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Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: a small group boat trip in Ria Formosa from Faro

4.6 · 299 ratings on Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor 88% of star-rated reviews are 4★ or 5★ Faro Operated by Formosamar Free cancellation · up to 24 hours before
Duration
3h
Group
Shared, up to 11 travellers
Guide languages
Portuguese, English, French, Spanish
Start & pickup
10:00, 11:30, 12:00, 13:00, 15:00 · No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point
Booking
Instant confirmation · mobile ticket
Guidekin's take

A catamaran trip capped at eleven with a guide and live commentary, an hour on Farol island and a shorter stop on Deserta, looking out for birdlife along the way.

Two adults minimum per booking, no pickup, and food is not included. 4.58 from 299 reviews at €42 per person for 3h.

In our comparison: #16 of 16 in Ria Formosa, by rating weighted by review volume (see the comparison).

How we choose tours →Commissions never affect our verdicts.

Price and inclusions

One price for every traveller: €42 per adult.

Included and not 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)

Children from €32 (ages 6 to 8). Option texts and prices come from the operator's listing; prices checked on Viator on 26 September 2026.

Reviews

4.6
299 ratings
Tripadvisor 217 · Viator 82

88% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4★ or 5★: 264 of 299

Star breakdown of all 299 ratings

5 stars
230 · 77%
4 stars
34 · 11%
3 stars
18 · 6%
2 stars
12 · 4%
1 star
5 · 2%

Latest reviews

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Ratings collected from Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor.

Meeting point and route

Meeting point

Where
The meeting point for your tour or activity is at the office of the local partner at the shop "Boat Tours Store" - ground floor of the building of Ginásio Clube Naval de Faro (Nautical Club of Faro) Please be at the meeting point to check-in 10-minutes before the departure time of the tour. · Open in Google Maps
Departure
10:00, 11:30, 12:00, 13:00, 15:00 daily; scheduled through October 2027 (operator schedule, seats confirmed at checkout)
Return
This activity ends back at the meeting point
Pickup
No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point
Operator
Formosamar; booking and payment are completed on Viator

Itinerary

About this tour, from the operator

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.

Walking, children and accessibility

The operator's own notes, grouped by topic. Nothing here is added by Guidekin.

Walking and health

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Strollers OK
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Good to know

  • Food not included bring or buy your own
  • Children from €32 ages 6 to 8

Cancellation policy

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

  • 1+ days: Full refund
  • 0-1 days: No refund

Compared with other Ria Formosa

TourPriceDurationRatingGroup
This tour · #16 of 16€423h4.58 (299)shared, max 11
Sunset Tour | Ria Formosa - From Faro€301h4.97 (843)shared
2 Stop | 2 Islands & Ria Formosa Natural Park - From Faro€403h4.94 (1112)shared
Ria Formosa & Ilhas: Sunset Boat Trip€352h 30m4.96 (359)shared

Ranked #16 of 16 in Ria Formosa by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €25 to €45, median €40; typical length 3h. 3 of 16 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 16 Ria Formosa

From €42 per adult