Discover pristine beaches, vibrant fishing culture, and rich biodiversity on a three-hour boat trip through Portugal’s Ria Formosa with CulatraTours. Visit Armona Island, the remote Praia Deserta, and the traditional community of Culatra Island for an unforgettable coastal adventure.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required.
Wildlife
History
Ilha da Culatra has been inhabited by fishing communities for over 200 years, maintaining authentic maritime traditions.
Conservation
Ria Formosa is a protected natural park with active efforts to preserve its delicate ecosystems while supporting sustainable local fisheries.
CulatraTours
Discover pristine beaches, vibrant fishing culture, and rich biodiversity on a three-hour boat trip through Portugal’s Ria Formosa with CulatraTours. Visit Armona Island, the remote Praia Deserta, and the traditional community of Culatra Island for an unforgettable coastal adventure.
CulatraTours is a tour operator based in Quelfes, Faro, offering boat experiences across the Ria Formosa and along the Algarve coast. The business provides private and shared trips that highlight local islands, wildlife, and coastal scenery. Offerings include the Sunset Tour Privado, a two-hour Ria Formosa sunset cruise featuring freshly harvested oysters and selected wines while visiting Armona and Culatra; Observação de Cetáceos, a two-hour ocean excursion departing from Olhão to spot dolphins and occasionally whales while sailing between Faro and Tavira, with possible sightings of sharks and sunfish; and a private six-hour Passeio privado na Ria Formosa that explores barrier islands, beaches, and sheltered channels.
Additional experiences cover birdwatching and island visits: a two-hour Observação de Aves through Ria Formosa that highlights herons, storks, clam and oyster farms; a five-hour Visita à Ilha da Armona, Ilha da Culatra e Farol combining island beaches and the Santa Maria Lighthouse; a 1.5-hour Visita à Ilha da Culatra ou Ilha da Armona for a concise island visit including Praia Deserta; and a three-hour Visita à Ilha da Armona e Ilha da Culatra ou Praia Deserta that blends beach time with local traditions.
Trips vary from 1.5 to six hours and focus on nature, local gastronomy, and cultural sites within the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Departures are organized from Quelfes and Olhão. Trip durations and island stops are specified in each trip summary provided listed above.
Location
Quelfes, Faro
Based in the Algarve
Tours Offered
8 unique trips
Ria Formosa-focused experiences
Trip Lengths
1.5–6 hours
Short and full-day options available
Departure Points
Quelfes & Olhão
Local departures across Ria Formosa
Select a sunset, wildlife, birdwatching or island tour — departures from Quelfes and Olhão. Check trip durations and availability before booking.
Wear sun protection
Bring sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from strong Algarve sun during the boat trip and beach stops.
Stay hydrated
Carry water with you, especially in summer, to stay refreshed on warm days under open skies.
Comfortable footwear recommended
Casual shoes or sandals with good grip help navigate sandy beaches and village paths comfortably.
Respect local environment
Avoid disturbing wildlife and stick to marked paths to preserve the delicate dune ecosystems and marine habitats.
Sunscreen
Protects skin from intense sun exposure during the boat tour and beach stops.
summer
Lightweight hat
Shields your face and neck from direct sunlight for enhanced comfort.
summer
Water bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial while spending extended time outdoors in Algarve’s climate.
Comfortable sandals
Ideal for walking on sandy beaches and rocky village walkways.