We recommend arriving at least 10 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
We recommend bringing comfortable clothing, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) and water. Depending on the season, a jacket and a windstopper can also be useful, especially for open-water tours.
Our pontoon-style catamaran boats are suitable for guests of all ages, offering a comfortable, stable and relaxed experience. For safety reasons, RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) tours are not recommended for babies up to 2 years old.
All participants under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.If you need help choosing the most suitable tour for you, the Formosamar team will be happy to assist.
Yes, Formosamar tours are family friendly. Our boat tours are designed as relaxed outdoor experiences, ideal for families looking to enjoy nature together in the Ria Formosa.
We kindly recommend arriving at least 10 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth check-in and boarding process.
If you happen to arrive late, participating in the tour can’t be guaranteed. Please get in touch with us as soon as possible. Our team will always do its best to help and see what can be done.
Our pontoon-style catamaran tours are usually suitable for pregnant women, as they offer a smooth and comfortable ride. For safety reasons, our RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) tours are not recommended during pregnancy.
If you have any doubts, we recommend contacting us before booking so we can help you choose the most suitable option.
Strollers can be brought on board if strictly necessary. Whenever possible, we kindly recommend leaving them at our main office, which is also the meeting point, as this helps keep the boat more comfortable and spacious for everyone.
Yes, our tours may be affected by weather conditions and, in some cases, by tides. Safety and comfort are always our priority, so routes or schedules may be adjusted when necessary. If conditions are not suitable, our team will always do its best to inform you in advance and find the best possible solution.
Our pontoon-style catamaran boats have accessibility features and are suitable for wheelchair users. However, our RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) tours are not wheelchair accessible due to the boat design.
Guide dogs are always welcome on board. On shared tours, your pets are also welcome to join the experience, as long as they are travelling in a suitable pet carrier.
Most of our tours use comfortable pontoon-style catamaran boats, ideal for Ria Formosa lagoon experiences such as sightseeing, island visits, sunset cruises, and bird-watching. These boats include sun shade, a safety ladder, and accessibility features.
For open-water tours, such as dolphin and marine wildlife watching, we use fast and agile RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) vessels.
Our pontoon-style catamaran boats can accommodate up to 11 people, while our RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) can take up to 15 people.
Our boats are not equipped with bathrooms. We recommend using the facilities near the meeting point before departure.
No, food and drinks are not included on board. We recommend bringing your own water and any personal refreshments you may need for the duration of the tour.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks on board.
Yes. Life jackets are provided on board and their use is mandatory, in line with safety regulations, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests.
No, smoking is not allowed on board. This helps ensure a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for all guests.
This tour offers a guided boat trip through the Ria Formosa lagoon, with great opportunities
to observe local wildlife, enjoy beautiful scenery and learn about the area’s ecosystem and
traditions. Multilingual guides are available.
Yes! Every tour includes an experienced guide who shares interesting facts about the Ria Formosa, its unique wildlife, and the surrounding area along the way.
Yes, swimming is possible during the tour when conditions allow and when it is safe to do so.
Yes, our tours are conducted in multiple languages to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for guests from different countries.
Yes, we offer private and personalized tours. These experiences allow you to enjoy the Ria Formosa at your own pace, with a more exclusive and tailored approach for you and your group.
No. For safety reasons, we only rent boats with a skipper from our company to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Yes, it is possible to rent a boat for special events. This is a great option for celebrating occasions in a more exclusive and memorable way while enjoying the Ria Formosa.
We offer a range of rentals, including boats, kayaks, and bikes allowing you to explore the Ria Formosa and the surrounding area at your own pace.
You can contact Formosamar by email or phone. We are also available on WhatsApp for
quick and easy communication.
If a tour is cancelled due to bad weather, we will always try to reschedule the experience for another time. If rescheduling is not possible, a full refund will be provided. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities.
Yes. We operate all year round, except on December 25th and January 1st.
Formosamar has been operating since 2005 and was one of the first local companies based in Faro, with extensive experience in the region. We offer a variety of nature-based tours in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, making us a trusted choice for visitors who want to explore the Algarve’s natural beauty in an authentic and responsible way.
Visitors can explore the Ria Formosa aboard our catamaran and RIB boats, or enjoy kayaking and cycling tours. We are committed to responsible and sustainable tourism, providing safe and memorable experiences while protecting this unique natural environment.
No, a passport is not required for our tours. However, a valid ID is needed when renting any of our equipment, such as kayaks or bicycles.
No, you don’t need to sign any Terms & Conditions for our regular tours. However, signing is required when renting some of our equipment, such as kayaks or bicycles.
We recommend bringing a few essentials to make your experience comfortable and
enjoyable:
If you have any specific questions about your tour, our team is happy to help.
No, we do not provide pick-up or transfer services. Guests are kindly asked to make their own arrangements to reach the meeting point.
Formosamar offers a variety of outdoor and nature-based activities in Faro and the Ria
Formosa:
These activities allow visitors to explore the lagoon, islands and wildlife at their own pace or with expert guidance.
Our team organizes boat trips, activities, and tours in the incredible Ria Formosa National Park and along the Algarve’s stunning coastline.
From hitting the water in a boat or kayak to exploring on foot or a bike, our activities in Faro allow you to experience paradise your way.
At Formosamar, our mission is to promote and protect the Ria Formosa.
Not only is this special place one of Europe’s most important protected areas, but it’s also one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal.
Formosamar is certified as “Clean & Safe” by Turismo de Portugal. We are committed to guaranteeing that all those who visit us comply with the recommended safety standards to mitigate the effect of Covid19.
Are you looking for unforgettable things to do in Faro and the Algarve? Check out our full range of Ria Formosa tours and activities.
If you have any questions about our tours from Faro or our rental services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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