About this experience
The immersive sound experience, as a form of nature tourism, is in itself a rather uncommon activity.
The choice of location for a sound walk, along the edge of a natural park, ensures a rich “sonodiversity” with evident seasonality.
The pioneering nature of the activity also lies in the use of specific microphones and the sharing of sound via radio waves, allowing for an innovative, pedagogical, and uniquely contemplative aural approach.
It is an absolutely singular activity that, fortunately, is being developed in a region of Europe whose biodiversity greatly enhances it. From endemisms to seasonal changes, passing through the reproductive periods of a wide variety of species, sound walks in nature whisper—through birds, insects, mammals, amphibians and plants - the meaning of the words "life" and "communication"
At a glance
- Duration: 2 hr 30 min
Plan your experience
Set aside 2 hr 30 min for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is included
- Use of educational material
- Trecking equipment usage (20L back-pack, 0,5L H2O canister, whistle, small stool, space blanket)
- Personal high-tech headset usage
Not included
- Optical equipment (binoculars and photographic equipment) - Not advised for this particular activity
Itinerary and highlights
Enjoy a sound-immersive experience at the heart of Natural Park Ria Formosa's woods. From night dwellers to morning creatures, be it Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall, all you have to do is listen.
Starting just outside the main entrance of the Algarve University Campus, at Gambelas village, be ready to walk into the woods with amplified hearing at the break of dawn (a pair of binoculars is not considered essential and will not be provided). A sitting foam pad, a tripod stool, a 500ml water container as well as some essential emergency equipment will be provided. A small 20L backpack for these items can also be provided upon requested. Wandering through the woods, we will reach two to three different soundscapes and organize strategic stops where we can socialise and or behold wildlife presenting itself in sounds. This way we are likely to encounter pine tree woods, cork tree woods, temporary natural ponds, inland sand cliffs and swamp areas, covering an approximate distance of 5km in approximately 2.5 hours. Delve in the magic of the morning chorus, insect stridulation and tree cosmos while enjoying the unique climate of Algarvian mornings.
See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.
Meeting and pickup information
- There is a parking lot almost in front of the university's main entrance, slightly to the East. I will be carrying a back-pack, a geared-up tripod and waiting under the only tree that stands in the parking lot (a Carob tree, for those who know their trees 🙂 )
Languages and tickets
- Portuguese — Guide
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Sons D'Aqui
Accessibility and practical details
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not advisable for people with acentuated hearing impairment
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
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