The Algarve

15 Best Ria Formosa & Island Tours

The lagoon trips from Faro through the Ria Formosa: barrier islands with empty Atlantic sand, Culatra’s fishing village and the lighthouse at Farol. The natural park shelters flamingos and seahorses; the boats idle politely.

1.4 Stops | 3 Islands & Ria Formosa Natural Park – From Faro

Discover Faro’s Ria Formosa on a small-group boat tour visiting four islands, swimming, birdwatching, and exploring local fishing villages for authentic Algarve experiences.

Most Popular★ 5.0

“Very good and friendly guide. Gave a lot of knowledge about the region. We had a fun and meaningful day. Thanks for the trip.”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

2.Faro: Ria Formosa Faro Islands Boat Tour

Discover the scenic Ria Formosa and its islands on a 4-hour boat tour from Faro. Enjoy wildlife, island walks, and expert guides at a great price.

★ 4.8

“I had an amazing tour led by the fantastic guide, Antonio. Not only did he share great insights, but his taste in music was also top-notch—rock on, Antonio!”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

3.Ria Formosa – Boat trip to the 3 Islands: Armona | Culatra Island | Lighthouse

Discover the natural beauty of Ria Formosa on a small-group boat tour visiting Armona, Culatra, and the lighthouse, with expert guides and stunning views.

★ 5.0

“It was a very nice day. Good explanation. We saw what we expected. Claudio was very helpful. It was a good trip to do.”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

4.From Olhão: Ria Formosa 3-Island Full-Day Tour

Discover Algarve’s beautiful islands on this full-day boat tour from Olhão. Visit Farol, Culatra, and Armona, with stunning beaches, local villages, and wildlife.

★ 4.8

“We had such a fun day exploring 3 of the islands, our guide was amazing and very informative, last stop was Culatra and we enjoyed our Portuguese lunch in the resteraunt O Rui, will definitely return next year and do it again”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

7.2 Stop | 2 Islands & Ria Formosa Natural Park – From Faro

Discover the beauty of Ria Formosa on this small-group boat tour from Faro, visiting two islands with options to snorkel, swim, and explore at your pace.

★ 5.0

“Sergio was awesome guide, knowledgeable and gave us good advice on restaurants on Farol island. It was a beautiful morning for the short trip”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

8.Faro: Deserta Island and Farol Island Catamaran Boat Trip

Discover the natural beauty of Ria Formosa with this 3-hour catamaran tour to Deserta and Farol Islands, ideal for wildlife lovers and beach seekers alike.

★ 4.6

“Our tour was cancelled due to weather conditions but the company offered a much shorter tour which still took us into the national park. The guide was very knowledgeable about this unique environment for wildlife and directed our gaze to a range of birds, including…”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

9.Sunset Tour | Ria Formosa – From Faro

Discover the stunning Ria Formosa at sunset on this small-group boat tour from Faro, with knowledgeable guides, wildlife sightings, and breathtaking views.

★ 5.0

“Such a beautiful place. Just flying over the Ria Formosa is a site to see, so don’t miss it when you are getting into Faro. The boat ride was okay, there weren’t too many birds that day but just looking at the water and sunset…”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

11.From Faro: Catamaran Boat Trip to Deserta Island with Stop

Experience a scenic catamaran cruise from Faro to the untouched Ilha Deserta, with stops, stunning views, and local flavors — a true Algarve highlight.

★ 4.6

“This trip was the highlight of our visit! I’ve got a wild 4 year old boy, who loves running & being a fun active 4 year old… The beach was EXACTLY what we needed. We got the 10am boat over & the 4pm boat back…”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

13.Ria Formosa: Armona and Culatra Islands 3-Hour Boat Tour

Explore the stunning Ria Formosa with this 3-hour boat tour to Armona and Culatra Islands, featuring expert guides, scenic views, and authentic local villages.

★ 4.7

“Was so amazing, worth every dollar/euro. Amazing guide. Super educational. Language skills were through the roof, the guide spoke French, English, Portuguese. Amazing.”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

14.Faro: Eco-Friendly Ria Formosa Bird Watching in Solar Boat

Experience Faro's Ria Formosa on a peaceful, eco-friendly solar boat. Perfect for bird lovers, nature enthusiasts, and eco-conscious travelers exploring Portugal.

★ 4.7

“Great couple of hours birding in the Ria Formosa. Andre our guide was very knowledgeable about the birds we saw and we learnt a lot about the salt marsh and some local history / information. Observed an Osprey hunting and catching a fish then circling…”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

More Ria Formosa & Island Tours

4.8From Faro: Ria Formosa Sunset Boat Trip1 hour$35 5.0Ria Formosa Sunset 1 hour Boat Trip in Faro1 hour (approx.)$38.35 5.0Ria Formosa & Ilhas: Sunset Boat Trip2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)$42.34 4.8From Olhão: Ria Formosa Sunset Island Boat Tour2.5 hours$35 5.0Dolphin Watching + 2 Islands Tour – From Faro4 hours (approx.)$72.59 4.5From Faro: Ria Formosa Hop-On Hop-Off 3 Islands Cruise1 day$47 4.5Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: a small group boat trip in Ria Formosa from Faro3 hours (approx.)$48.39 4.5Faro: Ria Formosa Boat Tour by Eco-Friendly Solar Boat1 hour$29 4.9Faro: Ria Formosa Natural Park Segway Tour & Birdwatching1.5 hours$66 4.6Faro: Sunset 1 hour Ria Formosa Boat Tour1 hour$37 5.0Ria Formosa Natural Park Birdwatching Segway Tour from Faro1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)$70.17 4.5Islands Tour: Half Day Cruise in Ria Formosa National Park4 hours (approx.)$30.17 5.03-Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa on Olhão Algarve3 hours (approx.)$42.34 4.7Ria Formosa 3 Islands Guided Day Trip by Boat – Olhão5 hours$58 5.05-hour tour with 3 stops around the islands and beaches of Ria Formosa5 hours (approx.)$54.42 4.5Eco Boat Tour in the Ria Formosa Lagoon from Faro1 hour (approx.)$30.23 5.0Ria Formosa Boat Sunset Islands Tour from Faro3 hours (approx.)$51.11 5.06 hour boat tour navegating through the Islands of Ria Formosa National Park6 hours (approx.)$51.40 4.4From Faro: 2-Island, 2-Stop Ria Formosa Catamaran Tour3 hours$41 4.7Olhão: Ria Formosa National Park and Islands Boat Cruise3 hours$35 5.0From Faro: Ria Formosa Eco Tour guided by Marine Biologist1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)$54.31 5.0Faro – Ria Formosa tour with visit to 2 islands (Deserta, Farol) 3.5 hours3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)$42.24 4.52-hour Bird Watching Guided Boat Trip in Ria Formosa from Faro Algarve2 hours (approx.)$48.27 4.4From Faro: Dolphin Watching & 2 Islands Tour4 hours$70

Explore The Algarve

The Benagil cave, dolphin bows and cliffs that go gold at sunset.