Ria Formosa Islands: Explore at Your Own Pace

Experience the freedom of exploring Ria Formosa’s barrier islands at your own pace with Faro Island Hopping. Hop on and off the boat circuit, visit multiple islands, and choose your own schedule. Discover the beauty of the Natural Park on your own terms!

Duration: 1 day
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Animaris Ilha Deserta Boat Tours - 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…
What's Included
  • All applicable fees and taxes included
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information

Embark on a self-guided tour of the barrier islands in Ria Formosa. Starting from Faro, enjoy the boat route taking you to the islands within the Natural Park. Traverse between these islands freely, utilizing any of the scheduled trips. Your ticket is good for 24 hours, lasting until your return trip to Faro.
What is the process of the Hop On Hop Off…

Location
Cais das Portas do Mar
Rua da Porta Nova
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(56 Ratings)
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R299hzclaudiap
Sep 30, 2025
Best day of the trip! - Unforgettable experience! Ilha Deserta, Farol and Cultura went above and beyond expectations, the speed boat drivers were skilled, funny and kind :) Ilha deserta easily one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever visited and the nature walk around the island is stunning
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nunopontesc
Aug 24, 2025
I highly recommend - Excellent Service. There were other taxi services and some even cheaper, but the frequency with which we had boat available was excellent, the boats were very good and fun. The staff is very friendly, attentive and fun. We loved it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marcelloska
Aug 21, 2025
Very bad trip - The beauty of it is being able to jump from one island to another, depending on how long you want on each island. The dinghies they take from one place to another are new and powerful, allowing you to “fly” over the water. Highly recommended trip, especially if driving the boat is Joaquin, very nice and competent
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kayleigh
Aug 5, 2025
absolutely recommend for exploring the islands if you're looking for flexibility - we utilised the hop on hop off as we wanted to have flexibility in our day, and we're able to book the day of for the time we wanted. the lady at the marina desk was lovely and explained how it worked for us. I have cerebral palsy and therefore have mobility issues, but each time I was helped on and off the boat and felt genuinely helped; not rushed, as though I was an inconvenience, or made to feel less, and I didn't even have to explain my disability, that was the genuine approach. I was also apprehensive about being on a speedboat, but the journey was smooth, comfortable, and we had our life jackets checked to make sure they were on properly and fitted. all in all, I would absolutely recommend. each person was wonderful, the transport arrived exactly when it was supposed to, and it was an amazing way to ensure we had the day we wanted to have. definitely the best way to explore the islands.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rodalita
Jul 22, 2025
Hop On Hop Off 3 Island : Deserta, Farol and Culatra - BEST FERRY BOAT RIDE Hop on Hop off 3 Islands Deserta, Farol and Culatra..Faro, Portugal - the ferry boat ride is very 😍 beautiful, tour guide on a small group was great, safe and protected, they are enjoy the trip, and pass by the 3 islands ..the blest company animates IIha Desrta..
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karsten_p
Jun 24, 2025
a day in paradise - It was again a great experience doing this Island trip. The boats where always punctual and the guys driving the speedboats where always very helpful when entering and leaving the boat. It was definitely not our last time doing this trip.
Review provided by Viator
Romanea998
Dec 6, 2024
Great. - Great sunset tour with Joachim! Very professional and speaks super good French. Thank you very much for visiting. On top 👍🏽
Review provided by Tripadvisor
113bdw
Oct 9, 2024
Great day ! - My husband and I went on the Hop on Hop off 3 island boat tour which we really enjoyed. Such a fun and easy way to explore these islands while in Faro. João Fernandes was very helpful and informative when we purchased our tickets from him. Would highly recommend this excursion !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Estelarm8336yu
Oct 1, 2024
Beautiful walk around the islands of Ria Formosa - We are Estela and Juan from Argentina. We did the walk to the islands of Ria Formosa with Animaris and it has been wonderful. Great beaches, mountains and sea. We start with Culatra Island, then Lantern and finally Desert Island. I must emphasize that Tomas has been the best Guide and Driver we have ever met. He has a lot of knowledge about the Ria environment. He can transmit them and explain them in many languages. It is a pleasure to meet such people with such enthusiasm and dedication to their work. Congratulations to TOMAS. He has also been very kind to call Tomas to approach Desert Island and take us back, another of the young men who drive the boats whom I do not know if I name. Congratulations also to him, so gentleman!!!! Thanks for letting us know this beautiful place!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Garnett40
Nov 3, 2024
Great boat ride but not sure the islands are worth visiting in late October - The boat ride itself was great and going at speed over the water was exhilarating. You do want to think of a coat if the weather is not very warm as it can be colder over the water. I am not convinced the trip is worth it as we were not impressed with the islands out of season. A shorter boat ride with a naturalist may have been better
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $47
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).