Ria Formosa Boat Tours

Ria Formosa boat tour

Our Eastern Algarve and Ria Formosa boat tours are a wonderful way to explore this beautiful and diverse coastline.

The Ria Formosa natural park covers a 60km area and is comprised of sand dune islands, marshland, saltpans and freshwater lakes. It is a haven for an astonishing variety of flora and fauna, including rare birds such as the purple gallinule.

We offer a variety of full and half day and sunset tours around the Ria Formosa and the Algarve coastline in a comfortable and stable 14 seater boat. All safety equipment is provided and the boat is also available for private charter. With the skipper’s expert local knowledge you can learn more about the history, flora and fauna of the area and enjoy typical Algarvean cuisine at the excellent, low-key restaurants that the locals favour.

The Ria Formosa Boat Tour 1: Island Exploration

On this half day boat trip you’ll discover three of the beautiful and unspoilt Ria Formosa islands: Deserta (Barreta), Culatra and Armona islands. Departing from Olhao you can just sit back and relax in the sunshine as we make our way to our first stop on Deserta island before moving onto the island of Culatra .A trip to Culatra Island like stepping back in time. There is lots to see and photograph in this traditional Portuguese fishing community and a beautiful natural bay where you can walk, swim or snorkel. Finally we sail through crystal clear shallows to the island of Armona where you can relax in a natural paradise with a refreashing drink.
This Ria Formosa tour lasts approximately 5 hours and costs € per adult, € for children up to 14 years, under 7s go free.

The Ria Formosa Boat Tour 2: An Island Lunch

This boat tour departs from Olhão at 1pm sailing to Culatra Island, where we’ll stop for lunch at a very special restaurant that caters primarily for the island’s local fishing community so you can enjoy an authentic taste of the Algarve- you won’t be disappointed! After lunch you can take a short stroll around the narrow streets of the village with Steve your guide and learn more about life in the Ria Formosa. From there its a short cruise to a deserted beach to relax, swim, snorkel, or just take in the beauty of nature. We then sail on to Armona Island where we will anchor for an hour or so to take in all the delights of this little island from the crystal waters and fantastic views to the cool beer and excellent coffee! Then you’ll sail back past the old water mill and a very small residential island (with no electricity or running water) known as Coco Island returning to Olhão just before sunset.
The price for this Ria Formosa boat tour is € for adults, € euros for 7-14 year olds and free for under 7s. Lunch is at the restaurant at your own choice and expense and restaurant prices range from approximately € to  per person.

Ria Formosa

The Ria Formosa Boat Tour 3: The Dinner & Sunset Tour

On this relaxing tour you’ll sail from Olhão to a deserted beach at the Barrinia where the sea enters the Ria Formosa Natural Park. On board you can unwind, enjoy a glass of wine and just admire the beauty of nature as the sun goes down over the Ria Formosa. The cruise to Culatra island takes approximately 40 minutes and once on the island Steve will take you to one of his favourite restaurants to enjoy the best of traditional Algarvean cuisine at locals’ prices! After dinner you’ll sail back through calm waters under moonlight and a million stars. A very romantic and memorable experience. You’ll return to Olhao for approximately 11 to 11.30pm
The price for the boat trip is € euros for adults, € euros for 7 to 14 year olds and under 7s go free, this does not include the dinner which is paid directly at the restaurant.

The Olhão and Ria Formosa Tour

Spend half a day exploring the fishing town of Olhao and learning about its history and culture from our experienced guide then enjoy lunch at a great local café before heading out to sea for our afternoon boat tour of the Ria Formosa islands.
This all day Olhão and Ria Formosa boat tour costs € for adults, € for children aged 7-14, under 7s go free.