Ria Formosa Islands Small-Group Boat Tour

Meet your guide at Doca de Faro

Gather at the Faro Docks near the marina to meet your expert skipper. The tour begins with a safety briefing before you board the comfortable catamaran and set sail into the calm, turquoise channels of the Ria Formosa.

Cruise through the Ria Formosa

Observe intricate salt marshes and seagrass meadows while your guide points out local bird species like Grey Herons. You will pass traditional oyster and clam farms while learning how these coastal habitats sustain the local economy.

Explore Farol Island

Disembark at the Farol Island lighthouse for an hour of free time to wander the charming streets of this traditional fishing community. Follow the path to Santa Maria Cape, the most southern point of mainland Portugal, to admire the expansive beach and fine white sands.

Relax on Deserta Island

Next, visit the uninhabited Deserta Island, also known as Barreta Island. You have time to stroll through the protected dunes to study local flora or take a quick dip in the remarkably clear, warm waters of the Atlantic.

Finish your tour with a return to Faro Marina

Your tour finishes at Doca de Faro. Enjoy a final view of the winding park channels as the boat returns to the city center, leaving you perfectly positioned for a seaside lunch or a walk through the historic Old Town.