow instructions
Marine Animals Strandings (dead)
If you found a dead dolphin, whale or turtle report to the Algarve Stranding Network (RAALG)
Local wildlife
The Birdwatching paradise
Every year over 220 species of birds come across Ria Formosa Natural park. The natural formation of the marshlands, the food availability and the constant water renovation with the Atlantic, provide a unique environment for many birds to feed, rest and / or reproduce. An oasis like this, located right before the Atlantic ocean and Africa provides a strategical stop for many migratory birds. But not only birds live here: the lagoon is rich in marine animals such as fish (including sea horses!), crustaceans and a lot of molluscs. Apart from those, Ria Formosa is also home to the iconic color-changing reptile: the chameleon! Join us and get to know more about this fantastic wildlife paradise!
Osprey
Pandion haliaetus
Kingfisher
Alcedo atthis
Spoonbill
Platalea leucorodia
Flamingos
Phoenicopterus roseus
Black Winged Stilt
Himantopus
White Stork
Ciconia ciconia
Oyster Catcher
Haematopu ostralegus
Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carbo
Ria Formosa Natural park and the Atlantic ocean
The Natural park
Ria Formosa
Ria Formosa is a lagoon system with Natural Park status located in the Eastern Algarve, Portugal. With over 60km of extension and an area of 18 thousand acres, it is a very important nursery area for many animals. The waters inside are sheltered from the Atlantic by 2 peninsulas and 5 barrier islands creating a unique salt marshland environment. You can also find dozens of km of deserted beaches in the islands, as well as little villages in Culatra and Armona! Ria Formosa is part of Natura 2000 Network and RAMSAR convention for species protection.