Ria Formosa Islands: Culatra & Armona Boat Tour with Local Flavors

4.94

(416 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

I felt a bit restless the morning we set out for the Ria Formosa boat tour—something about the name “Culatra” stuck in my head from a friend’s story, so curiosity got the better of me. The boat was shaded (thank god), and our guide João had this way of talking about the water like it was an old friend. The air smelled faintly salty but also sweet—maybe wildflowers drifting over from somewhere? We drifted past oyster beds while João pointed out birds I’d never have noticed on my own. There was this moment when the engine cut and all you could hear were gulls and that soft slap of water against wood.

Culatra Island itself surprised me. It’s not polished or touristy at all—just sandy lanes, low houses with peeling paint, fishermen laughing outside a bar. João introduced us to Dona Teresa (she runs one of the tiny restaurants), and she served us grilled sardines that tasted like they’d just left the sea. I tried to say “obrigado” properly; she grinned and corrected me gently. The whole island feels like it moves at half-speed—kids running barefoot, laundry flapping in the sun, no cars anywhere. They’re working towards being energy self-sufficient by 2030, which João seemed genuinely proud about.

Depending on the season, we stopped either at Armona Island or Deserta Beach. For us it was Armona—a long stretch of sand with barely anyone around except a couple collecting shells. The sand squeaked underfoot (I didn’t expect that) and there was this cool breeze coming off the Atlantic that made me want to just sit down and do nothing for a while. I wandered along the dunes until my shoes filled with sand—worth it for that view back toward Olhão shimmering across the water.

I still think about that hour on Culatra—the slow lunch, Teresa’s laugh, João waving at every passing fisherman like they were family. If you want glossy resorts or big crowds, this isn’t your day trip from Faro or Olhão. But if you’re after a real slice of Algarve life (and maybe some very fresh shrimp), this Ria Formosa islands tour sticks with you longer than you’d expect.