Portugal · RIA FORMOSA TOURS
A lagoon of sandbars and salt marsh behind the eastern Algarve, reachable only by shallow boat. The 11 below cover the island hops, the birdwatching runs and the seafood stops, priced and timed with the tides.
Explore three Ria Formosa islands from Faro by catamaran, with birdlife, beaches, oyster farms, local villages, and an optional island lunch.
“Nice trip, the time run very quickly and would have been nice to spend more time in each stop. The tour guide/ driver was very polite and acknowledged. Unfortunately we missed the last stop for tide reasons”
Explore Ria Formosa from Faro on a small-group boat tour to Farol and Deserta, with wildlife, island walks, swimming, and sunset views.
“A perfect trip that everyone should do. Especially the tour with the sunset was simply breathtaking.”
Review the Ria Formosa three-island boat tour from Olhão, with practical advice on stops, guides, lunch, boats, value, and booking.
“Great weather, a lovely warm day. Beautiful scenery. Interesting place. However we received no information about the natural ecology, history, changes across time, fishing practises, detailed stories. Captain was very safe & skilled but not very chatty. I threw in a few questions which got an interesting response, but if i hadn’t asked, we would have heard little.”
Cruise Faro’s Ria Formosa, visit Barreta and Farol islands, spot birds, swim, and enjoy a relaxed three-hour trip with a local guide.
“it was nice to be on the water and see the national park but once we got to the islands (there were 2), no instruction was given on how to spend our hour. The first island (dune island) was very pretty and we went to the restaurant to take it all in, but the second island was so depressing. I think it was because we didn't go in peak season but there still wasnt anything to do or instruction given. Also, this was NOT on a catamaran. It was a regular boat, which is fine but not what we expected.”
Explore three Ria Formosa islands by catamaran, swim at Ilha Deserta, eat fresh seafood, and see oyster farms on this Faro day trip.
“Enjoyed the beaches. Two locations would have done just fine. A little longer then at the two places. Only 12 people on the boat. Excellent”
Explore Deserta and Farol islands from Faro on a small-group Ria Formosa boat tour with swimming, birdlife, and free snorkeling masks.
“Sergio was awesome guide, knowledgeable and gave us good advice on restaurants on Farol island. It was a beautiful morning for the short trip”
Explore Farol, Culatra, and Armona from Olhão on a small-group Ria Formosa boat tour with beaches, villages, wildlife, and local food.
“Guillaume, our cheerful guide and skipper, made our tour of the Ria Formosa an unforgettable experience! His excellent command of both French and English made communication effortless, as he explained everything about his beautiful home region with enthusiasm and patience. He took his time with everything and encouraged us to do the same, while we learned many interesting facts about the area. The islands were a fantastic discovery for us. Definitely recommended!”
Watch sunset colors spread across Faro’s Ria Formosa on a relaxed small-group catamaran tour with local guidance and open water views.
“Joau our captain was knowledgeable and passionate about the Ria Formosa. He gave us history and geography. I was a solo attendant but felt at ease Sunset was fantastic! Definitely recommend”
Explore Ria Formosa from Olhão, with Culatra lunch time, Farol Lighthouse views, a fishing port, and expert local guiding.
“I appreciated the fact that the trip was not cancelled even though there were just three of us. Enough time for both islands and Antonio is pure gold - both in terms of competence and character!”
Review of the 3-hour Ria Formosa boat tour to Culatra and Armona, with wildlife, beaches, free time, practical tips, and honest value advice.
“Nos gustó mucho la isla de culatra. Muy peculiar y bonita su vida. Pudimos bañarnos en sus aguas limpias y frescas.”
Review of Faro’s quiet solar-powered sunset cruise through Ria Formosa, with wildlife, Old Town views, practical tips, price, and booking advice.
“Very fun and thrilling. Guide was well spoken and interacted well with the group of French and English.”
From the cave boats to the cellar tastings, and the best of each.
