A different Algarve, east of Vilamoura
West of Vilamoura the Algarve is all cliffs and caves. Head east and the coast changes completely. The Ria Formosa is a protected lagoon of channels, salt marsh and long sandy barrier islands, stretching from Faro past Olhão towards Tavira. On a private yacht charter, it feels like a different country: wide, empty beaches, shallow turquoise water and birdlife over the dunes.
From Vilamoura Marina it takes about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the yacht and sea conditions, to reach the islands off Faro. That is why most guests choose a full day: time to cruise along the barrier islands, anchor off a quiet beach, swim and enjoy a long, unhurried lunch on board before heading home in the afternoon light.
Our island day on Atlantis or São Lourenço offers excellent value; the flagship NOON adds space and comfort for up to 11, and for larger groups A Mar takes up to 16 and the Azimut 80 up to 18. If you want a set plan, our Island Day signature cruise is built around the Ria Formosa, and our guide to boat trips from Olhão covers the lagoon in more depth.
Because the lagoon is tidal, no two days are quite the same. Your skipper checks the tide tables before you leave and shapes the route around them, choosing the calmest anchorage and the best water for swimming. On the way you pass the resort coast of Quarteira, Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago, and on clear days the hills of the interior rise behind the shore.
Every price is for the whole yacht, VAT included, with skipper and crew, fuel, drinks and snacks.
Yachts for a Ria Formosa day
Our Vilamoura yachts are best placed for the Ria Formosa. A full day gives you the most time at anchor; prices are per yacht.
Full day 7 hours from €1,900Atlantis
- Up to 10 guests
- Departs Vilamoura Marina
- Atlantis 47 for up to 10
- Excellent value for an island day
Full day 7 hours from €2,100São Lourenço
- Up to 10 guests
- Departs Vilamoura Marina
- Fairline Targa 47 for up to 10
- Cockpit table for lunch at anchor
Full day 7 hours from €2,150Majestic
- Up to 8 guests
- Departs Vilamoura Marina
- Sunseeker Portofino 53 for up to 8
- Bow sun pad and paddleboards
Full day 7 hours from €2,450NOON
- Up to 11 guests
- Departs Vilamoura Marina
- Flagship Sunseeker for up to 11
- Saloon and two en-suite cabins
Full day 7 hours from €4,500A Mar
- Up to 16 guests
- Departs Vilamoura Marina
- 19.7 m flybridge yacht for up to 16
- Full day 8 hours €5,100
Full day 7 hours from €8,325Albatroz
- Up to 18 guests
- Departs Vilamoura Marina
- Azimut 80 superyacht for up to 18
- Full day 8 hours €9,150
Ria Formosa 8 hours from €4,450Serenity
- Up to 12 guests
- Departs Albufeira Marina
- Sunseeker Predator 60 from Albufeira
- A dedicated Ria Formosa day
Prices are per yacht, not per person, and include VAT. Skipper, crew, fuel, drinks and snacks are included. Yachts with online booking (NOON, Majestic, São Lourenço and Atlantis) save 10%.
The islands of the Ria Formosa
- Ilha do Farol: the lighthouse island at the western end of Culatra, with a small village, beach restaurants and a relaxed island feel.
- Culatra: a traditional fishing community on the same island, with long ocean beaches and no cars.
- Ilha da Armona: a peaceful barrier island off Olhão, with dunes and clear shallows on the lagoon side.
- Ilha Deserta (Barreta): the southernmost point of mainland Portugal, an unspoilt strip of sand facing the Atlantic.
- Praia de Faro: a long sandy barrier beach where the lagoon meets the open sea.
Swimming stops and any time ashore depend on conditions and local rules, and your skipper will choose the best options on the day. The lagoon is a protected natural park, so please take everything back on board.
Tides, draught and how we plan your route
The Ria Formosa is a tidal lagoon, and its channels can be shallow. Whether a yacht can enter depends on the state of the tide and the yacht’s draught, so we plan each day individually.
Larger yachts usually stay on the seaward side of the islands, anchoring off the ocean beaches of Barreta, Culatra or Farol where the water is deep enough. On the right tide, some yachts can enter through the inlets for calmer water inside the lagoon.
If you would like to explore the shallow channels or reach Olhão itself, a tender or shallow-water arrangement can be organised on request. Your skipper will confirm what is possible on your date, and safety always comes first. Tell us when you enquire if the lagoon itself is a priority.
A typical island day from Vilamoura
- 10:00, Vilamoura Marina: meet the crew at Gate A3, in front of Il Lamparo restaurant, or at the pontoon we send with your confirmation.
- Cruise east: pass Quarteira, Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago on the way to the Faro coast.
- Island anchorage: anchor off a quiet barrier beach for swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding.
- Lunch on board: snacks and drinks are included, and a catering upgrade can be arranged on request at extra cost.
- Afternoon: a second stop or a slow cruise along the islands, then back to Vilamoura around 17:00.
Looking for dolphins? They are often seen off this stretch of coast, but sightings are never guaranteed. Bring swimwear, a towel and sun cream; the islands have little natural shade, though every yacht has a shaded deck.
How to book
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to reach the Ria Formosa from Vilamoura?
About 45 to 60 minutes to the islands off Faro, depending on the yacht and sea conditions. A full-day charter gives you the most time at anchor.
Can a yacht enter the Ria Formosa lagoon?
It depends on the tide and the yacht’s draught. Larger yachts usually anchor on the seaward side of the islands. A tender or shallow-water arrangement can be organised on request.
Can we visit Olhão by yacht?
Entering the channel to Olhão depends on the tide and draught. Your skipper will advise on the day. See our page on boat trips from Olhão.
Can we go ashore on the islands?
Time ashore depends on conditions and local rules. Your skipper will confirm the options on the day, and we never guarantee a landing in advance.
How much does a Ria Formosa yacht charter cost?
A full day of 7 hours from Vilamoura starts at €1,900 on Atlantis, €2,100 on São Lourenço and €2,450 on NOON, and €4,500 on A Mar for up to 16. Prices are per yacht with VAT included.
Will we see dolphins?
There is often a chance of dolphins along this coast, but sightings cannot be guaranteed. See our dolphins and coastline trip.
How do we book?
Book NOON, Majestic, São Lourenço or Atlantis online with a 50% deposit or full payment by card and save 10%. For our other Vilamoura yachts and the Albufeira superyacht, we confirm availability and send a secure deposit link.
More private charters in the Algarve
Full-day yacht charter
Dolphins & coastline
Sunset & champagne cruises
Benagil caves by yacht
Corporate & golf groups
Birthday yacht chartersRead more: Ria Formosa by private yacht
Your day on the Algarve coast
Choose from our fleet of luxury yachts along the whole Algarve coast, with an expert skipper and crew on hand to make every moment unforgettable.
Find your yachtContact us
Tell us your date and group size and we will reply with the best boats available.
- Emailinfo@elitechartersalgarve.com
- Mobile / WhatsApp+351 965 656 675
- DeparturesGate A3, in front of Il Lamparo restaurant, Vilamoura Marina
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