Tours/Faro/Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: a small group boat trip in Ria Formosa from Faro
Viator · group up to 11 pax

Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: a small group boat trip in Ria Formosa from Faro

4.6(288)Faro1 hour
VIATOR4.6(81)TRIPADVISOR4.6(207)

Description

Discover Portugal’s exotic natural wonders during this 3-hour catamaran trip to Ria Formosa from Faro. Board a comfortable catamaran with a small-group and discover the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Visit the Deserta Island and the Farol Island, looking out for birdlife and observing the daily lives of citizens in a local fishing village. This small-group tour is limited to 11 people, offering a more intimate experience.

Tour Options

Ria Formosa Catamaran Trip from Faro

Itinerary

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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.

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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.

30 min

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.

Admission included60 min

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.

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After the 2 stops, on the trip back to Faro be enchanted by one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal – the Ria Formosa.

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The tours ends with stunning views of the old town of Faro along the way.

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You can choose to disembark here, if you wish please be so kind to ask your skipper in advance.

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Ending point of your boat trip.

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Ending point of your boat trip.

Highlights

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 included

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)
Not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transportation to/from attractions
Food and drinks
Tips (Optional)

Traveller Ratings

4.6
288 reviews
5
220
4
34
3
17
2
12
1
5

Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • 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

Reviews(288)

X
xianzhemaimai
August 19, 2026
Fun family experience

Very experienced guide JC with passion and knowledge.

Y
Yolanda_G
August 13, 2026
Ria Formosa+Ilha Deserta+Farol Island

Highly recommended experience, taking a small boat ride through the Ria and, above all, enjoying the beaches of the two islands where you stop, is something you have to do in the Algarve. It is so cool that I recommend the longer cruise to be able to spend more time on these beaches. Captain João is very kind and has a sense of humor.

Operator response

Dear Guest, Thank you very much for your wonderful review. We are delighted that you enjoyed exploring the Ria by small boat and especially appreciated the beautiful beaches on the two island stops. It is also lovely to hear that Captain João’s kindness and sense of humour added to the experience, and we truly appreciate your recommendation. On behalf of the entire Formosamar team, we extend you our warmest regards!

C
CarmenElena_J
August 10, 2026
Great tour!!!

Absolutely amazing experience, worth every penny. The guide was amazign, easy follow up and communication and all.

Operator response

Dear Guest, Thank you very much for your wonderful feedback. We are delighted that you found the experience worth every penny and especially appreciated the guide, as well as the smooth communication and organization. It is a pleasure to know that everything contributed to such a memorable experience. On behalf of the entire Formosamar team, we extend you our warmest regards!

R
rebeccatL8843AD
July 30, 2026
JC walks on water

JC was a fantastic guide and was really informative whilst also being funny and smiley. Great value for money.

Operator response

Dear Guest, Thank you very much for your wonderful feedback. We are delighted that J.C.’s combination of knowledge, humour, and friendly personality made the experience so enjoyable. It is also great to know that you felt the tour offered excellent value. On behalf of the entire Formosamar team, we extend you our warmest regards!

F
fannyj737
July 28, 2026
Very nice excursion

Very nice excursion. Jessie was a great guide, with explanations about the flora and fauna of the Ria Formosa. Formosa. We highly recommend!

Operator response

Dear Guest, Thank you very much for your wonderful review. We are delighted that you enjoyed the excursion and especially appreciated JC’s guidance and explanations about the fascinating wildlife and flora of the Ria Formosa. Your warm recommendation means a great deal to us. On behalf of the entire Formosamar team, we extend you our warmest regards!

M
MarieEve_P
July 18, 2026
A very beautiful excursion!

The guide takes us to different islands of the Ria Formosa. The beaches are beautiful, but we have little time to swim, but it is possible to do so! The guide was very friendly and explained several things to us along the way.

Operator response

Dear Guest, Thank you very much for your wonderful 5-star review. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed discovering the different islands of the Ria Formosa and appreciated the beautiful beaches along the way. It’s especially rewarding to know that our guide’s friendly approach and informative commentary enhanced your experience. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back for another memorable boat tour. On behalf of the entire Formosamar team, we extend you our warmest regards!

A
anarO2089SK
July 17, 2026
Do not miss it!

It was an amazing experience totally worth the money. Both islands are very unique and actually visiting them made us want to return and spend more time there! The guide was very friendly and shared loads of interesting information about the history of the city and the wildlife.

Operator response

Dear Guest, Thank you very much for your wonderful 5-star review. We’re delighted to hear that you found the experience well worth it and enjoyed discovering the unique character of both islands. It’s especially rewarding to know that our guide’s friendly approach and insights into the local history and wildlife made your visit even more memorable. We hope to welcome you back so you can spend even more time exploring the beauty of the Ria Formosa. On behalf of the entire Formosamar team, we extend you our warmest regards!

M
M1184CXpatriciab
July 13, 2026
a moment of tranquility

I enjoyed this visit and this setting, which is a bit timeless, between the sea and its various colors, the land, and the sand. On Desert Island, we were able to swim in a pleasant temperature. On Farol Island, we made a stop and discovered the only village on all the islands. This boat trip was very pleasant

Operator response

Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and for your 4-star review. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the unique scenery of the Ria Formosa, from the changing colours of the sea to the peaceful landscapes of the islands. It’s wonderful to know that you appreciated the swim at Deserta Island and the visit to Farol Island, making your boat trip such an enjoyable and authentic experience. We hope to welcome you again on a future visit. On behalf of the entire Formosamar team, we extend you our warmest regards!

M
marklM6198RN
July 2, 2026
Lovely trip

Great day out, nice comfortable boat lovely islands and peaceful beach with crystal clear water, JC was very knowledgable told us some great facts about the islands and wildlife, just wished we done the longer trip as we didn’t want to leave, thanks JC for our lovely trip.

Operator response

Dear Guest, Thank you very much for your wonderful 5-star review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the comfortable boat, the beautiful islands, the peaceful beach, and the crystal-clear waters. It’s especially rewarding to know that JC’s knowledge of the islands and local wildlife made your experience even more memorable. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back for the longer tour on your next visit. On behalf of the entire Formosamar team, we extend you our warmest regards!

J
J4037ZPannettej
June 30, 2026
Great trip in our first full day.

Brilliant trip, very informative. Jc was knowledgable and great fun 🤩

Operator response

Dear Guest, Thank you very much for your wonderful 5-star review! We're delighted to hear that you found the trip both informative and enjoyable, and that JC's knowledge and fun personality made your experience even more memorable. It’s a pleasure to know you had such a great time with us, and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure. On behalf of the entire Formosamar team, we extend you our warmest regards!

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