Ria Formosa: Paradise Islands by Boat (from Albufeira)
Highlights
- ✓Olhão's traditional market (fresh fish and seafood)
- ✓Boat trip around the Ria Formosa islands
- ✓Stop on an island with typical lunch suggestions
- ✓Olhão's historic centre
- ✓Free pick-up in Albufeira
About this activity
A visit to Olhão's market and a boat trip around the islands of the Ria Formosa Natural Park — its islands, wildlife and flora — with a stop on one island and Olhão's old town on arrival.
We visit one of the country's most important fishing harbours and explore Olhão's charming traditional market, with its variety of fresh fish and seafood. Then we set off to discover the Ria Formosa Natural Park on a boat trip around the islands, its wildlife, flora and curiosities.
There is a stop on one of the islands, where we suggest typical places for lunch (not included). On the way back to Olhão we visit the historic centre, which played a crucial role in our history thanks to its privileged location as a fishing port.
Itinerary
- 1Pick-up at your accommodation (Albufeira area)
- 2Olhão market — fish, seafood and local products
- 3Boat trip around the Ria Formosa islands
- 4Stop on an island (free time for lunch)
- 5Olhão's old town and return to Albufeira
What's included
- ✓Transport to and from Albufeira in a minivan, up to 8 people
- ✓Experienced driver-guide, in Portuguese and English
- ✓Free pick-up and drop-off in Albufeira
- ✓Age-appropriate child seats at no charge
- ✓Insurance for every passenger
- ✓Olhão's traditional market
- ✓Boat trip around the islands of the Ria Formosa
- ✓Stop on an island and a visit to Olhão's old town
Important information
What to bring
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Water and comfortable footwear
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity.
This deadline is the operator’s and applies to bookings made online. If you book with us on request, our own booking conditions apply. Booking conditions for direct requests.
More information
The tour runs in a minivan, up to 8 people, with a driver-guide who speaks Portuguese and English; another language can be requested when booking, subject to availability. A minimum of 4 participants is required: if it is not reached, Zebra may reschedule or offer another experience available that day. Children need an identification document so their age can be confirmed — we bring the age-appropriate child seat, at no charge.
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
What languages is the activity in?
The crew or guide speak Portuguese and English.
Is lunch included?
It is not, and it is optional. There is a traditional lunch at a mountain restaurant for €25 per person, paid in cash to the driver at the start of the tour — but you can eat elsewhere or bring your own. A vegetarian option, and any allergy or intolerance, must be requested in advance so the kitchen knows in time.
Where do you pick us up?
Pick-up and drop-off are at agreed points in the Albufeira, Armação de Pêra, Porches, Vilamoura and Quarteira areas. In Albufeira there is no charge; outside Albufeira there is a €5 supplement per pick-up. The exact spot and time are confirmed with your booking — if you need somewhere else, tell us before booking and we will see what can be done.
Do children need to bring ID?
They do. Their age has to be confirmed at the start, because Portuguese law requires a car seat suited to the age and size of the child — and the car seat, like the highchair, is provided free of charge. A national ID card or a passport is enough.
Will we be sharing the van with other people?
You will. The tour runs in an air-conditioned minivan for up to eight people, with a driver-guide who speaks Portuguese, English and Spanish — a small group, not a coach, and every passenger is insured. If you would rather have the van just for your own group, there is a private version: tell us and we will arrange it.
Is there a minimum number of people?
There is, which is why the departure is confirmed with you. If the minimum is not reached on a given day, we reschedule it or offer another experience available that day — what you paid is not lost.
Will we be walking a lot?
There is always a part on foot — a market, an old town, a winery, a viewpoint — at a strolling pace, with time to stop and take photos. Expect uneven cobbles, some uphill and steps at several stops. If anyone in your group finds walking difficult, tell us before booking: some stops can be shortened and others cannot.
From €81