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FaroWater activities

Our most recommended Faro Water activities

Faro: Ria Formosa Faro Islands Catamaran Tour

1. Faro: Ria Formosa Faro Islands Catamaran Tour

Sail to the beautiful Ria Formosa Natural Park by catamaran, with regular departures scheduled from Faro. The journey follows the Ria Formosa channels and includes stops at the magical islands of Farol and Deserta. See the imposing Santa Maria Lighthouse in Farol and enjoy time to explore and try island cuisine. In Deserta, admire the rolling dunes and unique landscapes. Look out for unique flora and fauna, including the chameleon. Enjoy plenty of swimming opportunities on both islands, with secluded beaches and pristine shores. On board, learn about the islands and the park with insightful commentary from your guide in various languages.

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

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

Begin your island-hopping trip with your captain who will act as your tour guide. First, stop at Lighthouse Island, where you can visit its village, get a drink, go to the beach, and explore the neighborhoods of beautiful houses. Continue on to Culatra Island for a few hours for a picnic lunch or visit one of the local restaurants. Culatra Island has beautiful swimming areas, if you prefer to play in the water instead of eating here. Stop on the island for 2 hours to enjoy lunch and to explore the village. Next, make your way to Armona Island or Desert beach , depending on the season. In the summertime, Deserta beach hosts a beautiful, wild beach with no buildings. Explore either the Ria Formosa for a swim, or take in the Atlantic Ocean side of the island. The beautiful Armona Island is inhabited all year-long with locals and vacationers. Discover its deserted beach and take in the tranquil surroundings.

From Faro: Benagil Cave Adventure Tour and More

3. From Faro: Benagil Cave Adventure Tour and More

Discover the beauty of Algarve with our guided day trip, where you'll visit some amazing places and have exciting experiences. 1. Benagil Cave - Nature's Wonder Our journey kicks off at Benagil Cave, a natural wonder you won't want to miss. Your guide will show you the way and share interesting facts about the area. 2. 7 Hanging Valleys Trail - Breathtaking Views Next, we'll explore the 7 Hanging Valleys Trail, where nature unfolds its beauty before your eyes. Stroll along the path and be treated to awe-inspiring views and towering cliffs that will take your breath away. Marinha Beach - Relax in Paradise After our trail adventure, we'll make our way to Marinha Beach, a true paradise on the Algarve coast. Here, you can unwind, sunbathe, and dip your toes in the clear blue waters. Feel the soft golden sands beneath your feet and soak in the serene surroundings. It's the perfect time to relax and recharge for the rest of our journey. 3. Algar Seco Caves - Hidden Gems Our adventure continues with a visit to Algar Seco Caves, known for their unique beauty. One of the highlights is the Boneca Cave, offering breathtaking sea views that will leave you in awe. 4. Cliff Jumping - Thrills Await The tour wraps up with an adrenaline-pumping cliff jumping experience at Algar Seco. Get ready for an exhilarating plunge into crystal-clear waters. After this fantastic adventure, we'll return to Faro, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your Algarve tour.

From Faro: Ria Formosa Hop-On Hop-Off Island Tour

4. From Faro: Ria Formosa Hop-On Hop-Off Island Tour

Discover 3 of Ria Formosa's barrier islands and admire the wonderful world of the fauna and flora of this part of the Algarve coast. Travel by hop-on hop-off boat and enjoy the flexibility to choose the time you want to spend at each of the islands. A professional team of boat skippers will be here to guide you and provide all the necessary information ensuring you'll have a pleasant and enjoyable stay. With regular departures scheduled from the pier in Faro, aboard a speedboat or ferry boat heading in direction of Desert Island which will be your first stop. Spend the day exploring the only uninhabited island and enjoy the tranquility of this peaceful place. Relax on the beach, observe the wildlife or take a walking tour to Cape Saint Mary. Swim in the ocean’s clear waters, sunbathe or enjoy a memorable meal at Estaminé during your visit to Desert Island. Next, visit Farol Island and the small village of Farol. Take a stroll along the sea wall, visit the island's namesake lighthouse or enjoy a drink at one of the beach bars. On the last stop of the tour, visit the small fishing village of Culatra Island. During low tide, observe the oyster farms that are exported internationally. Visit the church and school, meet the locals, and observe traditional fishing gear before heading back to Faro.

From Faro: 4 Stops, 3 Islands in Ria Formosa Catamaran Tour

5. From Faro: 4 Stops, 3 Islands in Ria Formosa Catamaran Tour

Enjoy a catamaran tour in the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Discover its 3 islands with 4 stops included. Swim and snorkel in crystal clear waters, explore a traditional fishing village and see how oysters are farmed. Start your tour by crossing the channels of the Ria Formosa to observe the seabirds feeding on the edges of the marshes. Enjoy your first stop for 45 minutes at Ilha Deserta and swim and snorkel in the crystalline waters. Then, head to the next stop, Ilha do Farol for another 45 minutes to discover the lighthouse and take pictures of the typical Algarve houses around it. Sail towards Ilha da Culatra for the third stop, a fishing community, for 2 hours of free time. Enjoy the option to have lunch at a traditional restaurant on the island where the main course varies between fresh fish and seafood. Finally, make your last stop where you can observe oyster farming in the Hangars. Admire the tide changes at the Ria Formosa.

Olhão: Ria Formosa Boat Cruise

6. Olhão: Ria Formosa Boat Cruise

Set sail from the port of Olhão and travel through the Ria Formosa National Park. Discover beautiful scenery and rich biodiversity with your expert crew. Learn more about the national park and local culture with your expert captain. Cruise by marshes, barrier islands, islets, dunes, and sand bars which are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. Spot local birds, marine life, and beds of clams and oysters during low tide. Stop at Culatra Island where 1000 people live and no cars are allowed; experience this European sustainability project that will be completed by 2030. Then, visit Armona Island and enjoy the serenity of a tranquil location accessible only by boat. While there, enjoy some time to explore the island or for a swim and take amazing photos

Algarve Coast: Dolphin Watching & Cave Tour

7. Algarve Coast: Dolphin Watching & Cave Tour

Explore the Algarve coast which is legendary for pirate adventures and pristine beaches. Cruise along the coast between Albufeira Marina and Carvoeiro beach on a luxury boat that offers you the chance to swim, relax, and maybe even see a dolphin or two. Begin with a relaxing ride through the caves and rock formations that make this landscape so unique. Stop for swim in a stunning location with stunning views. Head out to sea in your search for the playful dolphins who call these waters home. Enjoy sailing along in comfortable vessel that is ideal looking for dolphins. Learn facinating facts about these majestic animals from your guide. Return to the meeting point at the end of your tour.

Faro: Deserta Island and Farol Island Catamaran Boat Trip

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

When you’re in Portugal make sure to experience this exciting catamaran boat to Deserta and Farol islands that will take you through the spectacular nature of the Ria Formosa. Come see why this region was elected one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal. Depart from the Marina of Faro sailing slowly through the channels of the Ria Formosa to fully enjoy the beautiful landscape. Along the tour you will see birds like the Grey Heron, the White Stork and many other birds that use this area as a feeding habitat. As you approach the islands and beaches you see the lighthouse of Culatra Island where you make our first stop. Looking around, one can observe the hard work of the people in the oyster and clam farms. A closer look towards the coastline and you will notice the market of the city of Olhão - an important fishing town. And off toward the ocean you can glimpse one of the most important sea entrances of the Ria Formosa. The next stop is Farol Island. 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. Leave the Farol Island and make your second stop at Deserta Island. This island is also known as Barreta Island. Here lies the most southern point of Portugal - the Santa Maria Cape. In this second stop you can choose to explore the fauna and flora of the island by an easy walk or simply enjoy the sunshine and bathe in the clear waters of the beach.

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

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

Ria Formosa is a place of extreme nature, with an environment that is always different at every hour of the day. This is due largely to the fact that the sea level rises and falls about 3 meters every 6 hours. Whilst there, you will discover a complete self-regenerating ecosystem, which allows a part of the local population to develop fishing and shellfish production. This provides all of the ingredients for the varied diets of the migratory birds that continue returning to this area year after year. Watch the hunting of predatory birds, or enter into a maze of canals where the only thing that you will hear is the sound of the birds calling and their interactions with one another. At the conclusion of your tour, you will return by boat to your tour's point of origin.

Olhão: 4-Hour Ria Formosa Islands Tour

10. Olhão: 4-Hour Ria Formosa Islands Tour

Navigate the waterways between the barrier islands of Ria Formosa off the coast of Olhão and discover a paradise of nature. Enjoy great views of the Farol Bar and Santa Maria Lighthouse on Farol Island. Stop for lunch in the fishing village of Culatra, home to about 1,000 residents with shops, a school, church, medical office, and even its own football pitch. Savor the local fresh fish at a typical restaurant or go for a nice picnic on the beach. Continue to Armona Bay and island, where you will stop for another 30 minutes to appreciate the nature. Return to Olhão, passing close to several tuna factories and the fishing harbor. See a larger area of Ria Formosa than most other tours, and benefit from the expert knowledge of your skipper to learn about the flora and fauna.

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What people are saying about Faro

The communication was perfect. The night before I was contacted by WA and all details were sent through it. Meeting point, photo with it, everything necessary to have a stress free preparation. When we arrived, a bit late, the skipper was waiting for us. His name is William, a great character with a lot of experience sailing the region. Every minute it was safe and although we booked 4 hours we were in total 5 hours on the journey. 3 islands, great info/food! I recommend these guys! Really local and good value!

Miguel was knowledgeable, entertaining and ensured that all of us had a great time. The duration of the tour is perfect and we had a pretty awesome experience watching the sun sets towards the end of the boat tour which completes the icing on the cake. Would love to go on this tour again if I’m ever at Faro.

The tour with William was excellent. We enjoyed learning about the Ria Formosa and clam and oyster farming, and exploring a few islands. There was plenty of time to wander, enjoy the beaches and relax. The fresh fish lunch was excellent. Highly recommend.

We had a lovely time. The skipper and the rest of the staff were helpful and super friendly. Highly recommend it.

The guide Miguel was excellent. The boat was comfortable and nice. The tour was well planned and managed