Top Faro Boat Trips to Ria Formosa

Faro is the name of the district and also of its capital. This area in the Algarve has very old and rich history that translates into an array of different cultures that were enriched by the people that through time had power over this strategic location. Of course you can also be sure of some great boat trips from Faro!

What is unique about Faro is that in the same day you can experience deep culture, enjoy great architecture and breathe the most relaxing mixture of beach and sun.

The cuisine in this area of Portugal is also a unique mixture of palates due to its muslim, arab and mediterranean travellers. You can enjoy the freshest grilled fish and seafood on a boat off the coast paired with cold crisp white wine while you dangle your feet in the water.

The Ria Formosa Natural Parque is a household name in the Algarve. It extends 18,400 acres over 60km reaching from Praia do Ancão to Praia da Manta Rota. The park is spread over five municipalities, meaning it's easily accessible so there is no excuse not to visit and enjoy this amazing park.

This park is made of marshland which is an intertwined network of canals and small islands covered in vegetation or even salt pans that are flooded with brackish water. It is of great national and international ecological importance due to the incredible amount of fauna and flora diversity found on it that serve as natural habitat to both migrating and local birds.

The Ria Formosa Natural Park was declared a Natural Reserve in 1978 and Natural Park in 1987.

Ria Formosa extends through Loule, Faro, Olhao, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António and is delimited by islands and inlets that create a string of sand dunes that protects the area.

There are five natural inlets that create the islands that we will talk about here and are Ilha da Barreta, Ilha da Culatra, Ilha da Armona, Ilha de Tavira and Ilha de Cabanas.

When looking at a map of the area you can truly see the size of this park and we would recommend you take a boat trip from Faro to see it up close because the inlets, islets and islands in this part of the country provide a landscape that you’d expect to see on a paradise island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The centennial erosion in the southern district of Portugal has created some of the most beautiful sites you will see which coupled with the Algarve’s amazing weather and cuisine transpire as a little bit of heaven on earth.

The closest islands Faro city are Ilha da Culatra and Ilha da Barreta, also known as Deserta which means deserted, and Ilha de Faro, which isn’t an actual island but Faro beach that you can reach by car also.

All of these islands have ferry or taxi boats, however if you’d like to explore a wider area we’d recommend a tour boat as a better way to discover the islands.

The two most impressive islands are Ilha da Culatra and Barreta due to their extensive beaches and lack of man-made constructions. In Culatra you will find an old fashioned fishing village on the islands, and on Barreta only one restaurant.

As these are islands formed of sand dunes please walk on the wooden boardwalks to help protect the dunes and their fragile eco system.

If you choose to visit Faro beach keep in mind that it is faster and easier to take a ferry boat over as the beach is very popular and although access is possible via the bridge, parking is difficult during the summer months.

There is a wide range of boat tours and experiences for all tastes and levels of relaxation, whether you are looking for a romantic escape for 2, a BBQ cruise, visits to the islands or the chance to see dolphins you can be sure of a great boat trip from Faro.

If you need assistance with getting to the boat, just let us know when booking your boat trip and we’ll be able to help arrange transport.

Please note to avoid disappointment advance booking is essential for all boat trips.

In the unlikely event we need to cancel your trip, for example due to bad weather or mechanical problems, you can choose either a full refund or an alternative date to re-book. Guaranteed!

If you need help choosing just Contact Us and we'll be happy to help!

To see boat trips in ALL our great locations in the Algarve click here.