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

4.6 Great 297 reviews
|
3h
|
Portuguese, English, French, Spanish
Free cancellation · up to 24 hours before Instant confirmation Live guide

Ratings & Reviews

4.6
297 reviews
5
228
4
34
3
18
2
12
1
5
Ratings collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor

Overview

Guidekin summary

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 297 reviews at €42 per person for 3h.

From the guide

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.

Compared with other Ria Formosa

TourPriceDurationRatingGroup
This tour · #18 of 18€423h4.58 (297)shared, max 11
Sunset Tour | Ria Formosa - From Faro€301h4.97 (827)shared
2 Stop | 2 Islands & Ria Formosa Natural Park - From Faro€403h4.94 (1111)shared
Ria Formosa & Ilhas: Sunset Boat Trip€352h 30m4.96 (353)shared

Ranked #18 of 18 in Ria Formosa by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €25 to €50, median €40; typical length 3h. 4 of 18 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 18 Ria Formosa

Schedule & Availability

Runs daily
Departures: 10:00, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 13:00, 15:00
Scheduled through October 2027

This tour runs daily, departing at 10:00, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 13:00, 15:00. Scheduled through October 2027. These are the operator’s scheduled departures, not a live seat count: availability is confirmed at checkout. Schedule last checked September 25, 2026.

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)

What's Not Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transportation to/from attractions
Food and drinks
Tips (Optional)

Itinerary

The meeting point for your tour is at our offices at the ground floor of the ... Stop 1
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.
Pass by
The meeting point for your tour is at our offices at the ground floor of the ... Stop 2
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.
Pass by
Ilha Deserta is also known as Barreta Island Stop 3
In this stop you can choose to explore the fauna and flora of the island along an easy walk or simply enjoy the sunshine and bath in the clear waters of the beach.
30 min
Here you can enjoy a walk around the streets of this small but friendly commu... Stop 4
Here you can enjoy a walk around the streets of this small but friendly community. When passing by the lighthouse, go on until the very end to admire an extensive beach of fine white sand washed by calm warm waters, here lies the most southern point of Portugal - the Santa Maria Cape.
1h
Admission included
Ria Formosa Natural Park Stop 5
After the 2 stops, on the trip back to Faro be enchanted by one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal – the Ria Formosa.
Pass by
Muralhas de Faro Stop 6
The tours ends with stunning views of the old town of Faro along the way.
Pass by
Portas do Mar Stop 7
You can choose to disembark here, if you wish please be so kind to ask your skipper in advance.
Pass by
Marina de Faro Stop 8
Ending point of your boat trip.
Pass by
Marina de Faro Stop 9
Ending point of your boat trip.
Pass by

Departure & Return

Start point

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.

End point

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.

Additional Information

  • 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

Cancellation Policy

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

1+ daysFull refund
0-1 daysNo refund
From € 42 / person