Catamaran Day Cruise to Desertas Islands from Funchal

The best part of this nine-hour catamaran cruise is the chance to reach Madeira’s remote Desertas Islands, a protected refuge that most visitors see only from a distance. You’ll sail from Funchal, watch for dolphins, whales, seabirds, and possibly orcas, then go ashore for a short walk and time near the island’s stony beach.

I like the wildlife focus and the chance to use snorkeling gear and stand-up paddleboards without paying extra. I also like the included Madeiran buffet, which makes the long day easier on the wallet. The main catch is the rough, windy ride: the crossing can take several hours each way, and the island visit may feel brief compared with the time spent at sea.

Key points to know before booking

• The Desertas are protected islands, with unusual marine and land wildlife and very limited access.
• The sea crossing is a major part of the day, sometimes close to three hours each way.
• Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, though dolphins, seabirds, whales, and even orcas have been seen.
• The island stop is modest, with a short trail, explanations, and a pebble beach rather than a full day of hiking.
• Snorkeling and paddleboarding are included, but weather, sea conditions, and wildlife protection rules can affect their use.
• The catamaran holds up to 70 people, so this is a shared excursion rather than a small private outing.

Why the Desertas trip feels different from a normal boat tour

Madeira gives you plenty of ocean excursions, but this one has a clear destination: the Desertas Islands, a group of three dry, isolated islands southeast of Madeira. Their remote setting helped keep them from being settled, and today they are valued as a sanctuary for marine and land species.

That setting gives the day more purpose than a simple coastal cruise. You are not only looking at cliffs from the water. You are making a long run toward an island group that has resisted ordinary development. The payoff is solitude, wildlife, and the feeling of reaching a place that takes real effort to visit.

Still, you should set your expectations correctly. This is not a full-day island hike. The route includes a short walk with explanations, time near a pebble beach, and water activities when conditions allow. The boat ride is not background transportation. It is one of the main events.

Leaving Funchal at 9:00 am

You meet at Praça do Povo, at Av. do Mar 4 in Funchal, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to arrange your own way to the marina area. The meeting point is near public transportation.

The catamaran heads away from Funchal and out toward the open sea. On a clear day, the change is quick: Madeira fades behind you, and the horizon takes over. The boat gives you a stable platform compared with a smaller vessel, but that does not mean the crossing will always be calm.

Wind is the practical issue to take seriously. Several hours in open water can feel cold and rough, even when Funchal itself is warm. Bring a warm layer and protect yourself from spray. If you are prone to seasickness, this is the part of the experience to plan for, since the return trip can be just as demanding as the outbound journey.

Live commentary is provided in English. The information helps give context to the islands and wildlife, though no individual guide names are provided for this activity. The crew has also been praised for being friendly and helpful, which matters on a long day at sea.

Watching for dolphins, seabirds, and larger wildlife

Wildlife is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise. The waters around Madeira can produce sightings of dolphins and seabirds, with the possibility of whales and other cetaceans. One memorable outing even included a small pod of orcas, though that is an exceptional sighting rather than something you should expect.

The crew may alter the route briefly when cetaceans are spotted. That flexibility can turn a standard crossing into the most memorable part of your day. On another outing, the Desertas route was not possible because of high winds, so the boat headed south and focused on cetaceans and seabirds instead. That kind of change is disappointing if reaching the islands is your main goal, but it can still produce a worthwhile day on the water.

Keep your expectations realistic. Wildlife follows its own schedule, and a short search does not guarantee dolphins or whales. You should treat sightings as a bonus, not as the product you are buying.

Reaching the Desertas and going ashore

The Desertas are dry and spare. Do not picture lush Madeira, broad sandy beaches, or a long network of trails. The island visit is closer to a short introduction to a protected place than a full land excursion.

You disembark near a virgin beach and follow a small trail with explanations about the island. The walk is limited, so this part should suit most people with a moderate level of fitness. It is still worth wearing sensible shoes because the shore is made of pebbles and can be awkward underfoot.

The beach itself is not an easy swimming beach. Pebbles replace soft sand, and getting into the water can be uncomfortable. You may also have restrictions on swimming or water activities when seals are present. One outing had no swimming from the boat because of seals, a sensible rule in a protected wildlife setting, even if it removed one of the day’s advertised pleasures.

Island time can vary with sea conditions, docking, and the day’s schedule. Do not count on a fixed three-hour stay. You may have a short walk, some time by the shore, and a chance to return to the catamaran for lunch and water activities.

Snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding

Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards are included. That adds real value to the $108.37 price, especially if you would otherwise rent gear separately. You can use the equipment when conditions and wildlife rules permit.

The water activities are best viewed as optional parts of the day, not guaranteed blocks of time. Wind, swell, and protected animals can change the plan. At times, snorkeling equipment may not be offered or practical, particularly if the water is rough or the schedule runs late.

If swimming is your main reason for booking, ask yourself how flexible you are. You may get calm water and a pleasant paddle, or you may spend most of the day sailing and walking. The cruise works better for someone who wants a mix of scenery, wildlife, and outdoor activity than for someone seeking a dedicated snorkeling trip.

The Madeiran buffet on board

Lunch is included, which is helpful on a nine-hour excursion with no hotel return during the day. The buffet is described as a good part of the experience, with Madeiran food and enough substance to break up the long crossing.

Timing can be imperfect. If the return to the catamaran is delayed, lunch may be served later than planned. On one outing, the boat began moving while people were still finishing their meal, making it awkward to reach the dessert. That is a small operational wrinkle, but it illustrates the nature of the trip: sea conditions and shore transfers can affect the schedule.

Tell the provider about specific dietary needs when you book. The tour can accommodate requests only if they are given in advance. Since the meal is part of the value, this is not a detail to leave until the morning of departure.

Is the $108.37 price fair?

At $108.37 per person, this is not a cheap sightseeing cruise, but the price covers a full day, boat transport to a remote island group, live commentary, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and lunch. You are also paying for the crew, fuel, and the chance to reach a place that is not easily visited on your own.

The value depends on what you want from the day. If you measure value by time spent on land, the trip may disappoint. Several hours can be taken up by the crossing, while the island stop may be short and the trail modest. If you value the journey itself, open-ocean views, wildlife watching, and access to a protected island, the price makes more sense.

The average rating is 3.4 from 44 reviews, which points to a genuinely mixed experience. The strongest praise centers on the crew, food, scenery, dolphins, and the rare chance to visit the Desertas. The sharpest criticism concerns the long, cold ride, limited island activities, and the gap between expectations and the actual shore time.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you enjoy being on the sea and can accept a flexible schedule. It suits families with older children, couples who want a full outdoor day, and anyone interested in Madeira’s marine life and protected areas. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

You should have a moderate level of physical fitness. The walk is short, but boat transfers, a pebble shore, standing on deck, and a long day at sea can be tiring. Bring warm clothing even if the morning in Funchal feels sunny.

I would hesitate to recommend it if you dislike wind, open water, or long boat rides. I would also choose another activity if you want a serious hike, a broad sandy beach, or guaranteed snorkeling. The Desertas are special partly because they are remote and undeveloped, but that also means there is less to do once you arrive.

Weather changes can reshape the day

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same practical flexibility applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Bad weather does not always mean the day is canceled. High winds may instead force a change of route, such as sailing south from Funchal to search for cetaceans and seabirds. That can save the day, but it does mean you should be comfortable with an alternative plan.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that period are not accepted for a refund. Confirmation is normally issued when you book, though bookings made within two days of departure may take up to 48 hours to confirm.

My advice for making the call

Book this catamaran cruise if your idea of a good Madeira day includes a long sea journey, rare island access, wildlife watching, and a relaxed mix of swimming or paddleboarding. The Desertas are not a conventional beach destination. Their appeal is their isolation, dry character, and protected wildlife.

Skip it if you want maximum time ashore or a packed list of activities. The boat ride can be windy and cold, the island trail is short, and the pebble beach is not especially comfortable. You will get better value by booking only if you regard the crossing, wildlife search, and changing conditions as part of the adventure.

FAQ

Where does the Desertas Islands cruise start?

The cruise starts at Praça do Povo, Av. do Mar 4, São Martinho, 9000-900 Funchal, Portugal.

What time does the cruise begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 am.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately nine hours.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to make your own way to the meeting point.

What language is the tour offered in?

The activity is offered in English, with live commentary on board.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards are included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Madeiran buffet lunch is included on board.

Can children join the cruise?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Is the tour suitable for everyone physically?

The tour recommends a moderate level of physical fitness. The day includes a long catamaran ride, a short walk, and shore access near a pebble beach.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. The trip may also be changed to another route if conditions prevent the catamaran from reaching the Desertas.