From Faro: Ria Formosa Eco Tour guided by Marine Biologist
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
The Eco Tour is a guided nature tour, from Faro to Ilha Deserta, through Ria Formosa Natural Park’s channels. Our professional guide will share with you information about local biodiversity, traditional activities, the history of Faro, the barrier islands of the natural park, and birdwatching. More than 300 bird species have been found here, some of them very rare and others recognised internationally as endangered.
The boat leads you to Ilha Deserta (a deserted island, also known as Barreta Island), a laidback destination on a stunning stretch of white sand dunes. You can enjoy all afternoon at the island: walk along the beach, take the hiking trail to the southerly most point of Portugal and taste the genuine algarvian gastronomy at Estaminé restaurant.
The return is included by Ferry, and we can adjust the time (depending on availability). You can enjoy this service every day, all year round.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
What To Expect
Animaris Ilha Deserta
A Desert Island - The Perfect Getaway Ilha Deserta, also known as Barreta, is the only uninhabited island of Ria Formosa. Animaris offers a portfolio of memorable experiences, with Ria Formosa Natural Park as its stage, and destination to Algarve’s hidden gem - Ilha Deserta. Visit us and discover a unique Paradise!
Options
Eco Tour Guided Boat Tour
Duration: 2 hours: The tour finishes in Ilha Deserta where you can enjoy all day or return back to Faro right after the tour. Ria Formosa Natural Park Boat
What‘s Included
Return on ferry
All taxes, fees, and handling charges
Guide
Food and drinks
Lunch
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
93 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Incredible time
hannahlH2359SQ,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The staff with Animaris were incredible! Sadly I didn’t get to do the original tour as I was the only person signed up that day :( however they transferred me over to the island hopper tour which was very good also. The guide Tomas made sure that I still got to hear about all the incredible wildlife in the nature park and learn about fishing practices too. I enjoyed my time so much I went back the next day with a friend. P.S. the guide on our return boat sang a great rendition of “I Want to Break Free”!!
Super cool experience
mariannekJ6369ZI,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Super fun experience, learned a lot about the lagoons, the birds, nature. Thomas was our biologist, very friendly, knew many languages and also knew what the birds are called in my language. It was very nice!
Worth a trip
MissDJ82,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Biologist (Tomas) definitely knew their stuff and was knowledgeable and interesting without it being too much. Visiting all the islands is a must - they are so unique and picturesque.
Interesting and informative tour around the canals and the island
paolab810,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Totally recommend. I chose this trip because it promised a marine biologist for a guide. Indeed Tomas was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Saw lots of birds of different types, and learnt about their behaviour. Interesting information about the habitat and the local efforts to preserve it. Had a wonderful walk around the island, then took the ferry back to Faro. This company’s eco credentials were confirmed when they fished out a large plastic sheet floating in the ocean.
Fantastic day out.
E1504VEalexm,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fantastic day out with Thomas — a very knowledgable and fun marine biologist. We had a great time learning about the wetlands, the birdlife, and a lot more along the way. Highly recommended.
Eco-tour of the Ria Formosa
Janet S,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the birds and ecology of the Ria Formosa. Thank you
Discovery fauna and flora
664ana lleb,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The biologist who accompanied us spoke several languages fluently, including French, which makes the experience more accessible. His passion is perfectly communicated and makes the visit even more interesting. The friendliness and listening to the staff makes browsing reassuring. Do not hesitate to take this tour if you are interested in wildlife.
Highly recommended! An unforgettable day in the Ria Formosa.
E4639KSmichaels,Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful 1,5 - 2 hour trip with the guide Joaquin - a very friendly and very competent marine biologist who knows the Ria Formosa very well, including the complex system of currents in the salt marshes. We were shown numerous bird species and other animals and were also given names in German. Overall, it was very relaxed and fun, we learned a lot and all our questions were answered. Highly recommended! Viola and Michael
Absolutely recommend
russelld879,Sep 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely brilliant tour. Jokin was a fabulous guide. He is so knowledgeable about the birds and also the history and environment and friendly and funny! We all thoroughly enjoyed it.
Great boast trip
V9287GIlouisec,Sep 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful tour with Jokin who was extremely knowledgeable and a great guide. Icing on the cake were the dolphins!
Related Experiences
Operated by Animaris Ilha Deserta