Water activity

Faro: Deserta Island and Farol Island Catamaran Boat Trip

Activity provider: Formosamar
Water activity

Faro: Deserta Island and Farol Island Catamaran Boat Trip

Activity provider: Formosamar

From US$ 37.40 per person

This boat trip takes place on a comfortable catamaran weaving its way through the channels of the Ria Formosa. On your glide, you'll visit the Deserta Island and Farol Island, two of the most beautiful islands of this protected area.

About this activity

Free cancellation
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 3 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English, French, Portuguese, Spanish
Wheelchair accessible
Small group
Limited to 10 participants

Experience

Highlights
  • Experience the Ria Formosa - one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal
  • Cruise gently on a comfortable catamaran
  • Visit the Deserta Island
  • Explore the Farol Island
Full description
When you’re in Portugal make sure to experience this exciting catamaran boat to Deserta and Farol islands that will take you through the spectacular nature of the Ria Formosa. Come see why this region was elected one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal. Depart from the Marina of Faro sailing slowly through the channels of the Ria Formosa to fully enjoy the beautiful landscape. Along the tour you will see birds like the Grey Heron, the White Stork and many other birds that use this area as a feeding habitat. As you approach the islands and beaches you see the lighthouse of Culatra Island where you make our first stop. Looking around, one can observe the hard work of the people in the oyster and clam farms. A closer look towards the coastline and you will notice the market of the city of Olhão - an important fishing town. And off toward the ocean you can glimpse one of the most important sea entrances of the Ria Formosa. The next stop is Farol Island. 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. Leave the Farol Island and make your second stop at Deserta Island. This island is also known as Barreta Island. Here lies the most southern point of Portugal - the Santa Maria Cape. In this second stop you can choose to explore the fauna and flora of the island by an easy walk or simply enjoy the sunshine and bathe in the clear waters of the beach.
Includes
  • 3-hour catamaran boat trip (includes a stop of 1 hour in Farol and up to 30 minutes in Deserta)
  • Life vests
  • Local guide
  • Live commentary on board
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks
  • Transportation to/from attractions
  • Tips (optional)
  • Any extra expenses

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

The meeting point for your tour or activity is at the office of the local partner at the shop Pure Nature Store - ground floor of the building of Ginásio Clube Naval de Faro (Nautical Club of Faro). Please check-in for your tour or activity with team members at least 10 minutes before the departure time.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sun hat
  • Swimwear
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen
  • Water
  • Rain gear
  • Comfortable clothes

Not allowed

  • Pets
  • Smoking

Know before you go

  • The duration of this tour includes a stop of 1 hour in Farol and 20 to 30 minutes in Deserta
  • It is recommended to bring:
  • (1) Comfortable clothing and footwear
  • (2) Hat, sunscreen during spring and summer
  • (3) Waterproof clothing for tours during autumn and winter
  • (4) Bathing suit, towel for tours during spring and summer
  • (5) Water
  • Note: the schedules of departures and arrivals, the duration and itineraries of the activities are subject to change without previous notice due to security determined by the weather conditions, tides and/or other circumstances beyond our control
  • The tour with a 06:00 PM departure will end at sunset
  • Food and drinks will not be provided
  • Tips (optional) and personal expenses are not included in the price
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 468 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Transportation
    4.6/5
  • Value for money
    4.3/5
  • Safety
    4.8/5

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Star rating:

Nice clean boat. Richard was a very friendly and pleasant, knowledgeable guide. Suffient time on both islands. Learned some more about some of the birds and the fiddler crabs. Richard even hand caught a conger eel on the way back and therefore invited the whole group for diner. We did not take him up on that.

August 24, 2022

It was a wonderful ride. Flavio the skipper was very pleasant, benevolent and his explanation of the Ria formosa was very enriching. The two islands are very different which makes the richness of diversity of the Ria. The deserted island is more for lounging on the sand and enjoying the view and the sun. And Farol is an island with pretty typical houses. The time of the 3h excursion is really perfect and the price is very correct. I recommend it to you.

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June 30, 2022

A very nice excursion in the Ria Formosa with discovery of the desert island and a stop on the island of Farol. Discovery during the trip of the different species of birds inhabiting the lagoon and return to the sunset on Farol. Provide a jacket in case of wind at the end of the day because the temperature felt can be cool. Accompaniment by a guide with a good knowledge of the lagoon, the species of birds and the monuments of Farol and very friendly!

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August 29, 2021

Product ID: 16237