Faro: Ria Formosa Catamaran Tour with Ilha Deserta & Farol

Summary

Catamaran journey from Faro through Ria Formosa’s islands with local stops

You’ll set off from Faro by catamaran into Ria Formosa’s shifting waterways, walk wild sands on Ilha Deserta, wander Farol Island’s quiet village streets beside locals, and catch glimpses of daily life most travelers miss. With a small group and live guide commentary throughout, expect moments of calm—and maybe a little surprise at how much space there is to breathe out here.

What’s the experience like?

We met just outside the Ginásio Clube Naval de Faro — I was early, but our guide Rui was already chatting with a couple from Porto and somehow made everyone feel like we’d known each other for ages. The catamaran felt sturdy but open to the breeze; you could smell salt and sunscreen before we even left the dock. As we pulled away from Faro, Rui started pointing out birds I’d never have noticed (I’m still not sure how he spotted that tiny egret). The water in Ria Formosa is this odd green-blue — not tropical exactly, more like glass with bits of silver where the sun hits.

First stop: Ilha Deserta. Rui called it Barreta — he said locals just use both names, which confused me at first. We had about half an hour to wander or swim. I tried walking barefoot along the sand and it was softer than I expected, almost powdery but with little shells everywhere. There’s nothing built here except one lonely restaurant way off in the dunes; mostly it’s wind and seaweed smells and a kind of hush you don’t get on mainland beaches. I didn’t swim (water looked cold), but some brave kid did and his dad cheered him on in Portuguese.

Back on board, we headed to Farol Island. This place has actual houses — whitewashed walls, blue doors, laundry flapping everywhere. It felt lived-in but sleepy; a fisherman waved at us as we passed by the lighthouse. Rui told me this is the southernmost point of Portugal (I googled later — he was right). We walked all the way down to where sand meets ocean again, and you could see Spain faintly across the haze if you squinted. On the way back someone asked about moving here full-time — Rui laughed and said winters are lonelier than people think.

The ride back to Faro was quieter; maybe everyone was tired or just letting it all sink in. You can see the old town rising up behind the marina as you come in — tiled roofs catching late sun, gulls circling overhead. I kept thinking about that empty stretch of sand on Deserta and how weirdly peaceful it felt out there with nothing but wind for company.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat trip to Ilha Deserta and Farol Island

• Check in at Nautical Club of Faro
• Board catamaran for Ria Formosa trip
• Explore Ilha Deserta beach and walk
• Walk around Farol Island village and lighthouse
• Admire Santa Maria Cape beach
• Return trip through Ria Formosa Natural Park
• Enjoy views of old town Faro
• Disembark at tour end

Top questions

How long does the Ria Formosa boat trip from Faro last?

The tour lasts about 3 hours including stops at both Ilha Deserta and Farol Island.

Is hotel pickup included for this catamaran tour?

No, hotel pickup isn’t included—you meet at Ginásio Clube Naval de Faro.

How much time do you spend on each island?

You get around 20-30 minutes on Ilha Deserta and about 1 hour on Farol Island.

Are there restaurants or facilities on Ilha Deserta?

There is only one restaurant on Ilha Deserta; otherwise it’s mostly undeveloped beach.

Is this boat trip suitable for children or people using wheelchairs?

Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible and infants/children can join with adults—special seats available if needed.

Can I swim during the day trip to Ria Formosa islands?

You can swim during your free time at Ilha Deserta if you want—the water may be chilly depending on season.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide may be multilingual depending on group needs—ask when booking if you have a preference.

Where does the boat tour end?

The trip ends back at Ginásio Clube Naval de Faro; you can ask to disembark earlier if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes a three-hour catamaran ride from Faro led by a local guide with live commentary throughout. Life vests are provided for everyone onboard. You’ll have about an hour to explore Farol Island’s village streets plus up to half an hour wandering or relaxing on Ilha Deserta before returning by boat along Ria Formosa’s winding channels.