Faro: Ria Formosa Faro Islands Boat Tour

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Before you book

Meet on the marina side, about 100 metres in front of the Eva Senses Hotel, and look for staff in a red T-shirt or jacket. The Porta Nova pier is a different meeting point.
Two stops of about 45 minutes each: Ilha Deserta, then Farol village on Ilha da Culatra. On Deserta that is time for a swim (spring and summer) or a brisk walk round the boardwalk, not both.
The catamaran or pontoon may be swapped for a speedboat when numbers, wind or maintenance call for it, and the roof may be closed in bad weather.
From Easter to mid-October the morning tour runs about four hours, with a longer Farol stop for lunch, and the afternoon about three and a half; otherwise three. Lunch and pick-up are extra.
Not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users; no pets. The Farol lighthouse is closed to visits while it is renovated (as of October 2026).

About This Experience

Islands 4 you's guided boat tour from Faro marina, for 11 people at most, with about 45 minutes ashore on Ilha Deserta and 45 at Farol village on Ilha da Culatra. It lasts three to four hours.

Highlights

Enjoy a pleasant and comfortable journey amongst a small group
Sail through the channels in Ria Formosa Natural Park
Stop to see the beautiful islands of Farol and Deserta
Free time on Deserta island
Free time on Farol island

What's Included

✓ Boat tour
✓ Local guide
✓ Safety briefing
✓ Life jackets

Not Included

Pick-up service
Lunch

Good to Know

Depending on the number of customers, the wind conditions and also if one of the catamarans/pontoons (first picture) is not available due to maintenance or breakdown, we can use the speedboat (second picture) instead in order to provide the same service.
The roof of the boat might not be accessible during bad weather conditions.
The best season to see birds is from October until March. Spring and autumn bring migrating birds; summer is the breeding season. There’s also difference what we can see, depending on the tide level.
During high season (Easter until mid October), the morning tour will be about 4 hours to allow a slightly longer stop on the island of Farol to enjoy lunch in one of the typical restaurants of the community or visit the island more time. Lunch is optional and not included in the price. The choice of restaurant and its service is not linked to the boat tour company. The afternoon tour is around 3.5 hours.
The rest of the year, the duration is 3 hours.