Boat Tour of 2 Ria Formosa Islands: Culatra and Armona
Overview
The ideal tour to get to know a lot about the Ria Formosa, and visit the island of Culatra, a beautiful fishing community that inhabits about 1000 people all year round, which will be an island producing its own energy by 2030! The houses are typical and traditions and customs predominate, a unique place in the world!
There are several infrastructures and restaurants where you will have the opportunity to taste and delight yourself with typical dishes from traditional restaurants. With the possibility of booking a table or having a Picnic, there are several options to choose from!
Then we will enjoy, for many, the best deserted beach in the Algarve, which is located at the end of Culatra Island, which separates the dark blue of the Atlantic Ocean and the clear blue of the Ria Formosa, where you will have the opportunity to dive, swim and take unique photos! A true paradise!
In case it is out of season , we will visit the magnificent Ilha da Armona , where we will stop around 1h00 to explore the island !
What's Included
- Local guide with experience and knowledge of the locality;
- Shaded boat ;
- Informative map and guides;
- Lunch
Meeting Location
Av. 5 de Outubro s/n
8700-302 Olhão, Portugal
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Join us in this unique and unforgettable experience through the Ria Formosa, one of the most beautiful and protected natural areas in Portugal.
During this boat tour, you will have the opportunity to explore two stunning islands, each offering its own magic and beauty. The trip includes stops on the Island of Armona or Desert Beach (Summer) and Culatra Island, providing a total immersion in the natural charm of the region.
Your guide will explain the Ria Formosa and the islands to you throughout the boat tour and will help with everything you need. During the stops, all customers are free, for the time stipulated by the captain. During the boat tour you will not feel nausea, since we sail only in the interior of the Ria Formosa.
First Stop: Culatra Island – 1 Hour
Then the journey continues towards Culatra Island, a more traditional and authentic place where time seems to stop. With 1 hour of free time, you will have the opportunity to explore the charming fisherman’s village, where the streets of beaten land are the reflection of a simple and peaceful lifestyle.
The small village on the island has a unique charm. Here you can get to know the local life, visit the Culatra church and learn more about fishing, where the captain talks a little about the history and tradition of the fishing community of the region. In addition, there are simple but delicious restaurants where you can taste dishes such as almonds, shrimp, sardines and fresh fish, caught by local fishermen. In addition, many of these locations offer stunning views of the sea.
The Isle of Culatra is taking important steps towards energy transition and sustainability! In this sense, the initiative ‘Culatra 2030 – Sustainable Energy Community’ emerges as an innovative pilot project of energy transition, on the island of Culatra, located in the Algarve, Portugal. This project covers a number of dimensions of the green transition, such as natural resource management, energy efficiency and renewable energy promotion.
Second Stop : Armona Island or Desert Beach ( 45 minutes to 1 hour )
During winter/autumn/spring we stop on the island of Armona and during the summer season we stop on the deserted beach!
- Island of Armona
After landing on the island of Armona, you will be immediately captivated by its fine sandy beaches as well as its crystal clear waters. In an hour, you can take a refreshing dive, relax by the sea or walk the dunes and trails of the island, surrounded by natural vegetation. The panoramic views are breathtaking, as it has the turquoise blue sea on one side and the quiet Ria Formosa on the other.
The island of Armona is famous for its preserved nature and relaxed environment. In winter, it retains a peculiar calm, away from the agitation of tourism. While in the summer, its deserted beaches on the side of the Atlantic become a perfect refuge for those seeking peace and natural beauty. Enjoy this time to connect with the island’s unique environment. Breathe the fresh air and, if desired, explore its small streets, where the rhythm of local life is simple and welcoming.
- Desert Beach
In summer, right after arriving at Deserta Beach, you will be immediately immersed in the stunning landscape of golden sand, crystal clear waters and the natural vegetation that surrounds the coast. This beach is known for its absolute peace, away from the crowds, which makes it ideal for those seeking to relax, take a refreshing dive or simply appreciate the beauty of the place. The calm, transparent water invites you to a refreshing bath, while the fine sand is perfect for a relaxing seafront walk.
Deserta Beach is also an ideal place for those who like to observe nature, with a vegetation that remains intact and the soft sound of the waves breaking in the sand. In 1 hour, you can explore the beach, rest in the shade of the dunes or simply enjoy the isolated environment, which offers a sense of peace and connection with nature.
This stop is a unique opportunity to escape the fast pace and enjoy the pure, wild beauty of Culatra Island. Despite a short period of time, the tranquility of this place will be recorded in memory, becoming one of the most striking moments of his journey through the Ria Formosa.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 17 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on Boat Tour of 2 Ria Formosa Islands: Culatra and Armona?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-134306P2
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.92 out of 5 stars based on 372 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
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If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (WET).
- Local guide with experience and knowledge of the locality;.
- Shaded boat ;.
- Informative map and guides;.
- Lunch.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Boat Tour of 2 Ria Formosa Islands: Culatra and Armona is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Boat Tour of 2 Ria Formosa Islands: Culatra and Armona will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Local guide with experience and knowledge of the locality;
- Shaded boat ;
- Informative map and guides;
- Lunch
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 17 travelers
