Private Full Day Tour to Ria Formosa and Olhão Islands

Exploring the coastal wonders of Portugal’s Ria Formosa Natural Park and Olhão Islands is a must-do for nature enthusiasts. This private full-day tour from Faro provides an immersive experience, offering snorkeling gear, local snacks, and refreshing drinks. Visitors can discover charming fishing villages, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife while learning about the area’s ecological significance. With a 5.0-star rating, this tour promises a delightful blend of relaxation and exploration in a stunning natural setting. What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to truly connect with the region’s unique ecosystem and culture.

Key Points

• A private full-day tour that explores the Ria Formosa Natural Park and the Olhão Islands off the coast of Faro, Portugal.
• Includes snorkeling equipment, snacks, drinks, and a delicious lunch, providing a comprehensive and memorable experience.
• Departs from Faro, with a meeting point next to the Live Science Center of the Algarve and the old city wall.
• Offers opportunities to spot migratory birds, observe clam harvesting, and explore the islands’ pristine beaches and charming fishing villages.
• Accessible for strollers but not recommended for those with back problems or pregnant women.

Tour Overview

This private full-day tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the stunning Ria Formosa Natural Park and the charming islands of Olhão.

Departing from Faro, the tour includes the use of snorkeling equipment, all fees and taxes, as well as a delightful spread of snacks, bottled water, oyster tasting, green wine, orange juice, and lunch.

The tour is priced at $642.28 per group (up to 15 people) and has received 5.0 out of 5 stars from 3 reviews.

This private full-day tour is priced at $642.28 per group (up to 15 people) and has received 5.0 out of 5 stars from 3 reviews.

The tour is accessible to strollers but not wheelchairs, and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or pregnant women.

Inclusions

The private full-day tour includes the use of snorkeling equipment, allowing visitors to explore the underwater wonders of the Ria Formosa Natural Park.

All fees and taxes are covered, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Guests will enjoy a variety of local treats, including snacks, bottled water, an oyster tasting, green wine, and orange juice.

A delicious lunch is also provided, giving travelers a chance to savor the flavors of the region.

This comprehensive tour offers an immersive experience, providing everything needed for a memorable day exploring the Ria Formosa and Olhão Islands.

Meeting and Pickup

The meeting point for this private tour is Cais das Portas do Mar, located at R. da Porta Nova, 8000-250 Faro, Portugal.

This reference point is next to the Live Science Center of the Algarve and the old city wall. The tour ends by returning to the same meeting location.

The start time is 10:00 am.

To help with finding the meeting spot, the key details are:

• Located near the Live Science Center of the Algarve

• Adjacent to the old city wall

• On Cais das Portas do Mar, R. da Porta Nova

• Start time is 10:00 am

• Returns to the same meeting point

Participant Information

Confirmation of this tour is received at the time of booking.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, strollers are allowed. Service animals are permitted, and the tour is located near public transportation. However, it’s not recommended for travelers with back problems or pregnant visitors. Most travelers can participate in this tour.

Guests should come prepared by bringing appropriate clothing, water, towels, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a bathing suit.

This is a private tour, so only your group will join. You can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience. Plus, a reserve now and pay later option is available.

Additional Information

Although it’s important to bring appropriate clothing, water, towels, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a bathing suit, this private tour allows participants to explore the Ria Formosa and Olhão Islands without the crowds.

The tour is entirely private, so only your group will participate. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience starts, and a "reserve now, pay later" option is available.

The tour includes:

• Use of snorkeling equipment

• All fees and taxes

• Snacks, bottled water, oyster tasting, green wine, orange juice, and lunch

Exploring Ria Formosa

What can visitors expect when exploring the Ria Formosa on this private tour?

They’ll marvel at the stunning natural lagoon system, home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. The guide will provide commentary, revealing the ecological significance of the area.

Visitors can spot migratory birds, observe clam harvesting, and learn about the traditional salt pans.

The highlight is exploring the islands by boat, where they’ll encounter pristine beaches and have the chance to go snorkeling.

With included snacks, drinks, and a tasty lunch, this tour offers a comprehensive immersion in the natural wonders of the Ria Formosa.

Visiting the Islands

After exploring the Ria Formosa‘s stunning lagoon, the tour then takes visitors to the nearby islands.

Participants can look forward to:

Strolling along the charming fishing village, discovering historic lighthouses, beachcombing on pristine sands, and sampling fresh local seafood.

• Strolling along the charming fishing village of Culatra, with its colorful houses and picturesque harbor.

• Discovering the island of Farol and its historic lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the surrounding waters.

• Beachcombing on the pristine sands of Armona Island, known for its natural beauty and tranquility.

• Sampling fresh local seafood and sipping green wine at a traditional waterfront restaurant.

• Spotting native flora and fauna, including various bird species that thrive in the protected Ria Formosa ecosystem.

Experiencing Local Cuisine

As part of the tour, visitors have the opportunity to savor the flavors of the local cuisine.

The tour includes a delightful tasting of fresh oysters, a regional specialty. Plus, guests can enjoy sipping on crisp green wine, a popular local beverage.

The tour also provides a light lunch, allowing travelers to sample traditional Portuguese dishes. Snacks and bottled water are available throughout the day, ensuring participants stay hydrated and energized.

This immersive culinary experience allows visitors to truly enjoy the gastronomic traditions of the Algarve region.

The Sum Up

This private full-day tour to Ria Formosa Natural Park and the Olhão Islands offers a chance to learn about the region’s breathtaking natural beauty. With snorkeling equipment, local snacks, and refreshing drinks, you’ll explore charming fishing villages, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife, all while learning about the area’s ecological significance. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, this highly-rated tour promises an unforgettable day in a stunning natural setting.