Hop On Hop Off 3 Islands: Deserta, Farol and Culatra
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Feel free to explore the Ria Formosa’s barrier islands at your own pace. Departing from Faro, you can take the boat circuit to the islands of the Natural Park, and you have freedom to travel between them, on the available schedules. The ticket is valid for 24 hours on all trips until you return to Faro.
How does the Hop On Hop Off Islands work?
We have multiple scheduled pickup times in the three islands (hourly), giving you the flexibility to visit them all, choosing the time you want to spend on each one. Our boat skippers will be there to guide you and provide all the information you need during your journey.
You can depart from Faro, spend the day exploring and traveling between the islands, and choose your return time.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Animaris Ilha Deserta
Ilha Deserta is one of the 5 barrier islands in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, and the only uninhabited. The shape of Deserta looks like an arrow pointing south, between the Atlantic Ocean and Ria Formosa. The island has been kept pristine for many years, and today still surprises. From birds, to plants and flowers, crustacean, chameleons and others still to be found, Ilha Deserta is a hotspot of biodiversity. On island you'll find Estaminé Restaurant surrounded by the tranquility, it offers an authentic gastronomy experience, a quality service and spectacular panoramic views.
Ilha do Farol gets the name from the iconic lighthouse 'Santa Maria'. It is a mark among fisherman as safe haven and it has a small community on holidays and weekends.
Options
Hop On Hop Off 2025
Duration: 1 day Faro Deserta Farol Culatra: The route connects Faro with the barrier islands of the Ria Formosa, Deserta Farol Culatra. RIB shuttles
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
59 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Information by the staff was quite helpful
shilpap797,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Our expierence with the staff Miguel Jesus was amazing , he was great person and provided and helped us book the right tours suitable for us
The staff and the boats are very good,
Oceane1212,May 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great hop on hop off experience. The staff at the reception in the city of Faro provided us with plenty of information, with a smile, good cheer, and additionally in French. At the departure, everything went very well. The boat was on time, in good condition, with life jackets and always pleasant staff. The islands are great to explore, and we can stay as long as we like in the order we prefer. The boats are sufficiently available and on time. Everything went very well; it was a beautiful day.
Fantastic Experience with Animaris in Faro
verabartseva,May 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful experience with Animaris in Faro! I visited together with my friend, and the trip to Culatra and Ilha Deserta was absolutely beautiful. A special thank you to Captain João — very charismatic, professional, and with a fantastic sense of humor. He made the whole experience enjoyable and relaxing, and we truly appreciated his friendly attitude and knowledge. We also want to thank Michel, who welcomed us and helped with the tickets. The whole team was kind, organized, and very professional. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the experience and would highly recommend Animaris to anyone visiting Faro. We will definitely book again in the future! — Vera
Best day of the trip!
R299HZclaudiap,Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Unforgettable experience! Ilha Deserta, Farol and Cultura went above and beyond expectations, the speed boat drivers were skilled, funny and kind :) Ilha deserta easily one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever visited and the nature walk around the island is stunning
I highly recommend
NunoPontesC,Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent Service. There were other taxi services and some even cheaper, but the frequency with which we had boat available was excellent, the boats were very good and fun. The staff is very friendly, attentive and fun. We loved it.
Very bad trip
Marcelloska,Aug 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The beauty of it is being able to jump from one island to another, depending on how long you want on each island. The dinghies they take from one place to another are new and powerful, allowing you to “fly” over the water. Highly recommended trip, especially if driving the boat is Joaquin, very nice and competent
absolutely recommend for exploring the islands if you're looking for flexibility
Kayleigh S,Aug 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00we utilised the hop on hop off as we wanted to have flexibility in our day, and we're able to book the day of for the time we wanted. the lady at the marina desk was lovely and explained how it worked for us. I have cerebral palsy and therefore have mobility issues, but each time I was helped on and off the boat and felt genuinely helped; not rushed, as though I was an inconvenience, or made to feel less, and I didn't even have to explain my disability, that was the genuine approach. I was also apprehensive about being on a speedboat, but the journey was smooth, comfortable, and we had our life jackets checked to make sure they were on properly and fitted. all in all, I would absolutely recommend. each person was wonderful, the transport arrived exactly when it was supposed to, and it was an amazing way to ensure we had the day we wanted to have. definitely the best way to explore the islands.
Hop On Hop Off 3 Island : Deserta, Farol and Culatra
Rodalita B,Jul 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00BEST FERRY BOAT RIDE Hop on Hop off 3 Islands Deserta, Farol and Culatra..Faro, Portugal - the ferry boat ride is very 😍 beautiful, tour guide on a small group was great, safe and protected, they are enjoy the trip, and pass by the 3 islands ..the blest company animates IIha Desrta..
a day in paradise
Karsten P,Jun 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was again a great experience doing this Island trip. The boats where always punctual and the guys driving the speedboats where always very helpful when entering and leaving the boat. It was definitely not our last time doing this trip.
Great.
romanea998,Dec 6, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great sunset tour with Joachim! Very professional and speaks super good French. Thank you very much for visiting. On top 👍🏽
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