Ria Formosa Natural Park and Islands Boat Cruise from Faro

Overview

Available languages

Portuguese

English

French

Spanish

3 hours

Mobile ticket

Sail through the Ria Formosa Natural Park and visit islands. Join us in a sightseeing cruise from Faro, amongst a small group up to 11 people. Journey through the Ria Formosa channels on a comfortable boat and make stops at the islands of Farol and Deserta. The tour is operated by a multilingual guide.

During high season (Easter until mid October), the morning tour will be about 4 hours to allow a slightly longer stop on the island of Farol to enjoy lunch in one of the typical restaurants of the community or visit the island more time. Lunch is optional and not included in the price. The choice of restaurant and its service is not linked to the boat tour company. The afternoon tour is around 3,5 hours.

The rest of the year, the duration is 3 hours.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Operated by a multilingual guide

Parking available by Faro Marina

Not recommended for people with impairment

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

In this fantastic spot, you can explore the nature, dunes, fauna and flora. Also includes time for swim in the pristine waters on the southernmost point of Portugal.

45 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Ria Formosa Natural Park

Guided tour by the Ria Formosa Natural Park where you´ll see and feel the nature, channels, tides, fauna and the birds on the wildlife. Spoonbills Eagrets Great Cormorants Grey Heron Kentish plover Oystercatchers Whimbrel Storks

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Local guide

Live commentary on board

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Options

Half day

Deserta and Farol: Visit to the Ria Formosa Natural Park with stops at islands Farol and Deserta (free time)

Reviews

4.87

1,312 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1197

Great boat tour, even in winter
785cordulas,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great boat tour, our guide Antonio gave us a lot of interesting information in very easy to understand English, he was friendly and funny and also very interested in environmental protection. Unrestrictedly recommended!
It was worth it!
15ulrichk,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
...was great....Antonio was a very good skipper. The trip is highly recommended. It was a bit fresh but still great
Great boat trip. Lovely staff. Highly recommended
tutululupinju,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The boat trip was great. My family enjoyed it. Very happy with your helpful staff at the kiosk, the boat driver and the help given over WhatsApp before the day. We loved the boat trip and visiting both Deserta and Farol islands. Highly recommended.
Ria Formosa boat trip 26 -12 -2025
Stefanie725,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Beautiful boat trip through the nature reserve Ria Formosa with visit to 2 islands. Unfortunately on the first island did not stay a full hour, so the hiking route on platform path can not quite complete. Antonio was a nice guide
Perfect sunset trip
Coastal30895509166,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The travel agency pick-up and drop-off location was very clear, the time was very good throughout the tour, the boat pilot was fun and professional, we enjoyed excellent timing and a perfect sunset
A bit underwhelming
Huw D,,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
A little boring. Being left alone on a beach/sand bar. If you’re travelling solo then this is really boring. Lots of shells to explore.
Under expectations
Magnus P,,Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00
I think we expected a more nature and animal experience, and more guidance about the natural park, history etc. Instead of being dropped at 2 different islands spending an 2 hours on our own. I will not recommend this tour.
Tours in Faro
CarloP1411,,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Experience not to be missed , beautiful lagoon and incredible beaches , the guide is really nice and competent , too bad Italian is not among the languages of the tour
Relaxing fun trip
paulbV1128LX,,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent experience from start to finish. From meeting at the kiosk, trip and return everything was smooth. Our skipper Antonio was good fun and you could tell he cared about Faro. The islands were quiet and worth an explore in the time given.
Lovely tour
scoth716,,Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Trip was great and on time. Guide Antonio was very knowledgeable and friendly. Not much action on either island but it is low season.