Faro Culatra and Olhao, Water Taxis and Ferries

Faro, Olhao and Culatra Water Taxis

We need the services of a water taxi urgently but cannot find any information on line despite googling every combination we know of.  So here is all the information we have found which we have put in here to help out anyone else who has the same problem.

Water taxi services around these waterways are well established, the drivers very capable and have been able to get us on to our yacht in fairly rough weather conditions.  

Prices we have been charged in July 2014 are Euro 25 from Olhao to Culatra anchorage and Euro 10 from Culatra Jetty to our Yacht in the anchorage nearby.  Following are some phone numbers:

Olhau Water Taxis +351 962156922

Taxi Mar +351 964350877

Aqua Taxi:  +351 926377 or +351 918707405

David Taxi:  +351 935060532

Olhau Marina

Buying fresh almonds at Olhao Saturday market...

We have technical problems aboard SY Matelot and need a berth, so investigate this marina by going ashore on the ferry and walking the town.  At the marina the security guard directs us to the port building up the Fishing Harbour end.  It is the third building along facing the fishing harbour and has a large wooden dinghy on display in the foyer downstairs.  We go upstairs and speak to the very unhelpful man at the desk there who just says “No” “Full”.  We know the marina is not full as have seen clearly there is plenty of space.  We ask the Port Police if there is an emergency berth anywhere in the harbour.  They direct us back to the same place called IPTH.  They suggest we speak to Jose Gloria.  We go back again and are told this gentleman is “away until Monday”.  At this stage we give up.

Water Barge, Culatra Anchorage

Fishing Boat racing with ferry ....

While waiting for a water taxi one day, we see the water barge come in.  For boats needing water, phone Jorge Lopes +351 912621263.  Price Euro 5 / 100 Litres.

Ferries

There are regular ferries from Culatra to Olhao and Faro.  The ferries themselves are lovely, well maintained old girls which appear to have the occasional race with a fishing boat, adding to the on board entertainment.  Residents from the island load up the ferries with supplies on market day which is Saturday in Olhao.