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Duration

3 Hours

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

18 people

Languages

English, Español, Français, Português

About this tour

Join us on this unique and unforgettable experience through the Ria Formosa, one of Portugal's most beautiful and protected natural areas.

During this boat trip, you will have the opportunity to explore two stunning islands, each offering its own magic and beauty. The trip includes stops at Ilha da Armona or Praia Deserta ( Summer ) and Ilha da Culatra , providing a total immersion in the natural charm of the region.

Your guide will explain the Ria Formosa and the islands to you throughout the boat trip and will help you with everything you need. During the stops, all the clients are free, during the time stipulated by the captain. During the boat trip you won't feel seasick, as we only sail inside the Ria Formosa.

  • First Stop : Culatra Island - 1 Hour 

The journey then continues to Culatra Island, a more traditional and authentic place where time seems to stand still. With 1 hour of free time, you will have the opportunity to explore the charming fishing village, where the dirt roads are a reflection of a simple and peaceful lifestyle.

The small village on the island has a unique charm. Here you can get to know local life, visit the Culatra church and learn more about fishing, where the captain tells you a little about the history and tradition of the region's fishing community. In addition, there are simple but delicious restaurants where you can sample dishes such as clams, prawns, sardines and fresh fish caught by local fishermen. What's more, many of these places offer breathtaking views of the sea.

Culatra Island is taking important steps towards ENERGY TRANSITION and SUSTAINABILITY! With this in mind, the 'Culatra 2030 - Sustainable Energy Community' initiative has emerged as an innovative energy transition pilot project on the island of Culatra, located in the Algarve, Portugal. This project covers a number of dimensions of the green transition, such as natural resource management, energy efficiency and the promotion of renewable energies.

  • Second Stop : Ilha da Armona or Praia Deserta ( 45 Minutes to 1 Hour )

During the winter/autumn/spring we stop at Armona Island and during the summer season we stop at the deserta beach!

  • Armona Island

After disembarking on Armona Island, you will immediately be captivated by its fine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Within an hour, you can enjoy a refreshing swim, relax by the sea or walk along the island's dunes and trails, surrounded by natural vegetation. The panoramic views are breathtaking, with the turquoise sea on one side and the tranquil Ria Formosa on the other.

Armona Island is famous for its unspoiled nature and relaxed atmosphere. In winter, it maintains a peculiar calm, far from the hustle and bustle of tourism. While in summer, its deserted beaches on the Atlantic Ocean side become a perfect refuge for those seeking peace and quiet and natural beauty. Take advantage of this time to connect with the island's unique environment. Breathe in the fresh air and, if you wish, explore its small streets, where the rhythm of local life is simple and welcoming.

  • Deserted Beach

In summer, as soon as you arrive at Praia Deserta , you will immediately be enveloped by the stunning landscape of golden sand, crystal-clear waters and the natural vegetation that surrounds the coast. This beach is known for its absolute peace, far from the crowds, which makes it ideal for those looking to relax, take an invigorating dip or simply enjoy the beauty of the place. The calm, transparent water invites you to take a refreshing dip, while the fine sand is perfect for a relaxing walk by the sea.

Praia Deserta is also an ideal spot for those who like to observe nature, with its untouched vegetation and the gentle sound of waves breaking on the sand. In 1 hour, you can explore the beach, rest in the shade of the dunes or simply enjoy the secluded setting, which offers a sense of peace and connection with nature.

This stop is a unique opportunity to escape the fast pace and enjoy the pure, wild beauty of Culatra Island. Although only a short time, the tranquillity of this place will remain etched in your memory, making it one of the most memorable moments of your journey along the Ria Formosa.

What to take :
  • Suitable clothing for the weather
  • Sunscreen
  • Towel
  • Swimsuit ( in summer )
Good to know:
  • The order of the stops can be changed according to the weather and the tides!
  • During the planned stops, participants can carry out any activities they wish.
  • Choose between a shared or private tour
  • You can bring your own lunch or eat at a local restaurant.
  • Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early at the meeting point.

Don't forget to always check the weather for that day before booking your boat trip in the Ria Formosa. Contact us if you have any questions. See all our other tours here.

Highlights

  • Discover the rich biodiversity of the Ria Formosa Natural Park
  • Learn about the history of the park and its islands from your experienced captain
  • Stop at a deserta island to swim and relax
  • Choose between a shared small-group or private tour
  • Walk along the white sandy beaches and learn about this unique flora and fauna
  • Discover the beautiful deserted beaches of the islands and discover the island of Culatra
  • Travel in small groups of 11 or 18 people
  • Your guide will explain the Ria Formosa and the Islands and help you with everything you need
  • Discover magnificent beaches with white sand and crystal-clear waters, islands and communities
  • Admire the nature of the Ria Formosa and its fauna and flora
  • The gastronomy and special dishes of the island and the region
  • You'll learn more about fishing techniques, customs and traditions
  • A super complete tour to get to know the region and enjoy a wonderful boat trip

Included/Excluded

  • Boat trip
  • Boat with shade
  • Local guide fluent in 4 languages
  • First aid kit
  • Water
  • Life jacket
  • Local map of islands and birds
  • Lunch
  • Drinks

Tour Length

3h00

Group Size

0 - 11
0 - 18

Tour Type

Group Tour

Languages

English
Español
French
Portuguese

Frequently asked questions

During the boat trip you won't feel seasick, as we only sail inside the Ria Formosa, which is protected by barrier islands. 

No. Lunch is always on your own. There are several options for lunch: have lunch in one of the local restaurants (there are more than 10 on Culatra Island), buy something quick (hamburgers, pizzas) and take it to the beach or bring a picnic.

Lunch takes place on Culatra Island, where we stop for 2 hours and clients are free to choose or follow the recommendation of the captain, who can make the reservation for you if you wish.

We have boats for 11 and 18 people, where we usually organize according to languages, to have a maximum of 2 languages per boat.

Yes, in most establishments it is possible, but we always recommend taking cash with you, as there is no way to withdraw money on the islands.

Yes, this boat trip is always made through the interior of the Ria Formosa and whenever the weather conditions allow it.

You can receive a full refund up to 24 hours before the activity.

Yes, our tours always depend on the weather conditions. Contact us to find out the best day to book your tour.

All ages are welcome on the excursions. However, women who are more than three months pregnant are not allowed to take part. People with reduced mobility can also take part in the boat trip as long as they are able to move around enough to go up and down the stairs on the island quays and get on and off the boat.

Yes, preferably the day before. In the case of summer we always recommend 2 or more days, but you can always try on the day if we still have availability.

If you prefer, you can make a reservation in advance with a restaurant of your choice, or follow the captain's recommendation.

We recommend low tide to see the nurseries, sandbanks and more nature, but any tide allows us to carry out our excursion.

In winter/autumn, we recommend the morning. In summer, we recommend late afternoon to avoid the crowds and to make the day less hot.

Comfortable clothes, towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, flip-flops, money. Remember to charge your cell phone and/or camera.

Tour's Location

From: €30,00

Why book with us?

  • Small Groups

    Small Groups

    Our boats hold up to 11 and 18 people, travel in small groups

  • Excellent quality

    Excellent quality

    We offer excellent quality to our clients and have excellent skippers with years of experience and 4 languages,

  • Excellent reviews

    Excellent reviews

    More than 6000 reviews on all platforms, with an average rating of 4.9 on a scale of 1 to 5.

Owner

odysseytours

Member Since 2025

Information Contact

Email

info@odysseytours.pt

Website

www.odysseytours.pt

Phone

+351 938 555 612