2 Hour 30 Minutes
Daily Tour
12 people
English, Français, Portuguese, Spanish
Experienced by Get Your Ticket. Recommended as a 5⭐ Sunset Nature Experience.
Ages: All ages | Duration: Half day
Enjoy a unique sunset boat trip through the Ria Formosa Natural Park, one of Portugal’s most beautiful protected coastal areas. This small-group experience (up to 18 people) includes stops at Culatra Island and Ilha da Armona (or Praia Deserta during summer), combining island life, peaceful beaches and the magic of sunset over the lagoon. Your guide will explain the Ria Formosa, local traditions and island life throughout the journey, while the calm waters inside the lagoon ensure a smooth and comfortable trip.
Special tip ❤️: Sunset in the Ria Formosa creates incredible colours reflected on the water. It is one of the most beautiful moments of the day.
Tour Stops
First stop: Culatra Island (45 minutes)
Visit Culatra Island, a traditional fishing community where around 1,000 people live all year round. Walk through the village, discover local life, small cafés, handicraft shops and the island’s authentic atmosphere. You may also find local pastries and traditional products during your visit.
Second stop: Praia Deserta or Ilha da Armona (30 to 45 minutes)
During summer: stop at Praia Deserta
During windy / cold days or winter: stop at Ilha da Armona
At Praia Deserta, enjoy golden sand, crystal-clear water and one of the quietest beaches in the Algarve, only accessible by boat. On Armona, explore a charming island with flowers, gardens, local cafés and peaceful coastal views.
Sunset Experience
On the return journey, admire the sunset over the Ria Formosa, where orange, pink, red and yellow colours reflect beautifully across the calm lagoon waters. The islands create a perfect panoramic setting for one of the most memorable moments of the tour.
The order of stops may change depending on weather and tides
Not recommended for pregnant individuals or people with reduced mobility
Arrive 15 minutes before departure to check in
We recommend always speaking to us before booking the tour, so we can organize the best possible route and see what you would really like to do.
Our tours are subject to weather and sea conditions. In the event of unfavorable weather conditions, we will contact you to reschedule or provide a refund. Additionally, the company reserves the right to cancel a trip if it does not reach the minimum number of passengers. Customers will receive a full refund in such cases.
We do not refund customer cancellations less than 24 hours prior to departure. For cancellations of customers with more than 24 hours before departure, we refund the amount in full.
This activity can be conditioned by the weather and conditions of the sea. We can, in case of bad weather or uncomfortable sea conditions, cancel the trip by fully refunding the amount paid or rebooking the trip to another time.
No, it is very unlikely to get seasick on this tour. The boat cruises through the Ria Formosa which, thanks to the surrounding barrier Islands, is protected from high winds, keeping the water calm.
No food/lunch is not included in the price of this trip. Please remember that the stop is only 45 minutes long and there may not be enough time for large meals. However, there are cafés/bakeries on Culatra Island where you can get a small snack.
Our boats are equipped to fit 11 or 18 people on board. We usually organize the group tours by language. This allows us to have a maximum of 2 languages spoken per tour.
Yes, usually it is possible to pay with card. However, we still strongly advise you to bring some cash, just incase. Please note that there are no ATM's on the islands, so money should be withdrawn before the tour.
Yes, thanks to the calm waters this tour is safe. Your safety is our top priority. If weather conditions seem to dangerous, we will either offer you a refund or the chance to reschedule your trip. Please note that this tour is not recommended for anyone who is over three months pregnant.
Generally, the tour is safe for all ages to partake in. Individuals with reduced mobility are able to join the tour, as long as they are able to climb the stairs of the island quays, and can get off/on the boat. Please note that this tour is not recommended for individuals that are 3+ months pregnant.
Yes, we usually recommend booking the tour in advance. In the summer time/high season, it is recommended to book 1-2 days prior to ensure that we have space for you. If you haven't booked in advance, but would like to partake, feel free to contact us on the day to see if there's any spaces left, however we are unable to guarantee this.
We normally recommend going out at low tide. During low tide you have the best chances of seeing the nurseries, sandbanks and more nature. However, the excursion can be carried out during all tide levels and is still worth doing even during high tide.
We recommend wearing comfortable clothes. In addition to this, we suggest bringing a towel, flipflops, sunscreen, water and money. If you want to go for a swim, don't forget your swimming costume! Also remember to charge your phone/camera so you can capture the Ria Formosa's beauty!