Ria Formosa: 3 Islands Boat Trip with Stops & Sunset

Summary

Boat ride from Olhão to Armona Culatra Farol islands with swimming food and sunset

You’ll float through Ria Formosa’s calm lagoon by boat with a small group and local guide, stopping at Farol Island’s sandy village, eating fresh seafood on Culatra Island, and relaxing on Armona beach or Praia Deserta. There’s time to swim or wander as you like — plus an option to catch sunset over Faro if you choose the afternoon trip.

What’s the experience like?

We were already gliding out from Olhão before I realized how salty the air tasted — not sharp, just soft, like it had been filtered through sand. Our captain, João, pointed at the old fishermen mending nets along the pier and said something about their families living here for generations. I tried to catch it all but the engine hummed and sometimes his words drifted off into the wind. The Ria Formosa lagoon is wider than I’d pictured — birds everywhere, flashes of white and grey skimming low over the water. Someone asked if we’d feel seasick but João just grinned and shook his head. “Inside the lagoon, it’s calm,” he promised.

The first stop was Farol Island. It felt like stepping into a postcard but with more sand in my shoes than I expected (should’ve worn sandals). We wandered past tiny houses painted in faded colors — blue doors, laundry flapping out front — and then just sat on the beach for a while. There was this smell of grilled fish coming from somewhere inland that made me hungry even though it was barely noon. A couple of locals waved as they biked past, baskets full of bread or maybe clams? Hard to tell from a distance.

Culatra Island was next and we had two hours there — enough time for lunch if you wanted it. João gave us a map and pointed out three restaurants (“this one does octopus rice; that one’s better for grilled sardines”). I ended up sharing a table with two German travelers who ordered everything in sight. Honestly, the clams were perfect: garlicky, briny, still warm from the pan. We talked about birds for a bit because João had handed out these little guides with pictures — turns out there are flamingos here sometimes, though we didn’t spot any today.

The last stop was either Praia Deserta or Armona Island depending on weather (we got Armona). By then most people were quieter — maybe sun-drunk or just letting it all soak in. The sand felt cool under my feet even though the air was still warm. I watched some kids digging for shells near the waterline; one of them found something shiny and held it up like treasure. On the way back, João slowed down so we could watch the sun start dipping behind Faro in the distance. That light — kind of gold but also pinkish? I still think about that view when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour of Ria Formosa islands

• Depart from Olhão by boat
• Listen to guide's explanations
• Stop at Farol Island for 1 hour
• Stop at Culatra Island for lunch
• Free time on Culatra Island
• Stop at Praia Deserta or Armona Island
• Return to Olhão

Top questions

How long does the Ria Formosa 3 islands boat trip take?

The standard tour lasts about 4 hours; afternoon tours include sunset.

Which islands do you visit on this boat tour?

The tour stops at Farol Island, Culatra Island (with lunch break), and either Praia Deserta or Armona Island depending on weather.

Is lunch included on Culatra Island?

No lunch is included but you have time to eat at local restaurants or bring your own food.

Will I get seasick during this Ria Formosa boat trip?

No; since sailing is inside the lagoon waters are calm and seasickness is unlikely.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is included; departure is from Olhão marina but public transport is nearby.

Is this boat trip suitable for children or older travelers?

Yes; all fitness levels are welcome and boats have shade for comfort.

Are there guides on board who explain about wildlife?

Yes; your local guide shares info about birds, seafood, fish species and regional customs along the way.

Can I swim during this Ria Formosa day trip?

Yes; there’s free time at each island for swimming if you want.

What’s included

Your day includes a small-group boat ride with shade departing from Olhão marina led by an experienced local guide who shares stories about Ria Formosa’s wildlife and culture; printed guides for birds, molluscs and fish; maps of each island; free time at every stop to swim or eat; plus an option to stay until sunset if you choose the afternoon departure.