Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: a small group boat trip in Ria Formosa from Faro
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 303 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: a small group boat trip in Ria Formosa from Faro worth booking?
Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: a small group boat trip in Ria Formosa from Faro is a 3-hour experience in Faro, Portugal, from $48 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 303 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 78 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (303)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $48 per person
Discover Portugal’s exotic natural wonders during this 3-hour catamaran trip to Ria Formosa from Faro. Board a comfortable catamaran with a small-group and discover the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Visit the Deserta Island and the Farol Island, looking out for birdlife and observing the daily lives of citizens in a local fishing village. This small-group tour is limited to 11 people, offering a more intimate experience.
What you get
About this experience
Discover Portugal’s exotic natural wonders during this 3-hour catamaran trip to Ria Formosa from Faro. Board a comfortable catamaran with a small-group and discover the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Visit the Deserta Island and the Farol Island, looking out for birdlife and observing the daily lives of citizens in a local fishing village. This small-group tour is limited to 11 people, offering a more intimate experience.
What's included
Included
- Local guide
- Life vests
- Live commentary on board
- 3-hour catamaran boat trip (includes a stop of 1 hour in Farol and 20 up to 30 minutes in Deserta)
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transportation to/from attractions
- Food and drinks
- Tips (Optional)
What you'll see and do
The meeting point for your tour is at our offices at the ground floor of the building of Ginásio Clube Naval de Faro (Nautical Club of Faro). Please be so kind and check in for your tour or activity with our team members at least 10 minutes before the departure time.
Pass by without stopping
The meeting point for your tour is at our offices at the ground floor of the building of Ginásio Clube Naval de Faro (Nautical Club of Faro). Please be so kind and check in for your tour or activity with our team members at least 10 minutes before the departure time.
Pass by without stopping
Ilha Deserta is also known as Barreta Island. In this stop you can choose to explore the fauna and flora of the island along an easy walk or simply enjoy the sunshine and bath in the clear waters of the beach.
30 minutes here
Here you can enjoy a walk around the streets of this small but friendly community. When passing by the lighthouse, go on until the very end to admire an extensive beach of fine white sand washed by calm warm waters, here lies the most southern point of Portugal - the Santa Maria Cape.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Ria Formosa Natural Park
After the 2 stops, on the trip back to Faro be enchanted by one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal – the Ria Formosa.
Pass by without stopping
Muralhas de Faro
The tours ends with stunning views of the old town of Faro along the way.
Pass by without stopping
Portas do Mar
You can choose to disembark here, if you wish please be so kind to ask your skipper in advance.
Pass by without stopping
Marina de Faro
Ending point of your boat trip.
Pass by without stopping
Marina de Faro
Ending point of your boat trip.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Faro
The meeting point for your tour or activity is at the office of the local partner at the shop "Boat Tours Store" - ground floor of the building of Ginásio Clube Naval de Faro (Nautical Club of Faro) Please be at the meeting point to check-in 10-minutes before the departure time of the tour.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The meeting point for your tour or activity is at the office of the local partner at the shop "Boat Tours Store" - ground floor of the building of Ginásio Clube Naval de Faro (Nautical Club of Faro) Please be at the meeting point to check-in 10-minutes before the departure time of the tour.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- pt, en, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 11 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Formosamar
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A minimum of 2 adults per booking is required
- A maximum of 11 people per booking
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 299 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
299 verified traveler reviews for Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: a small group boat trip in Ria Formosa from Faro. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Unforgettable experience in the stunning Ria Formosa lagoon
An unforgettable experience in the stunning Ria Formosa lagoon. Our guide, JC, was very kind and shared plenty of explanations and interesting facts. I was lucky because there were only a few passengers, and everyone was very respectful (sometimes you run into rude tourists who cause a commotion and spoil the experience). I really hope to go on another similar excursion soon!
via Tripadvisor
Relaxing trip
Great trip, islands were peaceful and picturesque, guide was very knowledgeable and friendly, had a lovely time.
via Tripadvisor
What a beautiful and peaceful time!
We were a group of 9 adults and a baby and spontaneously decided in Faro to take a boat trip to the Deserta Island and enjoy the 3-hour trip. It was a great decision! JC, our captain, was a funny and friendly guy with a great sense of humor. He shared interesting stories about the history of the area and guided us to the most important and beautiful spots along the way. What a wonderful day hot, sunny, and full of beautiful views! We really enjoyed the trip!
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you for sharing such a lovely review of your experience. We are delighted that your spontaneous decision turned into such a memorable and peaceful day exploring Ilha Deserta and Farol Island. It is wonderful to know that JC’s friendliness, humour, and stories about the area added so much to the journey, alongside the beautiful scenery and sunshine. We will be very happy to share your kind words with him. On behalf of the entire Formosamar team, we extend you our warmest regards!
via Tripadvisor
Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: Small Group Boat Trip from Faro
This tour did exactly what the name promised: a relaxed small‑group trip out to Ilha Deserta and Farol Island, with plenty of time on the water and a good introduction to the Ria Formosa National Park. I really enjoyed learning about the area, especially seeing locals foraging for razor clams while the tide was low — honestly the best moment to experience Ria Formosa’s character. Both islands have more than enough to keep you interested. You could easily spend a whole day on each, but even the short 30‑minute and 1‑hour stops we had were enjoyable. Ilha Deserta is perfect for quiet walks and long stretches of sandy beach, while Farol feels more like a tiny coastal town, with cafés, patrolled beaches, and a lived‑in atmosphere. Most of the tour time is spent travelling by boat rather than exploring the islands, so it’s more of a taster than a deep dive. Given the low tide, I would have loved to see more birdlife, but that’s just nature’s timing. As a convenient introduction to the Ria Formosa, it’s great. If you want to properly appreciate the islands, I’d recommend booking a taxi boat and spending half a day on each — you’ll get a much richer experience.
Response from the operator: Dear David, Thank you for taking the time to share such a detailed account of your experience. We are very pleased to read that you enjoyed the relaxed small-group format, learning about the Ria Formosa, observing the traditional shellfish gathering at low tide, and your visits to both Deserta and Farol Islands. As described in the itinerary, this is a 3-hour guided boat tour through the Ria Formosa Natural Park, combining navigation and interpretation of the lagoon with stops of approximately 30 minutes at Deserta Island and 1 hour at Farol Island. It is therefore intended to offer an introduction to both the natural environment of the Ria Formosa and its barrier islands, rather than extended stays on the islands themselves. For visitors wishing to spend several hours exploring individual islands, a dedicated transfer or private charter would indeed be a different and more suitable option. We are nevertheless glad to read that the tour delivered exactly what was described and that you found so many aspects of the experience enjoyable. Considering the very positive account of the experience throughout your comments, we must admit that the three-star rating came as somewhat of a surprise to us. On behalf of the entire Formosamar team, we extend you our warmest regards!
via Viator
You have to do it!
Highly recommend! JC was amazing!
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you for your wonderful recommendation. We are delighted that JC made such a positive impression and helped make your experience so enjoyable. Your kind words will be a pleasure to share with him. On behalf of the entire Formosamar team, we extend you our warmest regards!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 106
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Formosamar, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 72.2.
See everything Formosamar runsWhy this scores 78
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: a small group boat trip in Ria Formosa from Faro: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Faro.
How much does Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: a small group boat trip in Ria Formosa from Faro cost?
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Prices start at $48 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Faro usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: a small group boat trip in Ria Formosa from Faro take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Faro is not rushed.
Is Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: a small group boat trip in Ria Formosa from Faro worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 303 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Faro, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: a small group boat trip in Ria Formosa from Faro?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: a small group boat trip in Ria Formosa from Faro suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: a small group boat trip in Ria Formosa from Faro?
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Around 106 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Faro can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Faro and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: a small group boat trip in Ria Formosa from Faro start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Faro within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Faro?
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On Outty we rank every Faro experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Ria Formosa Natural Park and Islands Boat Cruise from Faro, Ria Formosa - Boat trip to the 3 Islands: Armona | Culatra Island | Lighthouse, From Faro: Benagil Cave, Marinha, Algar Seco & Carvoeiro Day Trip. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Faro?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Faro?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: a small group boat trip in Ria Formosa from Faro?
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Included: Local guide; Life vests; Live commentary on board; and 3-hour catamaran boat trip (includes a stop of 1 hour in Farol and 20 up to 30 minutes in. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Transportation to/from attractions; Food and drinks; and Tips (Optional). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: a small group boat trip in Ria Formosa from Faro?
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The meeting point for your tour or activity is at the office of the local partner at the shop "Boat Tours Store" - groun. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: a small group boat trip in Ria Formosa from Faro offered in?
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It is offered in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: a small group boat trip in Ria Formosa from Faro?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: a small group boat trip in Ria Formosa from Faro wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Specialized infant seats are available; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: a small group boat trip in Ria Formosa from Faro if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: a small group boat trip in Ria Formosa from Faro?
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Across 303 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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