Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: A Small-Group Boat Trip in Ria Formosa from Faro

Embark on a small-group boat trip to the stunning Ilha Deserta and Farol Island in Ria Formosa. Explore the natural beauty of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, spot diverse birdlife, and immerse yourself in the local fishing village. Limited to 11 people for an intimate experience.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Formosamar - Boat Tours Passeios na Ria Formosa - The meeting point for your tour is at our offices at the ground floor of the building of Ginásio Clube Naval de Faro (Nautical Club of Faro). Please be so kind and check in for your tour or activity with our team members at least 10 minutes before the departure time.
  • Parque Natural da Ria Formosa - The meeting point for your tour is at our offices at the ground floor of the building of Ginásio Clube Naval de Faro (Nautical Club of Faro). Please be so kind and check in for your tour or activity with our team members at least 10 minutes before the departure time.
  • Ria Formosa Boat Tours - Animaris Desert Island - Experience Ria Formosa - one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal on this boat trip.

Cruise gently on a comfortable catamaran as we depart from Faro sailing slowly through the channels of the Ria Formosa to fully enjoy the beautiful landscape.

Along the tour we will see birds like the Grey Heron, the White Stork and many other birds that use this area as a feeding habitat. At low tide, looking around one can observe the hard work of the people in the oysters and clams farms. Looking towards the ocean you will see one of the most important sea entrances of the Ria Formosa.

This boat trip takes a total of 3 hours and makes 2 stops on 2 different islands (includes a 1 hour stop on Farol Island and 20-30 minutes on Deserta Island).

Stops are planned according to tides and day conditions.

  • Barreta Island - Ilha Deserta is also known as Barreta Island. In this stop you can choose to explore the fauna and flora of the island along an easy walk or simply enjoy the sunshine and bath in the clear waters of the beach.
  • R. das Flores 119 - Here you can enjoy a walk around the streets of this small but friendly community. When passing by the lighthouse, go on until the very end to admire an extensive beach of fine white sand washed by calm warm waters, here lies the most southern point of Portugal - the Santa Maria Cape.
  • Ria Formosa Natural Park - After the 2 stops, on the trip back to Faro be enchanted by one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal – the Ria Formosa.
  • Muralhas de Faro - The tours ends with stunning views of the old town of Faro along the way.
  • Portas do Mar - You can choose to disembark here, if you wish please be so kind to ask your skipper in advance.
  • Marina de Faro - Ending point of your boat trip.
  • Marina de Faro - Ending point of your boat trip.
  • Barreta Island - Please kindly add here the informaton
What's Included
  • Local guide
  • Life vests
  • Live commentary on board
  • 3-hour catamaran boat trip (includes a stop of 1 hour in Farol and 20 up to 30 minutes in Deserta)
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Transportation to/from attractions
  • Food and drinks
  • Tips (Optional)
Additional Information

Explore the unique natural beauty of Portugal on a 3-hour catamaran journey to Ria Formosa, departing from Faro. Join a small group and step aboard a cozy catamaran to discover the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Traverse the Deserta Island and the Farol Island, keeping an eye out for various bird species and observing the everyday activities of the inhabitants of a nearby fishing village.

This tour is designed for small groups of up to 11 people, ensuring a more personal and intimate exploration experience.

  • A minimum of 2 adults per booking is required
  • A maximum of 11 people per booking
  • Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Location
Formosamar - Boat Tours Passeios na Ria Formosa
The meeting point for your tour is at our offices: Boat Tours Store at the ground floor of the building of Ginásio Clube Naval de Faro (Nautical Club of Faro). Please be so kind and check in for your tour or activity with our team members at least 10 minutes before the departure time.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(186 Ratings)
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Manuellcorreia
Jul 20, 2024
GALIWONDERS' SERVICES WERE HOLY. - GALIWONDERS' SERVICES WERE HOLY. EVERYONE IN THE GROUP LOVED THE QUALITY. LET'S REPEAT WITH OTHER GROUP OF FRIENDS .PARABENS
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C7454zxjohnb
Jul 6, 2024
Safe and informative trip to the two islands. - We had a great 3hr Boat trip with Capitan Bexiga out to two islands from Faro. The Captain was very entertaining and informative about all the wildlife we saw during the trip. We learnt so much about the local history which added to the wonderful trip. Thanks for the safe and interesting excursion.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lorrainea999
Jun 29, 2024
Fabulous boat trip with Miguel!! - What a trip. Miguel was our guide/captain, he was so full of energy and so enthusiastic about everything he showed us, he’s very passionate about the islands, birds etc he made the trip extraordinary, we had a blast!! We loved the islands, birds and lunch and cocktails we bought. So pleased we did this and had Miguel as our captain!! NEVER CHANGE, perfect trip
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K3492ceevelyna
Jun 29, 2024
Best day of our holiday ! - Omg ! Did the three hour catamaran trip yesterday with the delightful #CAPITANBEXIGA , very welcoming friendly knowledgable makes the trip extremely fun and interesting, he clearly loves his work! Made great effort to show us the birds and wildlife and is passionate about the eco system here!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Reiseprofi2502
Apr 21, 2024
What a beautifull trip!! - The trip was very beautifull 😊! Pedro is the best guide ever! We have learned much about Faro, the birds, the islands and the nature. Thank you very mutch for the nice day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M5871yineils
Apr 4, 2024
Jose is brillaint - Fantastic tour. José was passionate about the lagoon and this came through with the tour. I absolutely recommend this tour. We had a brilliant time
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Raghu_d
Mar 30, 2024
Educational , exhilarating experience - Our guide was a graduate in marine biology, keen expert in birds and an ardent conservationist. His boyish enthusiasm and knowledge of the biosphere and interaction of inhabitants was a joy to experience other trip
Review provided by Viator
Paradise32866938685
Mar 12, 2024
Mega Tour - Great tour, great tour guides with Miguel and Joao, great information about the Ria Formosa, Ilhao Deserta and Ilhao Farol. Thank you for these great hours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alexiasm3419do
Mar 11, 2024
Great experience - Great tour and spectacular guide, you can see how passionate he is about the area he shows. The tour to see the sunset even though the clouds covered the sun was still spectacular
Review provided by Tripadvisor
William_g
Jul 29, 2024
Great trip with great guide. - We had a realy wonderful day, in no small part due to Miguel our guide. He was professional, informative, funny and safety conscious. He told us so much more about the Ria Formosa than we expected and he obviously loves his work. It was a great trip to gorgeous places!
Review provided by Viator
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up to 11 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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