Snorkeling in Faro: 2 Islands & Ria Formosa Natural Park

The channels of Ria Formosa open onto two islands in a single morning, and the water between them holds fish you can reach.

A catamaran snorkeling tour from Faro through Ria Formosa Natural Park to Deserta Island and Farol Island, with two stops for swimming and snorkeling, a guided walk to the lighthouse, and masks provided. The tour runs three hours with a professional skipper and life jackets included; a minimum of two people per booking and a maximum of twelve keeps the group small. Tours may shift timing or route depending on tide and sea conditions.

Step-by-step itinerary

Ria Formosa Natural Park tour

• Cross channels by catamaran
• Stop at Deserta Island for swimming and snorkeling
• Stop at Farol Island to walk by lighthouse
• Return to Faro through Natural Park

The Experience

The catamaran leaves Faro and crosses the channels of Ria Formosa, where you watch for birds, shellfish beds and fishing activity as the water shallows and widens. The first stop is Deserta Island, where masks are provided and you can swim or snorkel in the shallows—the water here is calm enough for anyone comfortable in it. The second stop is Farol Island, where you leave the boat to walk to the lighthouse and stand at Cabo de Santa Maria, the point where Ria Formosa's lagoon water meets the open ocean, the line visible where the two meet.

The return crosses the same channels again, but the landscape shifts with the tide—what was exposed on the way out may be underwater now, or the reverse. A professional skipper leads the tour and speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese or French. Life jackets are provided for everyone; masks for snorkeling are included, so you bring nothing but a swimsuit and a towel.

What’s included

• Life jackets and snorkeling masks for both island stops.
• professional skipper who speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese or French.
• catamaran transport through Ria Formosa Natural Park and to both islands.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Estrela da Ria Formosa de Cristela Martins

Is this one for you?The tour moves at a relaxed pace—you spend time in the water at each island and walk to the lighthouse rather than rush through stops—so it suits anyone who wants to swim and snorkel without a full day commitment. The catamaran does shift route and timing with the tide and sea conditions, so flexibility matters more than a fixed schedule.

Traveler reviews

4.94★★★★★★★★★★

1,109 verified traveler reviews

5 ★1,055

4 ★46

3 ★4

2 ★3

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?

Yes. Masks are provided and the snorkeling happens at Deserta Island in shallow, calm water. You can also choose to swim instead of snorkel at either stop.

What is Ria Formosa Natural Park like?

Ria Formosa is a lagoon system of channels, islands and shallow water that stretches along the Algarve coast. On this tour you cross the channels by catamaran and see birds, shellfish beds and local fishing activity; the landscape changes with the tide, so the same route looks different on the return.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Tours may be altered or rescheduled depending on sea conditions and tide. Check with the operator about their policy if you are concerned about a particular date.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Life jackets are provided for all passengers.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes life jackets, snorkeling masks, and a professional skipper. Food and drinks are not included, so bring water and snacks if you need them.