Barco Casa

Barco Casa runs a small fleet of self-sufficient houseboats moored in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, off Praia da Barra Velha near Fuseta. The boats don't sail: each one stays anchored in place for the length of the stay, reached by a semi-rigid tender that also runs guests to the nearest beach. The fleet includes Barra Velha (up to 6 adults and 4 children), Barra Nova (2 adults), Ilha da Culatra (2 adults and 2 children), Casa da Ria (4 adults) and Blue Lagoon (up to 10 adults in summer), with capacity varying between the summer season (29 April to 11 October) and winter. Hot water comes from a solar-heated tank as part of the operation's eco-friendly approach, and a pre-orderable Menu service is available with at least 48 hours' notice. Check-in and check-out times are set around the tide cycle rather than a fixed clock, since the boats can only be reached at certain states of tide, and a EUR 100 cash deposit is taken at check-in and refunded at check-out. Payment for the stay itself is by bank transfer within 48 hours of booking. The company is registered as a local accommodation operator (RNAAT 611/2024) and is based at Av. Marginal, Fuseta. Reviews on TripAdvisor consistently highlight the sunset views, the tranquillity of sleeping out on the water, and the standard of the boats themselves, several guests comparing the fit-out to a small hotel room. Bookings run through the operator's own website, which guarantees its lowest rate.