Water activity

From Faro: 4 Stops, 3 Islands in Ria Formosa Catamaran Tour

Activity provider: Estrela da Ria Formosa
Water activity

From Faro: 4 Stops, 3 Islands in Ria Formosa Catamaran Tour

Activity provider: Estrela da Ria Formosa
Likely to sell out

From US$ 37.96 per person

Likely to sell out

Discover the 3 islands of Ria Formosa Natural Park on a catamaran tour. Visit Ilha Deserta, Ilha do Farol, and Ilha da Culatra and make stops to swim, try seafood, and watch Portuguese oyster farming.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 4 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
Spanish, English, French, Portuguese

Experience

Highlights
  • Explore the Ria Formosa Natural Park and its islands
  • Swim in the waters of Ilha Deserta, the southernmost point of mainland Portugal
  • Enjoy lunch at a traditional fresh fish restaurant
  • Try local Ria Formosa oysters
  • Discover the difference in the cultures of the 3 islands
Full description

Enjoy a catamaran tour in the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Discover its 3 islands with 4 stops included. Swim and snorkel in crystal clear waters, explore a traditional fishing village and see how oysters are farmed.

Start your tour by crossing the channels of the Ria Formosa to observe the seabirds feeding on the edges of the marshes. Enjoy your first stop for 45 minutes at Ilha Deserta and swim and snorkel in the crystalline waters.

Then, head to the next stop, Ilha do Farol for another 45 minutes to discover the lighthouse and take pictures of the typical Algarve houses around it. Sail towards Ilha da Culatra for the third stop, a fishing community, for 2 hours of free time.

Enjoy the option to have lunch at a traditional restaurant on the island where the main course varies between fresh fish and seafood. Finally, make your last stop where you can observe oyster farming in the Hangars. Admire the tide changes at the Ria Formosa.

Includes
  • Professional skipper
  • Snorkeling masks
  • Life jackets
  • Lunch
  • Other food, drinks, and snacks
Not suitable for
  • People with mobility impairments

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Board at Cais da Porta Nova. Look for a staff member with a green T-shirt at the Estrela da Ria Formosa stand.

Open in Google Maps ⟶
Important information

What to bring

  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Water
  • Comfortable clothes

Not allowed

  • Pets
  • Smoking
  • Unaccompanied minors

Know before you go

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Tours are subject to weather conditions
  • The morning tour lasts 5 hours, and the afternoon tour lasts 4 hours
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 413 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.6/5
  • Transportation
    4.7/5
  • Service
    4.3/5
  • Organization
    4.3/5

Sort by:

Traveler type:

Star rating:

Time appeared relatively short for such journey of 3 stops and 1 passing by. If arranged lunch was chosen, you won't have time at the Culantra beach which requires at least 25-min walk each way! Also, the October waves were too wild for a swim. The water was too cold. Most people were sun bathing only. So don't expect any fun in the ocean.

Read more

March 29, 2023

We had the most amazing trip and Pudim, our experienced skipper, he was spectacular! Not only was he having to repeat himself 4 times in; Spanish, Portuguese, French and English, due to those on board but, he made sure we all felt involved and always updated us along the way. He gave us tips and places to visit when we stopped off on the islands being super friendly. We throughly enjoyed the experience so much and would definitely do it again. I highly recommend this trip to anyone and especially if you have Pudim as your Skipper!

Read more

March 29, 2023

I forgot the employees name but she was Anna's boss. Her name starts with C. She was so kind. my wife forgot to bring her jacket and she was so kind that she lend her jacket to my wife for the trip. without her act of kindness we'r would not have enjoyed the trip. the trip was overall great

March 29, 2023

Product ID: 103007