Faro to Ilha Deserta: Guided Ria Formosa Eco Tour by Marine Biologist
4.9
79 Ratings
Faro
Embark on a guided eco tour from Faro to Ilha Deserta, led by a marine biologist. Explore the biodiversity of Ria Formosa Natural Park, discover the history of Faro, and indulge in birdwatching. Visit the deserted island of Ilha Deserta and enjoy its pristine beaches and authentic Algarvian cuisine. Book your adventure today!
Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Animaris Ilha Deserta Boat Tours - A Desert Island - The Perfect Getaway

Ilha Deserta, also known as Barreta, is the only uninhabited island of Ria Formosa.

Animaris offers a portfolio of memorable experiences, with Ria Formosa Natural Park as its stage, and destination to Algarve’s hidden gem - Ilha Deserta.

Visit us and discover a unique Paradise!

What's Included
  • Return on ferry
  • All taxes, fees, and handling charges
  • Experienced guide
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information

Join our Eco Tour for a captivating exploration of the intricate waterways of Ria Formosa Natural Park, starting from Faro and ending at Ilha Deserta. Our experienced guide will share fascinating insights about the diverse local wildlife, traditional regional practices, Faro’s rich history, the natural park’s appealing barrier islands, and the intriguing world of birdwatching. The park houses over 300 bird species, including several rare ones and globally acknowledged endangered species.

Your boat trip culminates at Ilha Deserta, also known as Barreta Island, an idyllic haven set amidst pristine, dune-covered beaches. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure on the island: take a stroll along the beach, hike to Portugal’s southernmost tip, or savor authentic algarvian cuisine at the Estaminé restaurant.

Your return by Ferry is included, with the timing adjustable subject to availability. This service is offered daily throughout the year.

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Location
Cais das Portas do Mar
Rua da Porta Nova
Also known as Cais da Porta Nova. Find our team dressed in yellow shirts :)
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(79 Ratings)
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Sheilara3414wh
Feb 19, 2024
Highly recommended boat trip. - Fantastic trip! Our tour guide Manuel was great, really knowledgeable and passionate about the local wildlife and environment. We watched Osprey hunting, Spoonbills scooping up their food and Cormorants skillfully manoeuvring Scorpion fish into their beaks so as to avoid the poison. Manuel told us about the large population of Seahorses in Ria Formosa and answered all our questions. He also told us a lot about Faro's history and how the Portuguese language has evolved. Amazing trip, really recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
11669faq
Feb 6, 2024
The stops for bird watching and Joaquin's explanations. - The visit was excellent despite the day. It was NOT very sunny and a little cold. The explanations that the guide (Joaquin) gave us were very good and informative. He kindly answered all our questions. The walk is recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
434ameliav
Jan 15, 2024
A Delightful Excursion - Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and a great captain to boot. We learned so much about the birds and the ecology of the lagoon. We had a wonderful time and would totally take this tour again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
884elainee
Jan 15, 2024
Very informative and interesting trip - An excellent trip where we saw a good variety of bird life. Thomas, the guide, was very engaging and so passionate about the area. Really good value for money and would definitely recommend if you are in Faro.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bethanc241
Dec 11, 2023
A guided journey - Such an amazing boat experience to understand the importance and beauty of all there is in the Rio Formosa. Our guide Jokin was intelligent, kind and approachable. He was very enthusiastic about the marine and bird life and shared his passion with us. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Compass30959294729
Dec 6, 2023
Ria formosa, Ilha deserta Eco/hop on-hop off tour - The Ecotour to Ilha deserta was very interesting. Nice bird watching. Thomas, the guide, gave remarkably interesting explanations and information on the ecological but also social issues of coastal waters. Safe and comfortable ride. Notably appreciation to Thomas. Advice: take the hop on/hop off tour for 50€, so you can go on shore and explore Ilha deserta as advance to Culatra, an interesting fishermen's village. Hendrik.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K6274ouerical
Nov 25, 2023
Best eco tour ever! - Tom has been an amazing tour guide, extremely knowledgeable about the area, the marine lives, and the migratory birds. We were able to spot a wide variety of different species/birds. Tom was happy to answer all our questions and had offered many interesting facts about the ecosystem that we wouldn’t have known otherwise if we were just on a sightseeing cruise. My partner and I had a wonderful time learning about the beauty behind Ria Formosa and the conservation measures taken to protect the area. Many thanks to Tom’s hospitality and all the best wishes to his career as a marine biologist!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
20m_lissas
Oct 17, 2023
Great visit to do! - Great visit. there were only two of us on the boat. We were able to benefit from Thomas our guide, marine biologist and wetlands specialist. We thank him for everything he was able to share with us. I highly recommend taking this tour. We chose the guided tour and island tour package. The advantage of the islands is that you can choose which ones you want to visit (for our part, we chose to visit 3 islands.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dan
Oct 4, 2023
Great Tour! - Boat ride was so much fun and very educational without being too heavy. Fun experience to see the various birds and learn so much about the ecosystem. Tour guide was awesome!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fearless688742
Oct 3, 2023
Great Tour. Great Guide. - Our tour with Tom “Cruise” and Joao was FANTASTIC!! Tom is incredibly knowledgable and a great guide - Answering a wide range of questions and offering interesting bits of info. The duration of tour was perfect since the boat didn’t have a cover. Decided not to stay for lunch - only regret is that we didn’t bring a towel to stay at the beach on the deserted island. The water was spectacular there. Would recommend this tour 100%.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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