Faro to Ilha Deserta: Guided Ria Formosa Eco Tour by Marine Biologist

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: 24 hours
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…

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
(86 Ratings)
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1 star
E4639ksmichaels
Oct 5, 2025
Highly recommended! An unforgettable day in the Ria Formosa. - We had a wonderful 1,5 - 2 hour trip with the guide Joaquin - a very friendly and very competent marine biologist who knows the Ria Formosa very well, including the complex system of currents in the salt marshes. We were shown numerous bird species and other animals and were also given names in German. Overall, it was very relaxed and fun, we learned a lot and all our questions were answered. Highly recommended! Viola and Michael
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Russelld879
Sep 9, 2025
Absolutely recommend - Absolutely brilliant tour. Jokin was a fabulous guide. He is so knowledgeable about the birds and also the history and environment and friendly and funny! We all thoroughly enjoyed it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
V9287gilouisec
Sep 5, 2025
Great boast trip - We had a wonderful tour with Jokin who was extremely knowledgeable and a great guide. Icing on the cake were the dolphins!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Igneousbrouhaha
Sep 2, 2025
Wonderful one hour trip - Absolutely fabulous sunset trip to see wildlife and learn about the wetland. Really expert guide Thomas. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travellingwizard
Oct 27, 2024
Great Experience - Simply amazing. Very knowledgeable and friendly staff. Paid 125 euros for 2 adults and 1 child and had an audio tour of the Rio Formosa and hop on hop off between the islands of Deserta, Farol and Culatra.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Xedos2809
Jul 22, 2024
A beautiful discovery nature - We have just made the eco-tour to discover the ria formosa. We did not imagine this natural territory at the gates of Faro! Thomas explained everything perfectly about this eco system, for everyone's delight. We then continued with the island restaurant, and some lazing (with a water... Invigorating!!) and back again with Thomas until Faro (not planned but the previous boat having forgotten us...) To do without reservation! Andrea (and her parents!)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stella
Jun 28, 2024
Sunset tours - Excellent tour with Thomas- who raised awareness about diversity and the ecosystem. Thank you , Thomas. Stella and Tim
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Justintw7291jv
Jun 10, 2024
Absolutely fantastic. - What an amazing experience. We booked the Sunset Tour and would book again in a heartbeat. Thomas, our skipper and guide was engaging, passionate about the natural history of the lagoon and entertained us with his fabulous knowledge and great humour. We learnt soo much, not least about the sea grass and the sea horses. Thank you Thomas for a very special evening on the water xx
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Bou1717
May 23, 2024
Great outing - We spent 2 hours with Thomas who delighted us with his explanations, a true enthusiast of this beautiful nature and this beautiful natural park. thanks again
Review provided by Tripadvisor
F5166gvpauls
May 23, 2024
Rewarding tour. - Ecological tour for €35 with Thomas as guide. Young man passionate about ornithology and who knows how to talk about it. He answers all our questions in French, which is his mother tongue. So a good moment of instruction on maritime ecology, bird life and the safeguard measures taken by the authorities. Tour to recommend without hesitation.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $52
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).