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3-Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa on Olhão Algarve

Recommended by 94% of travelers
Faro, Portugal
Great choice
5+ bookings last month.
  • 3 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

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.
  • Go on a boat tour of Ria Formosa and stop at Culatra Island
  • A skipper gives you a detailed description of the area and its history
  • Stop on a desert island to walk on the white-sand beaches
  • Time is built into this Olhao Algarve boat tour for swimming

What's Included

  • Skipper
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • Sabino Boat Tours
    Av. 5 de Outubro, Cais T, Jardim Patrão Joaquim Lopes, 8700-302 Olhão, Portugal

    Meet at Jardim Patrão Joaquim Lopes, Av. 5 de Outubro, Cais T, 8700-302 Olhão Arrive 15 minutes before the activity starts. Meeting point at Sabino Boat Tours kiosk (Cais T side)

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

1

Ria Formosa Natural Park

2 hours Admission Ticket Free

2

Ilha da Culatra

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

3

Ilha Do Farol

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infant seats available
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Anita_A
Sabino tour was the best thing we did in our holiday. Joao was our guide and he was very informative, friendly and great fun. The boat was amazing as the front opened up so Joao could literally dock on the beach it was such an experience. This was a great trip. Thanks Sabino and the amazing Joao

Reviews

4.8
based on 144 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Absolutely amazing trip

Anita_A, Oct 2024
Sabino tour was the best thing we did in our holiday. Joao was our guide and he was very informative, friendly and great fun. The boat was amazing as the front opened up so Joao could literally dock on the beach it was such an experience. This was a great trip. Thanks Sabino and the amazing Joao

Response from Host, Oct 2024

The title says it all "Absolutely amazing trip". I'm so happy to read this. Thank you for your review and evaluation. We are all glad to know you enjoyed your tour. Skipper João is a great skipper and thanks you for your kind words. Hope you visit us again some day. Best wishes, Carla Sabino

Ria Formosa is a top site, pick your tour carefully

Marlee_B, May 2024
The Ria Formosa is a beautiful spot. We enjoyed the pontoon boat ride and the commentary by the captain. However, we'd have preferred more time exploring the natural life (birds, etc). Only saw common terns. 1.5 hours for "exploring and dining" in fisherman village wasn't that interesting.

Response from Host, May 2024

Thank you for your review and evaluation. We are all glad you enjoyed the boat ride and the skippers explanation about the Ria Formosa. It is a good topic to talk about when you say you expected more of the nature. A very important think is choosing the low tide to make nature tours. With the low tide all the shellfish farms are out of the water and you get to see the birds feeding on the bangs of the shellfish farms of clams and oysters. That´s why is always important to get in contact with us first to ask about the low tide timings. That way you can book your tour at the right day and hour of the tide. The timings of the tides change everyday. Next time you want to visit us please let us know you are interested on the low tide tours. In name of all the team we wish you a rest of a good vacation. Best regards, Carla Sabino

Not the tour we expected.

Kari_E, Apr 2023
We enjoyed the stops at the beach and the fishing village, but this isn’t really a tour. It’s more of a glorified water taxi that’s on a 3 hr schedule. The driver was kind and lovely, and we enjoyed our trip, but we expected more of a tour of the natural park.

Response from Host, May 2023

Thank you for your review and evaluation. Sorry, that you didn't enjoy the 3 hour tour. We always try to give our best. I'm sad to read that you didn't like it and compare us to a taxi. It's a 3 hour tour with 2 stops. You made this tour on a high tide level. It's not the best way to get to see the Ria Formosa. I understand the disappointment. The low tide is really the best time. If you ever book another tour in the Ria Formosa try to book it on a low tide you will see the difference. Wish you a lovely vacation. Best regards, Carla Sabino

Wonderful Boat Trip

Mark_A, Aug 2022
Joao was an excellent, very well-informed tour guide and skipper. Lots of fun had by all the family and some chill time relaxing on one of the islands

Response from Host, Aug 2022

Thank you for your review and evaluation. It's important to maintain our good rates. We are all happy to know you and your family enjoyed so much. Wish you all happy vacation and more good memories. Regards, Carla Sabino

Beautiful islands and beaches!

Cecile_T, Aug 2021
The pontoon boat was shaded and comfortable . With only 9 on board, we had space to move about. The captain very knowledgeable and informed us of birds, octupus fishing, oyster farming and tidal waves. We had 45 minutes to swim on an incredible beach, Was great experience and will use this first class service again !

Response from Host, Aug 2021

Thank you for taking your time to leave us this review. We are all so happy to know that you and your family enjoyed the tour. The Ria Formosa is a real pearl. Wonderful place to visit and enjoy. Hope you visit us again. Best regards, Carla Sabino

More island visit than Ria Formosa

Silke_F, Oct 2025
Our guide was super nice and told exciting things about the region. But beware, we were on the island for over 2 hours and did not look at any birds. So if you want to see something of the Ria Formosa, you should choose another tour
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Response from Host, Oct 2025

Thank you for your review and evaluation. I understand the désappointement of not seeing any bird on the island, but I can explain. The birds are not on the islands the birds are on the Ria Formosa secondary channels and are eating on the margins of the shellfish farms when the tide is low. For a bird watching tour we have to have two important details. Low tide and no wind. This 3 hour tour was not a bird watching tour. I advice everyone if you want a bird watching tour contact us to get the details and book you on a specific tour. I'm glad you liked the tour and that this subject about birds was mentioned. This way we can clarify everyone. Have a nice stay. Best wishes, Carla Sabino

Belle croisière sur la ria Formosa.

Agns_D, Sep 2024
L'accueil au stand, et de notre capitaine Ricardo, ses efforts pour parler français, ses explications, les deux haltes sont agréables, juste dommage que l'on n'est pas accosté sur une autre ile, et nous serions restés un peu moins longtemps sur l'Ilha deserta qui a servi surtout à se baigner.

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Merci pour votre avis et votre évaluation. Nous sommes heureux de savoir que vous avez apprécié la visite. Le skipper Ricardo et Maria la vendeuse vous remercient. La Ria Formosa est également la star de la visite. C'est un endroit magnifique et paisible. J'espère que vous nous rendrez visite à nouveau. Cordialement, Carla Sabino

Une super balade

Bruno_E, Jun 2024
3h qui passent très vite Joao notre guide nous a donné pleins d informations lors de notre parcours. A refaire

Response from Host, Jun 2024

Merci pour votre avis et votre évaluation. Nous sommes tous heureux que vous ayez apprécié votre visite. Appréciez le titre de "Une super balade". J'espère que vous nous rendrez visite à nouveau. Salutations, Carla Sabino

Merci à Ricardo de nous...

Edith_D, May 2024
Merci à Ricardo de nous avoir donner les explications en français, merci pour l'effort et la gentillesse

Response from Host, May 2024

Merci pour votre avis et votre évaluation. Nous sommes tous heureux que vous ayez apprécié les explications. Le skipper Ricardo vous remercie pour vos aimables paroles. Bonnes vacances. Cordialement, Carla Sabino

Olhao a tout pour plaire

Manon_D, Apr 2024
Notre capitaine J très sympa et généreux en explications pertinentes. Belles découvertes, beaux paysages et très instructif.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Merci beaucoup pour votre avis et votre évaluation. Nous sommes tous heureux de savoir que vous et votre famille avez apprécié la visite. Le skipper vous remercie pour vos aimables paroles. J'espère que vous nous rendrez visite à nouveau. Cordialement, Carla Sabino

100% recomendable

AnaMaria_F, Sep 2023
Nuestro capitán era encantador, el paseo en barco fenomenal y la parada en la playa fue genial, con tiempo libre para disfrutar de ambas islas 100% recomendable

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Obrigada Ana Maria pelo seu comentário e avaliação. Ficamos todos contentes em saber que gostou do nosso passeio de 3 horas. O skipper agradece o seu comentário. Obrigada pela recomendação. Cumprimentos, Carla Sabino

Disfrutandolo

Javier_B, Aug 2023
Gran profesional el guia y buena persona.barcos amplios y limpios.Facilidad de compartirlo con nuestra. mascota

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Olá Javier, Obrigada pelo seu comentário e avaliação. Ficamos todos contentes que tenha gostado do vosso passeio. Muito obrigada. Sinceros cumprimentos, Carla Sabino

Vale muito a pena, recomendo!

Filipa_S, Jul 2022
Passeio muito giro e muito interessante. Barco impecável, skipper fantástico, recomendo vivamente. Parabéns e muito sucesso!!

Response from Host, Jul 2022

Olá, Obrigada por nos deixar este comentário e avaliação. Ficamos contentes em saber que gostou do passeio. Obrigada pela recomendação. Cumprimentos, Carla Sabino

Super promenade en bateau, avec un guide local génial et passionné.

Mlodie_S, Aug 2021
Super promenade en bateau, avec un guide local génial et passionné. La prise en charge a été rapide. Nous avons pu nous promener/baigner pendant 40 min sur la plage la plus au sud et cela était incroyablement jolie. Un grand merci à notre guide pour toutes ces explications!

Response from Host, Aug 2021

Merci de nous avoir écrit cet avis. Nous sommes tous heureux que vous ayez apprécié la visite et la Ria formosa. Surtout la plage déserte. C'est le paradis. Meilleures salutations, Carla Sabino

Estupenda

Toi_P, Aug 2020
Me encanto la excursión, el patrón Joao es muy profesional, amable y simpático nos explicó todo súper bien y nos llevo a sitios preciosos. Muy muy recomendable.

Response from Host, Aug 2020

Muito obrigada por nos deixar este comentário. Ficamos todos muito satisfeitos em saber que gostou muito do passeio. O skipper a João agradece. Obrigada pela sua recomendação. cumprimentos, Carla Sabino

From $41.97

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

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On average, this is booked 9 days in advance.

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