3 Hour
Daily Tour
12 people
English, Français, Portuguese, Spanish
Embark on an unforgettable boat trip through the Ria Formosa Natural Park, one of Portugal’s most stunning and protected natural wonders.
Cruise the calm lagoon waters, explore two beautiful islands, and experience the peaceful charm of the Algarve’s most iconic ecosystem. 🌿
This 3-hour tour offers the perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation. Ideal for couples, families, or small groups looking to discover the hidden side of the Algarve.
✔ Explore Two Stunning Islands – Visit Culatra Island and either Armona Island or Praia Deserta (summer only).
✔ Expert Local Guide – Learn about the islands’ traditions, wildlife, and the Ria Formosa ecosystem.
✔ Calm & Relaxing Ride – No seasickness! The tour sails only inside the lagoon.
✔ Small Group Experience – Enjoy a personal, friendly atmosphere aboard our comfortable boat.
✔ Perfect for Nature Lovers – Spot seabirds, shellfish farms, and the park’s unique flora and fauna.
⛵ Departure from Marina de Olhão
Meet your friendly captain and board our modern, comfortable boat. As you cruise through the calm lagoon channels, your guide will share stories about the Ria Formosa Natural Park, its wildlife, and its fishing traditions.
🏝️ Stop 1: Culatra Island (Approx. 1 Hour)
Step ashore at Culatra Island, a charming fishing community of around 1,000 residents where time moves slowly.
During your visit, you can:
Stroll through sandy streets lined with colorful houses 🌺
Visit the local church and small shops 🏡
Sample delicious fresh seafood in a local restaurant 🍽️
Learn about the Culatra 2030 sustainability project, which is transforming the island into an eco-friendly energy community 🌞
📸 Don’t miss the views of the harbor and the village’s authentic fishing boats.
☀️ Stop 2: Armona Island or Praia Deserta (Approx. 45 min–1 hour)
Depending on the season, your second stop will be one of these paradise spots:
🌴 Armona Island (Spring, Autumn & Winter)
Walk along its quiet sandy beaches or charming narrow streets
Admire the gardens and seaside cafés
Relax on the beach and enjoy panoramic views of the Ria Formosa lagoon
🏖️ Praia Deserta (Summer Only)
Discover a remote stretch of golden sand and turquoise water
Swim in crystal-clear sea, away from the crowds
Enjoy pure peace and the wild beauty of this untouched beach
🌅 Both locations offer a perfect setting to relax, swim, or take incredible photos.
As you sail between the islands, your captain will share fascinating insights about:
The local marine life and bird species 🐦
Traditional fishing and shellfish farming 🦀
The importance of the lagoon as a natural reserve and bird sanctuary 🌾
This is a smooth and educational cruise that combines relaxation with authentic Algarve culture.
✔ Comfortable clothes suitable for the weather
✔ Sunscreen & hat for sun protection
✔ Swimsuit (in summer)
✔ Towel
✔ Camera or phone for photos 📸
The order of stops may change depending on tides and weather 🌤️
Not recommended for pregnant individuals or people with reduced mobility
You can bring your own lunch or eat at a local restaurant
Arrive 15–20 minutes early at the meeting point
Choose between shared or private tour options
🏝️ Explore authentic Algarve islands far from the crowds
🐚 Learn about fishing traditions and local life
🌅 Enjoy a smooth, scenic cruise inside the lagoon
👨👩👧 Perfect for families, couples, and nature lovers
Discover a side of the Algarve that few get to see: peaceful, authentic, and full of natural beauty.
Don’t forget to always check the weather for that day, before booking your tour. See all our other tours here.
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.
Top Quality
We only work with the best quality companies across the Algarve
Small Groups
This activity is done in small groups, usually up to 11 people per boat
Customer Service
Speak to our team quickly via Whatsapp, call or email and we will answer any questions you have about this activity as quickly as possible
Local Agents
Our local agents will advise you in the best way possible to find best options for you
Member Since 2023
Contact our local team via WhatsApp or E-mail for exclusive discounts on all tours and waterparks in Algarve – even for small groups or multi-tour bookings! We’ll recommend the best local companies and help you save more.
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Peaceful and stunning – a perfect day on the water