Signature Cruise · Full day
Island Day – the Ria Formosa by private yacht
Sandbanks, lighthouses and a different kind of Algarve
Turn east out of Vilamoura Marina and the cliffs give way to something quite different. The Ria Formosa is a protected lagoon of channels, saltmarsh and long sandy barrier islands that separate the Atlantic from the shore. It feels wilder and more open than the west, with wide beaches, clear shallows and a soft, silvery light.
Island Day is our full-day route to this coast. You cruise past Quarteira and Vale do Lobo to Praia de Faro, the sandy barrier beside the lagoon, about 45 to 60 minutes from the marina depending on the yacht and sea conditions. From there the route continues along Ilha Deserta, an unspoilt island, to Ilha do Farol with its lighthouse and fishermen’s cottages, and on towards Ilha da Armona, with its dunes and calm water. Beyond the islands, the white rooftops of Olhão make a fine backdrop.
Because the lagoon is shallow and tidal, the route is planned carefully. Our yachts usually stay on the sea side of the islands and anchor off the long ocean beaches, which are superb for swimming. Entering the lagoon channels depends on the tide, the yacht’s draught and local rules, so we confirm what is possible when we plan your day.
Allow a full day of about seven hours, setting off at 10:00, so you have time for long swims, lunch at anchor and an easy passage home. It is the quieter side of the Algarve, and a lovely contrast if you have already seen the cliffs.
Yachts for Island Day
NOON, Majestic, São Lourenço and Atlantis sail from Vilamoura, the closest of our marinas to the Ria Formosa. Prices are for a full day of 7 hours; an extended 10-hour day is available on each.
Full day from €2,450NOON
- Up to 11 guests
- Departs Vilamoura Marina
- Most space for a long day aboard
- 10 hours €3,650
Full day from €2,150Majestic
- Up to 8 guests
- Departs Vilamoura Marina
- Swift passage east for 8 guests
- 10 hours €3,150
Full day from €2,100São Lourenço
- Up to 10 guests
- Departs Vilamoura Marina
- Cockpit table for lunch at anchor
- 10 hours €3,000
Full day from €1,900Atlantis
- Up to 10 guests
- Departs Vilamoura Marina
- Spacious sun deck for 10
- 10 hours €2,500
8 hours from €4,450Serenity
- Up to 12 guests
- Departs Albufeira Marina
- Ria Formosa cruise from Albufeira
- Sunseeker Predator 60
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%.
Praia de Faro and Ilha Deserta
The first island stretch begins at Praia de Faro, a narrow sandy barrier with the lagoon on one side and the Atlantic on the other. Continuing east, Ilha Deserta, also known as Barreta, is one of the least developed islands on the coast – a long ribbon of sand, dunes and birdlife.
The ocean beaches here are wide and gently shelving, and on calm days the yacht can anchor a short way off for a swim. Paddleboards and snorkels are on board, and the water is often beautifully clear over the sand.
After the cliffs of the west, the scale here is striking: open horizons, pale sand stretching away in both directions and very few buildings in sight. It is the most peaceful part of the day.
Farol, Armona and the Olhão skyline
Ilha do Farol takes its name from its lighthouse, which stands above a small community of cottages and beach restaurants. A little further, Ilha da Armona is peaceful, with dunes and clear shallows.
Behind the islands lies Olhão, a working fishing town with a distinctive skyline of flat, whitewashed rooftops and its famous red-brick market halls on the waterfront. From the sea you see it across the lagoon, framing the scene.
A meal ashore on the islands is a lovely idea, but restaurant landings depend on the tide, conditions and local rules, so we treat them as a possibility rather than a promise. From the deck, with the lagoon on one side and the open Atlantic on the other, the view alone is worth the journey.
Lagoon access: what to expect
- Sea side first – our yachts normally anchor off the ocean beaches of the barrier islands.
- Tides matter – the inlets and channels are shallow, and entry depends on the tide and the yacht’s draught.
- Protected area – the Ria Formosa is a natural park, and some areas are restricted.
- Weather – an easterly wind can make this coast choppy; if so, your captain may suggest a western route instead.
We look at the tide tables and forecast with you before the day, so the plan is realistic. A typical rhythm is a morning cruise east, a long swim and lunch at anchor off Deserta or Farol, a slow drift along Armona, then the passage home. Catering can be arranged on request, and a 10-hour charter adds more time at anchor.
How to book
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to reach the Ria Formosa from Vilamoura?
About 45 to 60 minutes to Praia de Faro and the islands, depending on the yacht and sea conditions. Armona is a little further.
Can the yacht go inside the lagoon?
Sometimes, but not always. Entry depends on the tide, the yacht’s draught and local rules. Our yachts usually anchor on the sea side of the islands.
Can we land on the islands?
Landings depend on the tide, conditions and local rules, so we cannot guarantee them. We will tell you what is realistic when we plan your day.
Can we visit Olhão?
Olhão is seen across the lagoon on this route. For a closer look at the town and the inner islands, see our Olhão and Ria Formosa boat trips.
Is a half day possible?
A 4-hour charter can reach Praia de Faro and Ilha Deserta, but the full Island Day route needs about seven hours.
What is the best season?
Late spring to early autumn, on calm days. An easterly wind can make this coast choppy, so the captain confirms the plan the day before.
What is included?
Skipper and crew, fuel, drinks and snacks, snorkels and paddleboards. The price is for the whole yacht and includes VAT.
More private charters in the Algarve
Ria Formosa islands
Full-day yacht charter
Dolphins & coastlineCatamaran charters
Corporate & golf groups
Sunset & champagne cruisesRead more: Ria Formosa yacht charter guide
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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