From Faro: Dolphin Watching & 2 Islands Tour

Embark on an unforgettable 4-hour adventure from Faro with the "Dolphin Watching & 2 Islands Tour." This captivating excursion promises a thrilling encounter with playful bottlenose dolphins amidst the stunning backdrop of Ria Formosa Natural Park. Explore the pristine Praia da Ilha Deserta and Ilha do Farol, where you’ll enjoy ample time for swimming and relaxation. Led by a multilingual guide and professional skipper, this tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about the beauty of Portugal’s natural wonders.

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Key Points

4-hour tour from Faro, Portugal, with 30 minutes of dolphin and marine life viewing.
Scenic sailing through Ria Formosa Natural Park with photo stops and free time for swimming at two islands.
Led by a live guide fluent in multiple languages and a professional skipper.
90% chance of spotting playful bottlenose dolphins with insights on their behavior and the local marine ecosystem.
Opportunity to explore the expansive Praia da Ilha Deserta beach and witness diverse flora and fauna.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Dolphin Watching & 2 Islands Tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore the stunning Ria Formosa Natural Park in Faro, Portugal.

The 4-hour tour starts from Faro and includes 30 minutes of dolphin and marine life viewing, as well as photo stops and free time for swimming at two of the park’s islands.

Participants can expect scenic views while sailing and a chance to visit the Cape of St. Mary and a small village around a lighthouse.

The tour is led by a live guide fluent in multiple languages and features a professional skipper, life jackets, and snorkeling masks.

Want to see more dolphins? We've reviewed these other marine encounters in Faro

Itinerary Highlights

Starting from the Faro, Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, the tour begins with 30 minutes of dolphin watching and marine life viewing. Guests can then enjoy scenic views while sailing. The tour makes two photo stops and provides free time for swimming at Praia da Ilha Deserta and Ilha do Farol, each for 45 minutes. Along the way, key sites include the Cape of St. Mary and a small village around the lighthouse, as well as the four islands of the Ria Formosa Natural Park.

| Main Sites | Activities |

| — | — |

| Cape of St. Mary | Dolphin Watching |

| Small Village around Lighthouse | Swimming at Islands |

| Four Islands of Ria Formosa | Scenic Sailing |

Dolphin Watching Experience

Although the tour primarily focuses on exploring the islands of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, the highlight for many participants is the 30-minute dolphin watching experience.

While sailing through the calm waters, there’s a 90% chance of spotting playful bottlenose dolphins gracefully jumping and swimming alongside the boat.

The tour guide, fluent in multiple languages, shares fascinating insights about the dolphins’ behavior and the local marine ecosystem.

With the professional skipper at the helm, participants can relax and fully enjoy this unique wildlife encounter amidst the stunning natural surroundings.

Sailing Through Ria Formosa Natural Park

After the thrilling dolphin watching experience, the tour sails through the picturesque Ria Formosa Natural Park, offering stunning views of the region’s distinctive landscapes.

Passengers take in the serene scenery as the boat glides past the protected islands and marshes. The tour makes photo stops at the iconic Cape of St. Mary and a quaint village surrounding a historic lighthouse.

As the boat glides past the protected islands and marshes, passengers take in the serene scenery. Photo stops include the iconic Cape of St. Mary and a quaint village with a historic lighthouse.

Guests have the opportunity to disembark on two of the islands, Praia da Ilha Deserta and Ilha do Farol, to explore the natural settings and enjoy a refreshing swim.

The guided tour showcases the remarkable beauty of this unique coastal ecosystem.

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Exploring Praia Da Ilha Deserta

As the boat approaches Praia da Ilha Deserta, passengers eagerly disembark to explore this pristine island.

The expansive beach provides ample space for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Visitors can stroll along the dunes and witness the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this protected environment.

The island’s tranquility offers a welcome respite from the bustling mainland. With 45 minutes of free time, guests can fully enjoy the serene atmosphere and capture breathtaking photos of the stunning natural scenery.

This stop showcases the natural wonders of the Ria Formosa Natural Park.

There's plenty more to explore in Faro

Visiting Ilha Do Farol

From Praia da Ilha Deserta, the boat sails to the next island destination, Ilha do Farol. This island is home to a historic lighthouse that stands as a beacon for passing ships. Visitors can explore the quaint village surrounding the lighthouse, taking in the local charm and scenery. The island also offers opportunities for swimming and relaxing on the beach.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Lighthouse | Iconic landmark dating back to the 19th century |

| Village | Picturesque coastal community with local shops and restaurants |

| Beach | Sandy shores perfect for swimming and soaking up the sun |

| Views | Panoramic vistas of the Ria Formosa Natural Park |

| Duration | Approximately 45 minutes to explore the island |

Tour Features and Inclusions

This tour offers a variety of features and inclusions to enhance the overall experience.

The tour is led by a live guide fluent in multiple languages, including English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. A professional skipper navigates the vessel, and life jackets and snorkeling masks are provided for participants.

The tour boasts a 90% chance of seeing dolphins, and the activity is subject to favorable weather conditions. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen, as smoking and unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed.

The tour caters to a wide range of travelers, but isn’t suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, or those with mobility impairments.

Live multilingual guide
Professional skipper and safety gear
High probability of dolphin sightings
Weather-dependent activity
Suitable attire and restrictions

Participant Guidelines and Recommendations

The tour isn’t suitable for certain participants, including children under 5 years old, pregnant women, and individuals with mobility impairments.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and apply sunscreen. Smoking and bringing unaccompanied minors or pets aren’t allowed.

With a 90% chance of seeing dolphins and opportunities to swim at the islands, this tour offers an exciting marine adventure.

While the overall customer rating is strong, participants should consider their abilities and restrictions before booking.

The tour features a live guide fluent in multiple languages and a professional skipper, ensuring a safe and informative experience.

The Sum Up

This unforgettable 4-hour adventure from Faro offers a chance to spot playful dolphins, sail through the stunning Ria Formosa Natural Park, and explore two pristine islands. Guided by experts, it promises a captivating encounter with nature that’s perfect for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a unique coastal experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: