Deserta Island

Sail through the Ria Formosa Natural Park and visit islands. Join us in a sightseeing cruise from Faro, amongst a small group up to 11 people. Journey through the Ria Formosa channels on a comfortable boat and make stops at the islands of Farol and Deserta. The tour is operated by a multilingual guide. Depending on the number of customers and also if one of the catamarans/pontoons (first picture) is not available due to maintenance or breakdown, we can use the speedboad (second picture) to provide the same service. During high season (Easter until the clocks change in 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.

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.

The Ferry boat departs from Faro in direction to Ilha Deserta, taking 45 minutes through Ria Formosa Natural Park. Admire panoramic views over the beautiful natural scenery, flora and fauna. Explore Ilha Deserta, a unique deserted island, where you can stay all day long if you want. Enjoy free time to relax, sunbathe at your leisure, or taste the algarvian cuisine at Estaminé restaurant. We can adjust the time of your return ferry (depending on availability). You can enjoy this service every day, all year round. Get your ticket online to avoid queues.

Visit The Ria Formosa Natural Parque in a confortable catamaran and discover the 3 beautiful islands with 4 Stops : Deserta Island, Farol Island, Culatra Island an Hangares You can snorkeling, walking near the ocean , enjoy a typical lunch on Culatra Island and observe the culture of oysters. ( Free Masks ) ( lunch not Included – you can bring your Pick Nick)

Your guide will explain the Ria Formosa and the islands to you throughout the tour and will help with everything you need. During the stops, all customers are free, for the time stipulated by the captain. During the boat tour you will not feel nausea, since we sail only in the interior of the Ria Formosa. Choose between the morning or afternoon tour, with the afternoon option including sunset! In the summer, we recommend the afternoon tour, as the islands are less busy, the temperature is more pleasant and excellent for swimming. The itinerary is the same, with the only difference that we spend less time in Culatra, as there is no lunch included, but you can eat on the islands if you want. Parages: – 1st Stop – Farol Island ( 1h00 ) – 2nd Stop : Ilha da Culatra ( 2H00 ) , stop for lunch , with several restaurants on the island or can bring food if so preferred. – 3rd Stop – Desert Beach or Armona Island ( 1h00 )

Feel free to explore the Ria Formosa’s barrier islands at your own pace. Departing from Faro, you can take the boat circuit to the islands of the Natural Park, and you have freedom to travel between them, on the available schedules. The ticket is valid for 24 hours on all trips until you return to Faro. How does the Hop On Hop Off Islands work? We have multiple scheduled pickup times in the three islands (hourly), giving you the flexibility to visit them all, choosing the time you want to spend on each one. Our boat skippers will be there to guide you and provide all the information you need during your journey. You can depart from Faro, spend the day exploring and traveling between the islands, and choose your return time.

Enjoy this relaxing tour in the Ria formosa Natural Parque whit a confortable Catamaran and discover the 2 beautiful and principal Islands with 2 Stop : Deserta Island and Farol Island. You can snorkeling , walking near the oceano , observe Cape os Santa Mariade and enjoy the local wildlife.

On this tour you will be able to see the sunset from the boat and have an incredible and unique moment! This is the ideal tour of excellent quality, if you want to enjoy the Ria Formosa in a beautiful and peaceful late afternoon and enjoy the colors of the sunset! You will have the opportunity to taste the gastronomy of the region on the island of Culatra, where bivalves are very much appreciated! ( Clams , Cockles , Oysters ) On this trip , we will also observe nature , biodiversity and the wonderful landscapes of the Ria Formosa !

Your trip will start through the channels of the Ria Formosa Natural Park where you can observe species of sea birds and fishing activities. Arriving at Deserta island, you can walk and enjoy the Dunar flora or dive in transparent waters, then we go out to the open sea to see the Cape of Stª Maria and head to the island of Farol. , enjoy the original architecture of the island, the return to Faro will be made enjoying the surroundings of the Ria Formosa. When you reach the end of the tour, you will notice that time has passed too quickly, and that your wish would be to stay on the islands for much longer.

We offer you a Hallfl day of adventure ,where you can enjoy the beauty of Dolphins, Birds, sometimes turtles , and discover the most iportante 2 islands of the Ria Formosa Natural Park . The observation of the Dolphins is made on our Oceanic coast and the discovery of the 2 Islands is in the Natural Park of Ria Formosa. We Stop 1 hour at Deserta Island, and more 1 hour stop at Farol Island. We return to Faro with a different lanscape of the Natural Park , as there is a difference in the tide , changing the whole scenery of Nature in our Ria Formosa.

Enjoy a Catamaran cruise visiting one of Madeira's natural reserves. Stop at Desertas Islands, take a short tour on the island and swim in the crystalline waters.

The ideal tour to get to know a lot about the Ria Formosa, and visit the island of Culatra, a beautiful fishing community that inhabits about 1000 people all year round, which will be an island producing its own energy by 2030! The houses are typical and traditions and customs predominate, a unique place in the world! There are several infrastructures and restaurants where you will have the opportunity to taste and delight yourself with typical dishes from traditional restaurants. With the possibility of booking a table or having a Picnic, there are several options to choose from! Then we will enjoy, for many, the best deserted beach in the Algarve, which is located at the end of Culatra Island, which separates the dark blue of the Atlantic Ocean and the clear blue of the Ria Formosa, where you will have the opportunity to dive, swim and take unique photos! A true paradise! In case it is out of season , we will visit the magnificent Ilha da Armona , where we will stop around 1h00 to explore the island !

Escape to the calm waters of the Ria Formosa Natural Park on this 3 hour sunset cruise. Enjoy the calm of a late afternoon sail, with stops at Deserta and Farol islands on an experience limited to 15 passengers. Appreciate watching as the sun sets into the water. The schedule varies due to different sunset times around the year.

Walking through the heart of the natural park of Madeira, this walk is a great way for you to understand how our island was originated The unique rock formations and species of the fauna and flora in this area are worth experiencing.

A great chance to learn more about Ria Formosa and see the barrier islands that surround it. In this tour, a biologist will provide information about the natural park, its fauna and traditions! We head to the islands, where you will be able to see and visit Culatra Island and Deserta Island, as well as the Southernmost point of Portugal mainland – Cabo de Santa Maria. The tour includes 2 stops: one in Deserta Island (perfect for a swim) and the second one in Culatra island!

Step into the wonderful world of Madeira as our journey starts at Largo do Miranda, where you have beautiful views over Funchal and Desertas islands. Then, we ascend to the high heights of Pico do Arieiro, standing majestically at 1818 mts, with breathtaking landscapes to Ponta de São Lourenço, Ribeiro Frio and Paúl da Serra. Our adventure takes us to Santo da Serra, where we will enjoy an unique off-road experience, inspired by nature. Next, Santa Cruz with its traditional terraced views, revealing the symbiotic relationship between locals and their land as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Madeiran farmers.Finally, our experience culminates at the historical Cristo Rei viewpoint, where history and panoramic views overlook Funchal and the amazing cliffs, creating memories that are as unique as they are enduring. Join us for a journey beyond the ordinary, where sustainability, nature, and the True Spirit of Madeira get together to create an experience truly unforgettable.

The trail follows S. Lourenço Point, the eastern-most peninsula of Madeira island, named after the caravel sailed by João Gonçalves de Zarco, one of the three discoverers of Madeira island. The semi-arid climate and its exposure to North winds have sculpted the low vegetation and explain the lack of trees, which distinguish this area from the rest of the Island and is a veritable natural heritage. Here you can see the Island’s basal plate at its best and several rare and endemic plants. Of the 138 species of plant identified on the peninsula, 31 are endemic (exclusive) to Madeira island. In terms of fauna there is one of the largest colonies of seagull in the region. Along the route you can often see several bird species. In the sea, you may be lucky enough to spot the world’s rarest seal, known in Madeira as a Sea-wolf (Monachus monachus). On the horizon to the South you can see Ilhas Desertas (Deserted Islands) and to the North the Porto Santo Islands.

Step into the wonderful world of Madeira as our journey starts at Largo do Miranda, where you have beautiful views over Funchal and Desertas islands. Then, we ascend to the high heights of Pico do Arieiro, standing majestically at 1818 mts, with breathtaking landscapes to Ponta de São Lourenço, Ribeiro Frio and Paúl da Serra. Our adventure takes us to Santo da Serra, where we will enjoy an unique off-road experience, inspired by nature. Next, Santa Cruz with its traditional terraced views, revealing the symbiotic relationship between locals and their land as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Madeiran farmers.Finally, our experience culminates at the historical Cristo Rei viewpoint, where history and panoramic views overlook Funchal and the amazing cliffs, creating memories that are as unique as they are enduring. Join us for a journey beyond the ordinary, where sustainability, nature, and the True Spirit of Madeira get together to create an experience truly unforgettable.

Before visiting the Atlantic Ocean, you'll also see the Ria Formosa Natural Park and the Barrier islands: Deserta and Farol. The boat only takes a small group of 12 people, so everyone can feel very comfortable and the tour gets more personal.

The Eco Tour is a guided nature tour, from Faro to Ilha Deserta, through Ria Formosa Natural Park’s channels. Our professional guide will share with you information about local biodiversity, traditional activities, the history of Faro, the barrier islands of the natural park, and birdwatching. More than 300 bird species have been found here, some of them very rare and others recognised internationally as endangered. The boat leads you to Ilha Deserta (a deserted island, also known as Barreta Island), a laidback destination on a stunning stretch of white sand dunes. You can enjoy all afternoon at the island: walk along the beach, take the hiking trail to the southerly most point of Portugal and taste the genuine algarvian gastronomy at Estaminé restaurant.  The return is included by Ferry, and we can adjust the time (depending on availability). You can enjoy this service every day, all year round.