After a 36 nautical mile motor head to wind we arrive at the inlet of he Culatra Island. Tide was dropping so there were large spiked waves at the entrance which ended up being a roller-coaster ride through with both engines running 2000 rmp.
The island is a large sand bar that is located south of the resort towns of Olhao and Faro. The island is part of the Ria Formosa national park and has two small towns called Farol on the western side and Culatra on the northern bank and 360 degrees of sandy beach. There are no paved roads on Culatra and the only method to reach the island is by boat or ferry. Children up to grade 4 attend the only school on the island while the rest of the grades are ferried to Olhao each day for school.
The lagoon is also full of sand bars with most of them under water at high tide. We had to be careful navigating our ways on both 45North as well as for T/T Smug-Druggler. Not sure when this sailboat met it's demise but it was there on all our visits to Culatra.
Beach day - sister tenders and catamarans 45North & Wakalele.
The town of Culatra. There was a free dingy dock which made our trips to the town and beach much more convenient.
Flowers were in full bloom (May 30th)
Grilled Lamb chops were delicious and the french fries were cooked in olive oil.
The beaches were not busy at all in May but packed when we returned the end of June.
Even the Postal service uses tiny trucks.
Happy Birthday Janine (June 28).
We returned to Culatra late June to pick up our new crew on July 2nd.
Salude to Mark, Michelle and Erin!
Over looking the town of Farol.
The adventures continue tomorrow as we venture onto the mainland of Olhão.
A paddle ride in the morning before all five of us pack into the tender to head to Olhão
Pretty cute door handles.
The streets of Olhão were not too busy either in May.
Salt beds between Olhão and Faro.
Many calm and beautiful sunset evenings were had on both 45North and Wakalele.
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