About this experience
Feel free to explore the Ria Formosa’s barrier islands at your own pace. Departing from Faro, you can take the boat circuit to the islands of the Natural Park, and you have freedom to travel between them, on the available schedules. The ticket is valid for 24 hours on all trips until you return to Faro.
How does the Hop On Hop Off Islands work?
We have multiple scheduled pickup times in the three islands (hourly), giving you the flexibility to visit them all, choosing the time you want to spend on each one. Our boat skippers will be there to guide you and provide all the information you need during your journey.
You can depart from Faro, spend the day exploring and traveling between the islands, and choose your return time.
At a glance
- Duration: 2 hr–24 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 2 hr–24 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is included
- All Fees and Taxes
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Itinerary and highlights
Ilha Deserta is one of the 5 barrier islands in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, and the only uninhabited.
The shape of Deserta looks like an arrow pointing south, between the Atlantic Ocean and Ria Formosa. The island has been kept pristine for many years, and today still surprises. From birds, to plants and flowers, crustacean, chameleons and others still to be found, Ilha Deserta is a hotspot of biodiversity.
On island you'll find Estaminé Restaurant surrounded by the tranquility, it offers an authentic gastronomy experience, a quality service and spectacular panoramic views.
Ilha do Farol gets the name from the iconic lighthouse 'Santa Maria'. It is a mark among fisherman as safe haven and it has a small community on holidays and weekends.
Culatra is the only island with residency all year long. The highlights is the fisherman port, church, island school and community itself.
To reach the beach it requires a 30 minute walk.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- French — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Animaris Ilha Deserta
Accessibility and practical details
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
Service animals allowed
What is the cancellation policy?
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