Faro: Dolphin Watching & 2 Islands Boat Tour Ria Formosa

Summary

Boat trip from Faro with dolphins, island stops and tide changes

You’ll set off early from Faro by boat with a local skipper, searching for dolphins along the Atlantic coast before exploring both Farol Island’s small fishing community and Deserta Island’s wild beaches. Feel how Ria Formosa transforms with the tides and catch glimpses of seabirds or even turtles if luck’s on your side—there’s real magic in those shifting waters.

What’s the experience like?

“Sometimes they show up right under the bow — but no promises!” grinned our skipper, Miguel, as we set off from Faro just after sunrise. He had that sun-creased smile you get from years at sea. The boat hummed out through the Ria Formosa’s channels, salt air mixing with engine oil and coffee in my nose. I kept glancing at the water, half-hoping to spot a fin already. There were only six of us — a quiet couple from Porto, two friends from France, and me clutching my windbreaker tighter than I’d admit.

The Atlantic felt different once we left the shelter of the lagoon. Choppier, colder — even the light was sharper out there. Miguel slowed when he saw birds circling ahead. “That’s where they feed,” he said, pointing. And then — dolphins! Not a huge pod, but enough to make everyone gasp and scramble for phones. They moved fast; I barely caught them on camera before they vanished again. Honestly, I didn’t care about the photos as much as I thought I would. It was more about that sudden jolt of seeing something wild right next to you.

Afterwards we headed back into calmer water for our first stop at Ilha do Farol. There’s this tiny community there — fishermen fixing nets by hand, kids darting around in flip-flops. We wandered past whitewashed cottages and someone grilling fish (the smell drifted over; made me wish lunch was included). Li laughed when I tried to say “bom dia” with my accent — probably butchered it. Then came Ilha Deserta: wide sand, almost empty except for one other group way downshore. Water clear enough to see your toes wriggling in the sand if you braved a swim (I did; cold but worth it).

On the way back to Faro, Miguel pointed out how the whole landscape had shifted — sandbanks exposed now that were underwater before, birds picking through new puddles left by the tide going out. The ride home felt quieter somehow; maybe everyone was just tired or maybe we were all thinking about those dolphins popping up out of nowhere earlier. I still think about that view across the lagoon when we pulled back in — not sure why it stuck with me so much.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dolphin watching and island visits

• Depart Faro at 8:30 AM
• Cross Ria Formosa channels
• Sail Atlantic Ocean for dolphin watching
• Stop at Farol Island to visit community
• Stop at Deserta Island for swimming
• Return to Faro via Ria Formosa

Top questions

How long is the dolphin watching & 2 islands tour from Faro?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours starting at 8:30 am from Faro.

Is dolphin sighting guaranteed on this day trip?

No, dolphin sightings are not guaranteed as it depends on nature.

What islands are visited during this boat tour?

The tour includes stops at Ilha do Farol and Ilha Deserta in Ria Formosa.

Is lunch included on this dolphin watching tour?

No, lunch is not included during this tour.

Are snorkeling masks provided on this boat trip?

Yes, snorkeling masks are included for use during your island stops.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip from Faro?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; departure is from Faro marina.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, children aged 5 and above can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is this dolphin watching tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

What’s included

Your morning includes a boat ride with life jackets provided by your professional skipper from Faro marina, guided dolphin watching along the Atlantic coast, visits to both Deserta and Farol islands within Ria Formosa—with time to swim or snorkel using included masks—before returning as tides reshape the scenery around you.