Private Catamaran Boat Tour - Ria Formosa

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Let us take you, your family and friends on a wonderful boat tour in the Ria Formosa Natural Park on our gorgeous and sheltered Catamaran Lagoon 400. We will take you to the best desert beaches and some of the best secret spots, while you enjoy all the luxury aboard our boats. Trips are in the Ria Formosa Natural Park with departure from Faro. Ria Formosa Natural Park provides the most pleasant boat experience with the most beautiful views in Algarve and the best and large sheltered water plan to rest and to forget about your daily routine.

   8 h

2. The Ria Formosa lagoon, located in the Algarve, in southern Portugal, is a system of barrier islands that communicates with the sea through six inlets. Five of these inlets are natural and have mobility characteristics. The sixth is an artificial inlet that was opened with the purpose of allowing easier access to the port of Faro. Within the Ria Formosa system, different and sometimes antagonistic uses may be found. Part of the system is a Natural Park but Ria Formosa also plays an important role in the region's economy. Beyond the tourist use the system also supports other economic activities like seafood farms (including grooved carpet shell harvesting) and the port of Faro. The Ria Formosa is also a designated Natural Park of over 170 km² and a stopping place for hundreds of different birds during the spring and autumn migratory periods.

   Passes by

3. Ilha Deserta (also known as Ilha da Barreta) is an island near Faro. Literally, Ilha Deserta means Deserted Island. This pretty much describes the island, since there are no people who live on this island permanently. The island is famous for its beautiful beach and unspoiled nature. It is truly a paradise in the Algarve.

   Passes by

4. Ilha do Farol is one of the barrier islands that form the Ria Formosa. This island which used to be a fisherman's village, today is a small touristic place where you can find a couple of bars and restaurants to have a drink or a full meal.

   Passes by

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 25 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Showing reviews written in English.

• 5Best catamaran experience in Faro

  If you want to explore the Ria Formosa with an experienced team on a spacious, well-equipped catamaran, look no further than iSea Yachting. We have booked whole-day tours with Bruno and Maria since 2017, and no holiday feels complete without at least two trips. Booking is seamless, and the speedboat transfer to the catamaran delivers the first thrill, with laughter from kids to seniors. After a warm welcome, we head off through the hidden spots of the Ria Formosa, often docking in secluded areas. Paddleboarding is a must for the teenagers, while the adults enjoy drinks and views onboard or stroll on one of the many beaches. Orcas permitting, we often venture out into the Atlantic for a sailing trip, and have always found schools of dolphins, sometimes even hammerhead sharks, whales, or sunfish. This trip is a core memory of our summer holiday. Maria is an excellent host, and a former sailing champion, who has become part of the family.

  B9144PPsandrasAugust 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Absolutely phenomenal experience!

  This was our favourite part of our trip to Portugal. Ana was an absolute star hostess, and Pedro was great as well! We 100% recommend doing the full day. You can bring your own food and drink, you just can’t bring any red wine with you.

  450tessarMay 2025via Tripadvisor

• 5Absolutely amazing outing!

  One of our most amazing travel experiences! This excursion was absolutely fabulous and enjoyed by the whole family. It provided breathtaking views and the atmosphere created on board was the perfect balance of luxury and adventure. I highly recommend!

  Kasi_MApril 2025via Viator

• 5Traveling Soul Sisters (TSS)

  We totally enjoyed our private yacht half day excursion!! We our traveling friends of 8 and wouldn't change a thing, iSea staff (Bruno) and the catamaran crew ( Rodrigo, Pedro, and Annie) made us feel very welcomed. Absolutely the best experience ever, the catamaran easily accommodated our group. Total enjoyment!!

  Sheila EJuly 2024via Tripadvisor

• 5Five star excursion

  Annie was the most wonderful hostess - not only was knowledgeable about the area we were sailing in but gave us tons of great advice and ideas for many areas of Portugal - the catamaran was beautiful and we enjoyed every minute !

  Kelly_DJune 2024via Viator

• 5Wonderful afternoon

  Great afternoon on catamaran with family, all adults. Amazing boat and crew exploring the. Ria Formosa lagoon. Highly recommended

  Simon_DJune 2024via Viator

Know before you go

How it compares in Faro

• Its from-price is 975% above the median of the 56 day trips we list in Faro.
• It is shorter than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 19 of 56.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Faro

Faro is the capital of Portugal's Algarve, a small walled old town beside the Ria Formosa lagoon, with sandy barrier islands a short boat ride away.

Faro is built around a marina and an old town enclosed by walls, entered through the neoclassical Arco da Vila. Inside, quiet lanes lead to the cathedral and to the Carmo Church, whose Chapel of Bones is lined with the skulls and bones of monks. The city feels more local than the resorts along the coast.

Top-ranked sights in Faro: Ilha do Farol, Barreta Island (Ilha Deserta), Arco da Vila.

See all 516 experiences in Faro