Ria Formosa Island Hopping by Private Boat

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Island hopping · Ria Formosa

Ria Formosa island hopping by private boat

Visit the barrier islands of the Ria Formosa at your own pace. Each island has its own character, from the fishing village of Culatra to the lighthouse of Farol and the wild dunes of Ilha Deserta.

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25% deposit secures your date · prices include VAT

Licensed & insuredProfessional skipper and crew on every boat
25% depositPay the rest on the day
Local skipperBorn and raised on the Ria Formosa
Private boats onlyThe boat is just for your group

Available boats

Private catamaran boat from FaroCatamaran boat

Private catamaran boat from Faro

Up to 8 guests · Half day, full day or sunset

Price on request

Faro harbour (Doca de Faro)

  • Flat, stable deck with a sun canopy, made for the shallow lagoon
  • Anchor off the barrier islands and swim in clear water
  • Perfect for families, couples and small celebrations
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Prices include Portuguese VAT and are confirmed when you book. Prices are per boat, not per person.

The islands of the Ria Formosa

A private boat lets you combine the islands any way you like and stay on each beach for as long as you want.

Culatra

A car-free fishing village with seafood restaurants and a long, quiet ocean beach. The Hangares hamlet sits at its western end.

Farol

Ilha do Farol has a 19th-century lighthouse, holiday cottages and beautiful beaches on both the lagoon and ocean sides.

Armona

Closest to Olhão, with calm, shallow water on the lagoon side that’s perfect for children.

Ilha Deserta

Seven kilometres of empty beach and dunes, with a boardwalk and one restaurant. It’s the most unspoilt island in the lagoon.

Book online, pay a 25% deposit to secure your boat

  1. 1

    Choose your boat

    Pick your boat, date, time and group size, and send us your booking by WhatsApp or email in under a minute.

  2. 2

    Pay the deposit

    We confirm availability and send you a secure card payment link for the deposit.

  3. 3

    Step aboard

    Meet your skipper in Olhão or at Faro harbour and pay the rest on the day.

Other private boat trips in the Ria Formosa

Our own fleet in Vilamoura

Elite yachts 25 minutes from Faro

Elite Yacht Charters runs its own fleet from Vilamoura Marina: Sunseeker, Fairline, Azimut and a catamaran, for the Algarve coast, Benagil caves and sunset cruises.

See the Vilamoura fleet

Ria Formosa private boat tour FAQ

How many islands can we visit in a day?

Two islands fit comfortably into 3 hours. With 4 to 6 hours you can visit Culatra, Farol, Armona and Deserta with lunch.

Is the water calm?

Yes. The lagoon side is sheltered and shallow. The ocean beaches have small waves on most summer days.

Where do the boats leave from?

The island boats leave from Olhão waterfront and the catamaran and RIB from Doca de Faro, in Faro city centre. We send you the exact meeting point when your booking is confirmed. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure.

How does the 25% deposit work?

Choose your boat, date and time and send us the booking by WhatsApp or email. We confirm availability and send you a secure link to pay the deposit. You pay the rest on the day.

What is the cancellation policy?

It depends on the boat and is confirmed before you pay. If the skipper cancels because of the weather or sea conditions, you can move your date or get your deposit back.

Do prices include VAT?

Yes. All prices shown include Portuguese VAT and are per boat, not per person. They are confirmed when you book.

Do I need a boat licence?

No. Every boat comes with a professional skipper, and fuel and insurance are included.

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