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Desert Island Gourmet Experience

Desert Island Gourmet Experience

Ria Formosa sights, sounds and flavours

Friday 1 August to Fri Oct 31st 2025
Cais Q, Office 3Marina de Vilamoura, Central Algarve, Vilamoura
Cruzeiros da Oura Boat Trips

Embark on a gourmet journey to one of the Algarve’s best-kept secrets – Desert Island (Ilha Deserta) – and indulge in authentic Portuguese cuisine surrounded by the raw beauty of Ria Formosa Natural Park.

Step aboard the Chita boat at Vilamoura marina and cruise with Cruzeiros da Oura through the stunning lagoons and sandbanks of the Ria Formosa, a haven of biodiversity and tranquility.
The Ilha Deserta is, as the name suggests, is an uninhabited and traffic-free island. The only building is the iconic Estaminé Restaurant, where you’ll be welcomed with refined simplicity, exceptional views, and the freshest local flavours - fish straight from the sea, oysters shucked to order.

The Desert Island Gourmet Experience:

  • A scenic boat tour along the coast and through the waterways of the Ria Formosa
  • A leisurely visit to Desert Island with time to explore the wooden walkways
  • Beach time on the pristine sands of the island, sunshades are available for hire
  • Gourmet lunch at Estaminé, featuring an array of starters, fresh fish, or meat or vegetarian option, and dessert.
  • Includes water and coffee. Other drinks are available at the restaurant
  • See the menu in the More Info tab

Quick Details
Duration: 7 hours
Start Times: 10:00 AM every day
Meeting Point: Cais Q, Marina de Vilamoura

What to Bring:
Comfortable clothing, swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Be ready to bask in nature and unwind.

Why You’ll Love It:
This is not just a tour—it’s a delicious escape into nature, gastronomy, and quiet luxury. Estaminé offers a luxury Portuguese traditional dining experience, with every dish crafted from locally sourced ingredients and served with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Price:
  • This tour can be booked for indivuals and for groups
  • Adults: €130 per person
  • Child: €100 per child
  • €25 for 2 sun loungers and a parasol/umbrella on Desert Island beach
  • For reservations and dates click CHECK AVAILABILITY

Contact

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Address

Cais Q, Office 3Marina de Vilamoura, Vilamoura, 8125 Get Directions

Desert Island Gourmet Experience, Algarve - FAQs for Visitors

What kind of boat trips does Cruzeiros da Oura offer?

There is a great selection of boat tours - tours to explore Benagil cave, boat trips with BBQ and cove beaches, private boat charters, dolphin watching tours, fishing trips, sunset tours, and boat trips along the Ria Formosa.

Where do Cruzeiros da Oura boats depart from?

Most of the boat trips depart from Vilamoura marina, however, there are also boat tours around the Ria Formosa that depart from Olhão.

Is it necessary to book in advance to join a boat trip by Cruzeiros da Oura?

Yes, advance booking is advised. You can book online on the Cruzeiros da Oura website, or you can book at their offices at both Vilamoura and Olhão marinas.

What are Cruzeiros da Oura's most popular boat trips?

Best selling boat tours include the Dolphin Watching trips, sunset cruises and boat trips to discover the amazing Benagil cave. Boat trips to the lesser known Ria Formosa are becoming more popular as the area becomes known for its natural beauty, lagoons and sandbanks.

Is there a deserted island in the Algarve and can I go there?

Yes. The Desert Island is part of the Ria Formosa, and the only structure on the island is an amazing seafood restaurant. You can join the Cruzeiros da Oura Desert Island Gourmet Tour to explore the island and enjoy fabulous food.

Is it likely to see dolphins on the Dolphin Watching tour?

Yes, it is! There are no guarantees as the dolphins are free in their natural habitat, but it is much more likely than not that you will see pods of dolphins. The captains know their favourite spots.

What kind of fishing trips can I do with Cruzeiros da Oura?

You can choose to do Reef Fishing, Shark Fishing or Big Game Fishing. All the fishing trips depart from Vilamoura marina.

Do I need a licence to fish on a fishing trip with Cruzeiros da Oura?

Yes, it is required by law. You can buy a fishing licence when checking in on the boat, for approximately €5

What do I need to bring with me on a boat trip with Cruzeiros da Oura?

Bring sunscreen and a hat for protection; bring a swimsuit and towel, as you can sometimes swim from the boats; bring some ID and a payment method so you can buy a drink from the bar.

Are there toilets on board the boats?

Most of the boats used by Cruzeiros da Oura have toilets, bar and wi-fi on board. The speed boats (RIBs) do not.

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