Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: a small group boat trip in Ria Formosa from Faro
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover Portugal’s exotic natural wonders during this 3-hour catamaran trip to Ria Formosa from Faro. Board a comfortable catamaran with a small-group and discover the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Visit the Deserta Island and the Farol Island, looking out for birdlife and observing the daily lives of citizens in a local fishing village.
This small-group tour is limited to 11 people, offering a more intimate experience.
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
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A minimum of 2 adults per booking is required
A maximum of 11 people per booking
Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
Children must be accompanied by an adult
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
What To Expect
The meeting point for your tour is at our offices at the ground floor of the building of Ginásio Clube Naval de Faro (Nautical Club of Faro). Please be so kind and check in for your tour or activity with our team members at least 10 minutes before the departure time.
The meeting point for your tour is at our offices at the ground floor of the building of Ginásio Clube Naval de Faro (Nautical Club of Faro). Please be so kind and check in for your tour or activity with our team members at least 10 minutes before the departure time.
Options
Ria Formosa Catamaran Trip from Faro
What‘s Included
Local guide
Life vests
Live commentary on board
3-hour catamaran boat trip (includes a stop of 1 hour in Farol and 20 up to 30 minutes in Deserta)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transportation to/from attractions
Food and drinks
Tips (Optional)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
277 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Diogo was wonderful
Heather N,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a wonderful boat ride to the islands. Diogo was very nice and polite. He talked a little bit about fiddler crabs, sea horses and some of the birds and the ecosystem around the islands. It was not an in depth discussion but that was okay for us. The Deserta Island was wonderful. We were able to swim/walk to one of the other islands. My 13 year old loved that. We got some ice cream and walked around Farol Island. For us we would have enjoyed spending more time at Deserta Island and less time at Farol Island. Overall it was a lovely trip.
Great boat trip
Macdp,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great boat trip to see the Ria Formosa. CJ our guide was knowledgeable, funny and friendly. We had plenty of time on both islands. CJ gave guidance on where to go. Only 9 of us in the group which made it much more personal. Highly recommend this trip.
Great trip
jhbuckleysmith,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip with knowledgeable guide.
Recommended
Jasmin P,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very nice trip with J.C., highly recommended
Top marks
lsoulsby38,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great experience with a very knowledgeable guide. We now know everything there is to know about Ria Formosa thanks to JC. The 3 hours flew by and the trip was well worth the money.
Recommendation in Faro!
DeniseHerte,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great relaxing boat tour (even for me as a pregnant woman). JC told us a lot about the surroundings and the islands. The starting point was very easy to find, good organization.
Nice trip
Safari05998845805,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00A nice afternoon in a very interesting surrounding. It is a pitty there is not more time on the first island. We wouldn't have needed an hour on the island where there are all the holiday houses.
2 Island Boat Trip
Culture66080114592,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip and JC was superb. He was very knowledgeable and funny too. This trip is highly recommended.
A big thank you!
B5802TZst phaniem,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you for this great and magnificent boat ride around the islands. A moment of relaxation, humor, and discovery through history. A big thank you!
Still a bit disappointed
Conny D,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00We didn't think this trip was worth its money, I expected more of it. In Farol there is nothing, they are actually all holiday homes that were rented out. Two long stops where there was nothing to see, there would be better sailed deeper into the lagoon.
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Operated by Formosamar