Boat Tour to Desert Island at The Ria Formosa
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
A boat tour that respects the high environmental interest of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, allowing you to enjoy the surroundings - fauna and flora, sheltered waters, natural inlet with sandbanks and deserted sand dunes and beaches.
Additional Info
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
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Ilha Deserta
The navigation channels of the Ria Formosa are subject to tides, so we cruise to Desert Island via alternative routes depending on the tide. At high tide, we access the western tip of the island, its most ‘wildest’ part ‘The Sun's Edge’. At low tide, the tour heads to the eastern end of the island, where the Faro-Olhão inlet is located, the privileged access point to the Ria Formosa from the sea. This is also where the prestigious Estaminé restaurant and the well-known Shell Beach are located. In this version, the boat stops at the easternmost point of Ilha Deserta and also at Vila do Farol 'Lighhouse Village' - Culatra Island.
At Praia de Faro or “Ilha de Faro”, there will be a timely stop to set foot on dry land, where you can have an ice-cream or simply take a look at the sea, which is just a stone's throw away.
Options
Boat Tour to Desert Island at The Ria Formosa
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Use of binoculars
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Towels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
7 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
BEST TOUR EVER!
430rachelfred,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an AMAZING day. It was a relaxing boat tour, just what I needed to get away. Completely submersed in nature, the Ria Formosa Natural Park it is just the perfect place to become one with nature! I simply loved it!
Great Experience, recommended.
alexandresK6791SB,Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a fantastic scenario. I saw lots of birds and the crew were very professional and informative. All in all, I had a wonderful tour and would highly recommend it.
Sunset Tour of Ria Formosa
helensA5560MC,Aug 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Paulo (owner) and Bruno were exceptional guides. This was our first trip to the Ria Formosa and we will definitely book another tour soon. Amazing. The sunset was lovely -- and it was fascinating to learn about the Park and its efforts to maintain both plant and animal sea life. 10/10. Relaxing, educational, and BEAUTIFUL.
Quiet and very nice experience!
elenic961,Jul 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was really an incredibly great experience! The two gentlemen who led the tour were very friendly and humorous and told interesting facts about the nature&area. We stopped on a desert island for a short but worthwhile swim and exploration stop and later again in Faro Beach Side. The nature was very beautiful and the boat quiet and pleasant. We can wholeheartedly recommend this tour.
A fantastic experience!
Guide21865148629,May 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The boat is very comfortable, the crew very friendly, always available and familiar with Ria Formosa. Enjoyed the walk and the peaceful climate that provided us aboard, ADOREI!
A Amazing Experience!! To REPEAT!
sarasX8348VG,Jul 20, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The best tour ever!! I already knew the Ria Formosa before, but on this day I was shown a Ria Formosa Natural Park that I had not seen before! A relaxing tour, full of culture and knowledge about the fauna and flora of the lagoon. An experience to repeat without a doubt!!!
Magnificient
D9207JZsandrac,May 21, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Magnificent tour between water channels, barrier islands, fauna and flora in the Ria Formosa Natural Park. A huge thank you to the boat crew who provided us an unique experience and shared precious information.
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Operated by Ria Formosa Boat Tours