Ria Formosa boat trip from Faro: Deserta and Farol islands

Two island stops, one natural park, and a fishing village on the way back

A 3-hour small-group catamaran tour from Faro visits Deserta Island and Farol Island in Ria Formosa Natural Park, with a local guide speaking English, Spanish, Portuguese or French. Groups stay under 12 people. You choose whether to walk each island or swim. The boat includes life vests and live commentary on the park itself during the return to Faro.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Ilha do Farol1h · entry included
2. Ria Formosa Natural Parkpass by

Boat trip to Ilha Deserta and Farol Island

• Check in at Ginásio Clube Naval de Faro
• Board the catamaran
• Visit Ilha Deserta and explore or relax on beach
• Walk around Farol Island and visit lighthouse
• Admire Santa Maria Cape beach
• Return trip through Ria Formosa Natural Park
• Enjoy views of old town of Faro
• Disembark at ending point

The experience

The boat leaves from the Nautical Club of Faro at ground level, and you board a catamaran built for small groups. The trip runs three hours total: roughly an hour on Deserta Island (also called Barreta Island), where you can either walk the easy trails to see the fauna and flora or wade into the clear water and swim. Then 20 to 30 minutes on Farol Island, where a path leads through the fishing village streets past the lighthouse to the southern tip of Portugal at Santa Maria Cape, ending at a beach of fine white sand. The return journey crosses Ria Formosa itself, one of Portugal's seven natural wonders, with the guide pointing out the park's ecology and birdlife as you head back toward Faro's old town.

A local guide travels with you and provides live commentary throughout. Life vests are included. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and infants can travel in a pram or stroller. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and a booking requires at least two paying adults. If you prefer to disembark in Faro rather than return to the Nautical Club, you can ask the skipper in advance.

What’s included

• Local guide in your choice of English, Spanish, Portuguese or French.
• life vests.
• live commentary on the Ria Formosa Natural Park during the return crossing.
• the 3-hour catamaran journey with stops of roughly an hour on Deserta Island and 20 to 30 minutes on Farol Island.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 15:00Last departure this season: 31 Dec

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (9 and older) · Child (6 to 8 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupUp to 11

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Formosamar

Is this one for you?The three-hour window leaves room for breakfast or a late lunch in Faro, and the small-group limit of 11 people means you move at a pace that lets you choose whether to walk or swim at each island without feeling rushed.

Traveler reviews

4.58★★★★★★★★★★

300 verified traveler reviews

5 ★231

4 ★34

3 ★18

2 ★12

1 ★5

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 8 years); Infant (under 6).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What can I do on Deserta Island during the stop?

Deserta Island offers two choices: an easy walk through the island's fauna and flora, or swimming in the clear beach water. The stop lasts 20 to 30 minutes, so you can do either one.

How long does the boat spend at Farol Island?

Farol Island gets roughly an hour. You can walk the village streets, pass the lighthouse, and reach the beach at Santa Maria Cape, the southernmost point of Portugal.

What is included in the price?

The 3-hour catamaran trip, a local guide, life vests, and live commentary on Ria Formosa during the return are all included. Food, drinks, and hotel pickup are not.