Desertas Islands Full-Day Catamaran Trip from Funchal

The best part of this trip is reaching the Desertas Islands Natural Reserve, a protected chain of volcanic islands far beyond Madeira’s south coast. You sail for much of the day, then step ashore on Deserta Grande for a guided visit, a swim from a volcanic beach, and a close look at one of Portugal’s important conservation areas.

I like two things here: the rare chance to set foot on Deserta Grande, and the generous mix of activities once you arrive. You can swim, snorkel, use a stand-up paddleboard, and learn about the monk seal program. The crew also serves lunch with drinks, and dolphin or whale sightings can add a thrilling bonus.

The catch is the long crossing. Plan on roughly three hours each way, with hard bench-style seating and open-ocean wind. You also should not book this if getting in and out of a small tender or walking over slippery stones is difficult.

Key points to know before booking

• Deserta Grande is the only island where you can disembark, making this more than a sightseeing cruise.
• The crossing takes most of the day, so bring a windbreaker and prepare for a full nine hours on the water.
• Wildlife sightings are possible but not promised, with dolphins, pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and even killer whales reported on some outings.
• Swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding give the beach stop a lively feel, but wet shoes are more useful than flip-flops.
• The monk-seal center explains conservation work, though you are unlikely to see the seals themselves.
• Lunch and drinks are included, with vegetarian and vegan meals available on some departures, but confirm dietary needs before sailing.

Why the Desertas Islands are worth the long crossing

Madeira is famous for steep mountains, cliff roads, and levada walks. The Desertas Islands offer a very different view of the archipelago: dry volcanic rock, open ocean, and a protected island chain with almost no normal tourist development.

The reserve covers 12,586 hectares, including Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande, Bugio, nearby islets, and the surrounding sea. It has been protected for more than 25 years, largely because of its value to wildlife and its work to protect the Mediterranean monk seal.

That setting gives this outing its real purpose. You are not simply sailing to a pretty beach. You are visiting a place managed for conservation, where access is limited and Deserta Grande is the only island open for disembarkation.

I would choose this trip if you want a full day at sea and a rare view of Madeira’s wider island group. I would skip it if your ideal day means several hours of walking, frequent stops, or a short boat ride with little time spent sitting.

Leaving Funchal for a day on the Atlantic

You meet the crew at the VMT Madeira kiosk in Funchal Marina. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to make your own way to the marina and arrive ready for the safety briefing.

Once aboard, the catamaran follows Madeira’s south coast before turning toward the Desertas. The route gives you long views back toward the island, followed by the feeling of leaving the familiar shore far behind.

The nine-hour schedule matters. This is not a quick excursion squeezed between breakfast and dinner. The crossing itself can take about three hours each way, depending on conditions, so your comfort and tolerance for open water deserve real thought.

The catamaran has a toilet and a bar selling snacks and drinks. Lunch is included, along with drinks, which helps keep the price of $106 per person reasonable. You are paying for a full day of transport, guiding, a protected-island visit, and water activities rather than simply a boat ride.

The main comfort complaint is the bench seating. It is practical, but the hard surface may feel tiring during the outward and return crossings. I would bring a windbreaker even on a sunny day, since the wind can feel cold at sea.

Watching for dolphins and whales on the way

The crossing can be as memorable as the island itself. Dolphins have been seen alongside the boat, and some outings have included pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and even a group of killer whales.

There is no guarantee of wildlife, and the Desertas visit should not be judged only by what appears in the water. Still, the open route gives you a genuine chance to see marine life in its natural setting rather than at a managed attraction.

Keep your expectations sensible. Wildlife watching involves patience and luck. You may spend long stretches looking across empty water, then suddenly find the boat surrounded by dolphins. That unpredictability is part of the appeal, but it also means this trip is not a reliable substitute for a dedicated whale-watching excursion.

The guide may provide information during the cruise, though the amount of commentary can vary. If you enjoy learning about geology, wildlife, and Madeira’s islands, listen closely during the explanations and ask questions when there is a chance.

Arriving at Deserta Grande by tender

Deserta Grande is the only island in the reserve where this tour can put you ashore. Because the catamaran cannot simply pull onto a normal pier, you transfer to a small tender and travel toward the beach.

This is one of the more exciting parts of the day, but also one of the least comfortable for anyone with limited mobility. Getting in and out of the tender can be awkward, and wet volcanic stones may be slippery. Wear sturdy shoes that can get wet, beach shoes, or Crocs. Flip-flops are a poor choice.

The landing is not a polished resort arrival. That is exactly why it feels special, but you should be ready for an uneven, practical transfer rather than an easy gangway. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Once ashore, you have the chance to swim in clear water near the volcanic beach. Depending on conditions and available equipment, you can also snorkel or use a stand-up paddleboard. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes.

The water stop is a welcome break after the crossing. It lets you do something active rather than spend the whole day looking over the rail. At the same time, conditions can affect how easy it is to swim or use the water equipment, so do not treat every listed activity as guaranteed on every departure.

The conservation visit and the monk-seal story

The guided walk leads toward the conservation center near the guard’s house. Here you learn about the efforts to protect the Mediterranean monk seal, along with the islands’ endemic plants and animals.

This is the educational heart of the trip. The reserve is internationally known for its monk-seal work, but seeing the center does not mean you will see a seal. The animals are rare and protected, and a successful conservation visit should be measured by what you learn, not by a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

I would set expectations clearly: the monk seals are part of the story, not a scheduled attraction. Some people may find the advertising too easy to interpret as a promise of a sighting. It is better to think of the visit as an introduction to a protection program in a sensitive natural area.

The walk itself is described as guided rather than as a long island hike. You should not expect freedom to roam across Deserta Grande. Access is controlled, and the route focuses on the conservation facilities and nearby surroundings.

That limitation can disappoint anyone hoping for a proper hike. It also makes sense in a reserve where wildlife and plants need protection. The island feels more valuable because access remains restricted.

Group movement can affect the quality of the visit. If many people gather around one guide, it may be hard to hear every explanation or enjoy the guard’s house area quietly. Stay near the guide and move into a good listening position when the group stops.

Lunch on board and time in the water

Lunch is served on the catamaran, with drinks included. The food has been described as plentiful and varied, and vegetarian and vegan meals have been provided on some departures.

I would still confirm your dietary requirements before the day begins. One vegetarian request was not met on a particular outing, while other departures handled vegetarian and vegan meals well. That mixed experience makes a quick check worthwhile.

The boat is the practical base for the day. You return there for lunch, drinks, the toilet, and the trip back to Madeira. You are not carrying luggage around the island, which is useful because large bags are not allowed.

After lunch, the water activities help break up the return schedule. Swimming and snorkeling suit anyone who wants a relaxed stop, while paddleboarding gives you a little more to do. Bring a towel and dry clothes, since the transfer boat and beach can leave you wet even if you do not swim for long.

The volcanic setting adds character. You are not swimming beside a developed marina or a crowded hotel beach. The clear water and dark rock make the stop feel simple and remote, though slippery stones mean you need to watch your footing.

Is $106 a fair price?

At $106, this is not a cheap boat outing, but it is a fair price if you value a full day on the water. The fee includes the catamaran cruise, lunch, drinks, the guided island visit, and access to swimming and other water activities.

The price becomes harder to justify if you dislike long crossings or mainly want a short swim. Around six hours of the schedule may be spent traveling to and from the islands, so the boat journey is a major part of what you buy.

For the right person, the value comes from access. You cannot casually visit the Desertas Islands on your own, and Deserta Grande offers a rare chance to experience a protected place that most Madeira visitors only see from a distance.

The crew is another important part of the value. The strongest feedback centers on friendly service, a capable captain, useful explanations, and well-prepared food. That matters during a long day, especially when weather or open-ocean conditions make the crossing feel demanding.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make planning less risky. The operator can cancel if weather is poor or passenger numbers do not meet requirements, in which case you should receive an alternative or a full refund.

What to pack for this particular boat trip

Pack lightly. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, and you will be happier with a small day bag containing only the essentials.

Bring:

• A windbreaker for the cold sea breeze
• Comfortable shoes for the guided walk
• Beach shoes or footwear that can get wet
• Swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes
• Sunscreen
• Any personal medication you need during a nine-hour day

Do not bring alcohol or drugs, and do not arrive intoxicated. The operator can refuse service for safety reasons, and a resulting cancellation may not qualify for a refund.

A hat and sunglasses are sensible additions, though only the windbreaker, sunscreen, towel, change of clothes, and comfortable shoes are specifically required. The best approach is to dress for two settings: a windy catamaran and a warmer volcanic beach.

Who will enjoy this day most?

You should consider booking if you enjoy:

• Long boat journeys with open-ocean views
• Remote volcanic scenery
• Wildlife watching without a guarantee
• Conservation and protected natural areas
• Swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding
• A full-day outing with lunch included

This trip suits couples, families with older children, and active adults who are comfortable with a tender transfer. It also works well for anyone who has already seen Madeira’s main sights and wants a less familiar side of the archipelago.

I would think twice if you need comfortable padded seating, dislike wind, get badly seasick, or want a substantial island hike. The guided walk is limited, and the return crossing can feel long after a busy day.

The English and Portuguese guide service is useful for international groups. Still, the amount of information may feel light at times, so this is best for people who want a blend of scenery, conservation, and free time rather than a nonstop lecture.

Should you book the Desertas Islands trip?

Book it if the idea of sailing to a protected volcanic island excites you more than the thought of spending six hours on a catamaran. The rare landing on Deserta Grande, the conservation visit, clear water, included lunch, and chance of dolphins or whales make this one of Madeira’s more unusual day trips.

Do not book it expecting guaranteed monk seals, a long hike, soft seating, or an easy beach landing. Bring warm layers for the boat, proper wet footwear, and realistic expectations about the crossing.

For me, the strongest reason to go is not any single activity. It is the feeling of reaching a controlled, lightly visited part of the Madeira archipelago and seeing how conservation shapes access. At $106, that is a worthwhile day for people who enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

FAQ

Where does the Desertas Islands trip leave from?

Meet the guide at the VMT Madeira kiosk in Funchal Marina. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long does the full experience last?

The activity lasts nine hours. The boat journey to the islands and back takes a large part of the day, with the crossing reported at roughly three hours each way.

Can I get off the boat at the Desertas Islands?

Yes. You can disembark on Deserta Grande, the only island in the group where visitors may go ashore on this trip.

Will I see monk seals?

A monk-seal sighting is not guaranteed. The guided visit explains the conservation work protecting the seals, as well as endemic flora and fauna.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch with drinks is included and is served on board. Vegetarian and vegan meals have been available on some departures, but you should confirm dietary requirements before sailing.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. Beach shoes or other footwear that can get wet are useful because the volcanic stones may be slippery.

Is the trip suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is not considered suitable for people with mobility impairments because getting in and out of the tender and walking over uneven, slippery stones can be difficult.