Eastern Algarve Jeep Safari & River Cruise
In the Eastern AlgarveWatch the Video of this Trip:
Trip Summary:
Best thing about this trip: A circular cruise on the Guadiana River along the Luso-Spanish border, followed by an exciting journey on an off-road with a touch of adventure.
Departure Point: Vila Real de Santo António in a 4×4
Duration: 4 hours
Lunch included: No
Visits inside caves: No
Visits Benagil (including going inside the cave): No
Swim stop: Yes
Boat Summary:
Best thing about this boat: River boat and Jeep Safari
Type: River boat
Motor or Sailing: Motor
Bar: Yes
Toilet: Yes
Indoor space: Yes
Outdoor shade: Yes
This tour starts with the boarding at the “Jasmim Flor” at the pier in Vila Real de Santo António followed by a circular cruise.
We start navigating in front of the city, until the mouth of the river. Then pass by the medieval village of Castro Marim, Ayamonte, the International Bridge of the Guadiana and the new tourist developments of Costa Isuri and Castro Marim Golf.
Around noon we climb up to one of our jeeps and start by visiting the Sapal de Castro Marim Nature Reserve and Vila Real de Santo António to observe the different species of birds, including the famous flamingos and even the salt flats. The next stop is in Castro Marim to visit the village and its Castle, and enjoy the local cuisine.
We continue to the Beliche Dam by dirt roads through the beautiful Algarve Interior with stunning views and picturesque villages.
Then down to the coast and stopp in Cacela Velha, the pearl of the Ria Formosa, to contemplate the beautiful views over the Natural Park.
Before returning, we stop at a small Quinta to taste some local products and – of course – a small cup of arbutus.
It is advisable to bring comfortable clothes and shoes, a bathing suit, towel and sunscreen.
The Algarve is known for its spectacular coastline and beaches but there is a whole other side to the region and if you want to see as much as possible in just a single day then the combi safari, including a cruise along the River Guadiana and a jeep safari tour through a nature reserve, has to be one of the best ways.
Many people arrive at Faro airport and head west towards the most popular resorts and destinations but for those who venture east, there is so much to see and most of the best attractions here are actually away from the beaches and deep into the countryside.
The combi tour takes place in and around Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António, both interesting places to explore in their own right. Vila Real de Santo António is right on the waterfront and was built following a grid system that you would be more used to seeing in a city such as New York, while Castro Marim is home to an historic castle and the famous salt flats where the world renowned Flor do Sal salt is produced.
During the first part of the trip it is off in the jeep and the professional team drive you through the Reserva Natural do Sapal, an area of protected marshland filled with wildlife that is unique to this special area. After that then it is off into the hills to really test out the skills of the driver!
Be prepared for a bumpy ride but also to discover a whole new side to the Algarve before stopping off to enjoy a spot of lunch and a dip in the swimming pools accompanied by the sounds of traditional Algarvian music.
After lunch then the pace is dropped down from the adrenalin of the jeep ride, as you hop on board the Jasmin Flor river boat to sail you down the river to Vila Real de Santo António.
The River Guadiana is the natural border between Portugal and Spain and in the old days you could only cross between the two countries by boats that set sail on the Portuguese side from the city of Vila Real de Santo António. Now there is of course the bridge that spans the river but to see the beauty of this area then a boat trip has to be the best way.
The boat is really comfortable and has a mixture of covered areas for those looking for some shade and open areas for anyone wanting to catch some rays while taking in the views along the river. Enjoy a drink in the bar and take in the scenery in both Portugal and Spain while the crew point out local landmarks, quaint villages along the banks and wildlife.
The combi safari is a day filled with entertainment for all ages and by combining a jeep safari with a traditional Algarvian lunch and then a river cruise, you really get to see all that this area of the Algarve has to offer in one fell swoop.
