Top Faro Cruises & Sailing

The Ria Formosa flows through Portugal’s Algarve region, offering a haven for native wildlife—but exploring the lagoons without disturbing the birds isn’t easy. On this small-group tour, cruise along the Ria Formosa peacefully by eco-friendly solar-powered boat and enjoy uninterrupted views over the wetland scenery. With minimal engine noise from your solar-powered boat, spot native wildlife in its natural habitat and see the best of the Ria Formosa.

Make the most of your time exploring Ria Formosa Natural Park by traveling with a guide on this half-day excursion. While you move through the canals of Olhao, the Barrier Islands, and the bay of Armona, learn about the area’s ecosystem and history through guided commentary. Make a stop for lunch (own expense) in the tiny fishing village of Cultura, where you can get a restaurant recommendation or picnic on the beach.

Explore the rugged ‘Deserted Island’ located just off the Algarve coast. Take the ferry to the island and observe the various bird species that inhabit the area such as herons, plovers, and black-winged stilts. Soak up the sun on the white sandy beaches or go for a walk and admire the beautiful scenery before taking the ferry back to Faro.

This boat tour will show you the magnificent natural park of Ria Formosa. Travel safely in a small group, with experienced crew members to steer the boat and keep you entertained with commentary along the way. During the tour, learn about local landscapes and wildlife, discover picturesque islands such as Armona and Culatra.

Discover the local marine life around Faro, Portugal during this exciting cruise. Join a small group and set sail on the Atlantic Ocean in search of several aquatic species. Observe bottlenose and common dolphins, marine birds, bluefin tuna, and perhaps even orcas and sharks. An onboard marine biologist provides information on what you see and collects research data.

Cruise the glittering waters of Ria Formosa Natural Park on a 3-hour sailing trip from Faro. After you climb aboard a luxurious catamaran, sail to natural landmarks like Deserta Island and Farol Island and scour the scenery for sightings of exotic birds. Observe the lives of locals as you listen to history and culture-rich commentary from your guide. Receive personalized attention on this small-group tour, limited to 10 passengers.

Combine a trip to the Benagil Cave with a visit to the Marinha Beach, and check off two of the Algarve's highlights in just one trip. After traveling by road from Faro, see the famous Benagil Cave from above, peering into the cave from its famous roof. Afterward, travel onwards to Marinha Beach for ample time to swim, explore, and laze on the beach.

Discover the nature and wildlife of the Ria Formosa Natural Park on this tour from Faro. Avoid the crowds aboard an intimate catamaran, perfect for your small group. Stop first at Barreta Island, on the southernmost point in Portugal, to see its sand dunes. Then explore the Ria Formosa Natural Park with opportunities to spot various wildlife in its channels. Finish at Farol island, where you find long, sandy beaches and your choice of beach bars.

Admire the Ria Formosa Lagoon on this approximately one hour catamaran tour, where you and your private party will have the opportunity to see the marsh wildlife and have excellent views of the walls of the Old Town of Faro. No need to join a large group tour, or waste time with shared transport. This is perfect for those with not much time in Faro.

Get a different perspective on the Algarve's coastline, without disturbing the local wildlife, during this eco-friendly sunset boat ride through the Ria Formosa reserve. Join a small group and board a solar-powered boat for a ride through the marshlands, soaking up the beautiful landscapes as the sun begins to set.

Discover the Algarve at your own pace on a private tour departing from Faro. Choose between a Full-Day (8 hours) or Half-Day (6 hours) itinerary, both designed to showcase the region’s breathtaking landscapes, authentic gastronomy, and cultural highlights. Begin at the stunning Praia da Marinha, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, before exploring the charming village of Carvoeiro. Enjoy free time for lunch in local restaurants serving fresh fish, seafood, or vegetarian options, stroll along the Carvoeiro Boardwalk, admire the dramatic rock formations at Algar Seco, and visit the famous “Boneca” cave, a natural window overlooking the ocean. On the full-day option, continue to the Alfanzina Lighthouse for panoramic views of the Atlantic coastline and visit the Gruta da Boneca, perfect for photos and contemplation. ✨ Enhance your experience with an optional cruise to the Benagil caves, one of Portugal’s most iconic natural wonders.

Explore the Algarve's Ria Formosa Natural Park during your time in Faro on this half-day excursion. Join a small group and visit four of the islands in the park—Deserta, Farol, Culatra, and Hangares—via a catamaran. Spend your day swimming in the warm waters, observing local marine life with your snorkel, and learning about local village life.

The Ria Formosa Natural Park is one of Portugal's most ecologically important coastlines, and a private catamaran tour is one of the most relaxed and personal ways to explore it. With only your group aboard and a professional skipper at the helm, sail through the park's lagoon systems and barrier islands, with the flexibility to stop for a swim, step ashore to explore, or simply drift through some of the Algarve's most unspoiled scenery.

Your trip will start through the channels of the Ria Formosa Natural Park where you can observe species of sea birds and fishing activities. Arriving at Deserta island, you can walk and enjoy the Dunar flora or dive in transparent waters, then we go out to the open sea to see the Cape of Stª Maria and head to the island of Farol. , enjoy the original architecture of the island, the return to Faro will be made enjoying the surroundings of the Ria Formosa. When you reach the end of the tour, you will notice that time has passed too quickly, and that your wish would be to stay on the islands for much longer.

Sail through Formosa National Park and experience the beautiful scenery from the water. Set off from Faro on a sightseeing cruise through the channels of Ria Formosa. See the lush blue waters and intricate island formations.

Portugal is home to many awe-inspiring natural landscapes but deciding where to visit can be overwhelming and trying to see everything can be just as stressful. While traveling through Olhao, take this Ria Formosa on Olhao Algarve Boat Tour, and combine a day on the water with swimming and sunbathing, too.

Take a relaxing half-day cruise through the Ria Formosa Natural Park on this private tour from Faro. See how the park changes with the rising and lowering of the tides as your private boat travels the park’s channels. Stop at the uninhabited island of Barreta for its long sandy beach and at Farol Island to see its small village and lighthouse.

Travel smoothly and safely between the south of Portugal (Algarve) Center of Portugal (Lisbon). Take the opportunity to visit 3 different cities along the way. On this day trip, you will be able to discover several cities along your transfer from the Algarve to Lisbon. Get picked up from your hotel in the morning by one of our drivers in a comfortable vehicle. Relax and enjoy the journey without having to worry about driving. Make the stops you prefer, such as Quinta da Tôr - Near the Algarve you can visit and taste the wines at this winery. Alcácer do Sal - Alcácer do Sal is one of the oldest cities in Europe, founded before 1000 BC by the Phoenicians. Options to Stop: Setúbal, Alcácer do Sal, Grândola e Aljustrel

See wild dolphins in their natural habitat on this small-group boat trip off the Algarve coast. Begin in the quiet waters of the Ria Formosa Natural Park before venturing into the open sea as your experienced crew keeps watch for dolphins, offering commentary on their behavior and the marine ecosystem along the way. Perfect for families and nature enthusiasts alike.

See more of the Algarve in less time on this fast-paced speedboat tour through the Ria Formosa Natural Park, one of Portugal's most important coastal lagoons. Pass barrier islands and the historic Faro Old Town waterfront in a fraction of the time of a standard boat tour, with a skipper on hand to point out the highlights as you go. Join a small group of up to seven, or upgrade for a totally private experience.

This activity has been designed by a local ‘expert’, who has created a fun experience that takes you to some of the town’s highlights and the lesser-known places, away from all the tourists. The puzzles are designed to help you experience the place from a different perspective – using landmarks, murals, statues etc - and you’ll even learn some ‘fun facts’ along the way. The self-guided aspect of your activity means that you can rush through as fast as you like or stop for a drink or something to eat as you like. The app remembers your progress and even allows you to complete it another day. This activity aims to strike a fun balance between challenging puzzles, a fun outing with friends and family, and a pleasant walk around outside.

While most visitors flock to more central parts of the Algarve, the Ria Formosa Natural Park remains one of the region’s hidden gems. Experience the coastal gem at its most magical during a sunset boat tour that lets you admire the Atlantic coastline and wildlife from a fresh perspective.

Spend a day out at sea searching for dolphins and visiting the islands of Ria Formosa Nature Reserve on this full-day excursion. Join a small group and board your vessel for your journey out into the Atlantic Ocean. Stop at Farol and Deserta islands to observe their landscapes and take in the sights before heading back to Faro via a different route.