The Barrier Islands of Ria Formosa: Small-Group Tour from Faro

Faro, Faro

The Barrier Islands of Ria Formosa: Small-Group Tour from Faro

All Ages • 6 Hours • Explore Faro's Stunning Natural Park with a Local Guide

Select participants and date

Date

Sun, Oct 19

Travelers

2

About This Adventure

Embark on a captivating 6-hour small-group boat tour of Ria Formosa's Barrier Islands from Faro. Guided by a local expert, explore the pristine Deserta Island, unwind on the secluded Praia Lavage, and savor an authentic lunch on Farol or Culatra Island. Experience stunning scenery, rich culture, and unforgettable memories.

Duration: 5.5 hours

Enjoy a 5.5-hour boat trip from Olhão to Ria Formosa lagoon where you’ll discover the islands of Armona, Culatra and Farol. You will have time for lunch at a local restaurant in the fishing community of Culatra Island, for walks along the white sandy beaches and swimming in the crystal clear waters of these beautiful islands.

Come along on a full day boat trip and a spend a day relaxing and discovering a paradise in the Algarve with daily departures from Olhão.

More Info:

Enjoy a boat trip to the islands and beaches of Ria Formosa. This 5.5-hour boat trip departs from the Marina of Olhão, taking you on a relaxing day in a paradise yet to be discovered.

Discover the Ria Formosa Nature Park, one of the 3 protected areas in the Algarve recently elected one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal. On this lovely boat tour you explore 3 of the islands and discover the history and culture of the area.

The first stop is on Armona Island. Here you can take a walk along its long white sandy beaches where you’ll see lots of beautiful and different seashells and swim in the crystal clear waters of this beautiful island.

The boat trip continues to the next stop: Culatra Island. Here you can visit one of the most important fishing communities of the area and enjoy a lovely meal in one of the local restaurants.

Continuing aboard a comfortable boat with sun shade, you’ll pass along Hangares in Culatra Island and learn about its historical importance in the anti-submarine defense during World War I.

The last stop is on Farol Island. Before returning to Olhão, you will have time to walk to the lighthouse of Farol or take a refreshing dip in the crystal clear waters of the southernmost beach in Portugal.

Includes

5.5-hour boat trip
Time for lunch in Culatra Island
Skipper
Maps and field guides
Snorkelling equipment during summer

Excludes

Transfer
Pick-up
Lunch

Casual clothes and comfortable shoes suitable for a boat trip,
A wind-stopper and a waterproof coat, especially during autumn and winter,
A bathing suit and a towel, especially during spring and summer,
A rucksack or backpack to carry a small snack, sunglasses, hat, camera, and a good sun cream,
Plenty of water to drink to avoid dehydration.

Adventure Tips

Arrive Early for Check-In

Be at the Boat Tours Store at least 10 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth boarding process.

Bring Swimwear and Towels

Pack your swimwear to enjoy swimming stops at Praia Lavage and Deserta Island's lagoon waters.

Wear Sun Protection

Use sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses since much of the tour takes place in open sunlight.

Take a Light Jacket for Cooler Months

A windbreaker or waterproof jacket is recommended especially in autumn and winter when sea breezes can chill you.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Flamingos: These migratory birds frequent the lagoons of Ria Formosa.
European Pond Turtle: Occasionally spotted basking in sunny spots on the barrier islands.

History

Ria Formosa was designated a Natural Park in 1987 to protect its unique coastal habitats and the traditional fishing communities that have sustained the region for centuries.

Conservation

Local operators emphasize protecting the fragile habitats by limiting group sizes and educating visitors about responsible tourism to minimize environmental impact.

Explore Portugal’s Ria Formosa Barrier Islands: Small-Group Boat Tour from Faro

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