Desertas Islands Full-Day Catamaran Trip from Funchal

The best part of this trip is reaching a protected island chain that you can visit only by sea. After roughly three hours across the water, you land at Deserta Grande, where volcanic rock, clear water, and strict conservation rules give the day a special sense of place.

I like the chance to learn about monk seal protection at the conservation center, and I like that lunch and drinks are included rather than treated as extra costs. The open-water crossing can also bring dolphins, pilot whales, or, on rare lucky days, even killer whales into view.

The main drawback is the long boat ride, with roughly three hours each way and firm bench seating. Getting from the tender onto slippery rocks can be awkward, so this is not a good choice if you have mobility problems.

Key points to know before booking

• The Desertas are reached after a long ocean crossing: Plan on about three hours each way, with scenic views along Madeira’s south coast.
• You visit Deserta Grande, not the whole island chain: The guided walk focuses on the conservation center and nearby area.
• Monk seals are the conservation story, not a guaranteed sighting: The reserve protects them, but you should not book this expecting to see one.
• Lunch and drinks are included: The buffet is described as plentiful, with vegetarian and vegan meals available when requested.
• Swimming access is rocky: Bring sturdy shoes that can get wet, not flip-flops.
• Wildlife sightings vary: Dolphins and whales have been seen, but no animal encounter is promised.

A rare sea trip from Madeira

The Desertas Islands sit southeast of Madeira and form a protected group of islands and smaller islets: Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande, Bugio, and nearby rocks. The reserve covers 12,586 hectares, including the surrounding marine area, so the protection extends well beyond the shoreline.

That matters because this is not simply a beach cruise. You are entering a carefully managed natural reserve where the sea, cliffs, plants, and wildlife all receive protection. The islands have been a nature reserve for more than 25 years, and the area is known especially for efforts to protect the endangered monk seal.

You meet at the VMT Madeira kiosk in Funchal Marina. There is no hotel pickup, so allow time to reach the marina on your own. Before departure, the crew gives a safety briefing, then the catamaran heads along Madeira’s south coast and out toward the reserve.

I would treat the crossing as one of the main parts of the experience, not just transportation. The ocean is wide, the views change slowly, and the return trip can feel long if you want constant activity. Bring something warm and settle into the idea of a full day at sea.

What the three-hour crossing is really like

The trip lasts about nine hours, and the outward and return crossings can take around three hours each. That leaves a more limited period at the islands than the total tour time might suggest, but the crossing gives you a rare chance to see Madeira from offshore.

The catamaran has a toilet and a bar selling snacks and drinks. Lunch with drinks is included, and the boat provides a practical base for the day. Still, comfort is not perfect. The bench-style seating has been described as hard, so you may want to bring a light layer that can double as a cushion.

The weather can change the feel of the journey. Wind is common enough that a windbreaker belongs in your day bag even in summer. The sun can also be strong, so sunscreen is essential. If the sea is rough, the crossing may be tiring, especially for anyone prone to motion sickness, although no specific motion sickness provision is listed.

Keep your eyes on the water. Dolphins, pilot whales, and bottlenose dolphins have been spotted on different trips. One lucky outing even had a group of killer whales. These sightings are a bonus, not part of the guarantee, but they can turn a long crossing into the day’s most memorable moment.

Arriving at Deserta Grande by tender

Deserta Grande is the only island in the reserve where visitors can disembark. You do not simply walk off the catamaran onto a pier. The final transfer is by a smaller tender to a beach of volcanic origin.

This is where practical footwear matters most. The rocks can be slippery, and getting out of the tender may feel awkward. Wear water shoes, sturdy sandals, or old trainers that you do not mind getting wet. Flip-flops are a poor choice because they offer little grip and can easily come off.

Once ashore, you get a chance to swim in clear water. The setting is far removed from a standard resort beach, with volcanic rock and protected island scenery around you. Bring swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. The information provided does not promise a specific amount of beach time, so think of the swim as one part of the island visit rather than the sole purpose of the trip.

Snorkeling and stand up paddleboarding are also offered during the island stop. Conditions and available time may affect how much you can do, but the range of activities gives you options. You can swim, look beneath the surface, paddle, or simply enjoy the shore if you prefer not to get in the water.

The conservation center and the limits of the walk

The guided walk leads toward the conservation center, where you learn about monk seal protection and the native plants and animals of the reserve. This is the most meaningful part of the visit for anyone who wants context rather than a quick swim and a few photographs.

The monk seal is central to the reserve’s work, but you should set your expectations carefully. The trip does not promise a monk seal sighting, and seeing one is unlikely enough that you should regard it as a special accident. The value lies in understanding why the islands are protected and how conservation teams work to safeguard the species.

Do not expect a long island hike. The route is a guided visit around the conservation area, including the guard house, rather than a free-ranging trek across Deserta Grande. One person who expected more hiking found this surprising, so read the outing as a short educational walk with sea time around it.

Group size can affect this part of the day. If many people gather around one guide, it may be harder to hear every explanation or enjoy the area quietly. Stay close to the guide and listen carefully, especially if the group spreads out.

Lunch aboard the catamaran

Lunch is included in the $106 price, along with drinks. That makes the cost easier to judge because you are not paying separately for transport to the reserve, the guided visit, and a meal during a nine-hour outing.

The food has received strong praise for being plentiful and varied. Vegetarian and vegan meals have been provided when requested, and dietary requirements can be catered for. I would still state your needs clearly when booking or before departure, rather than assuming the crew will know.

You eat on board rather than at a restaurant on the island. That is both a strength and a limitation. The boat offers shade, seating, a toilet, and a bar, but it is not a formal dining room. The meal works well because it saves valuable time and keeps the visit focused on the protected area.

Bring only what you need. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so pack a small day bag with your windbreaker, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, water shoes, and dry clothes.

Swimming, snorkeling, and time on shore

The swimming stop gives the day a welcome change of pace after the ocean crossing. The water is described as clear, and the volcanic beach creates a setting you cannot easily match at a city beach in Funchal.

The shore is not fully soft or effortless underfoot. Slippery stones make the entry and exit more demanding, especially when returning to the tender. Shoes with grip are the smart choice, and you should take your time rather than rush in the surf.

Snorkeling is available, but the information does not promise particular fish, reefs, or underwater conditions. Think of it as an opportunity included in the island stop, not a specialist snorkeling tour. Stand up paddleboarding is also listed, giving you another way to enjoy the water if conditions allow.

The balance of activity suits people who like variety. You can swim, paddle, snorkel, join the walk, or stay aboard for the views. You do not need to do every activity to get value from the trip.

Is $106 a fair price?

At $106 per person, this is not a cheap boat ride, but it covers a full day and several separate elements: the catamaran cruise, the return sea journey, a guided visit to a protected island, lunch, and drinks. You also avoid having to organize separate transport, food, and access arrangements for a remote reserve.

The value depends on what you want from Madeira. If you mainly want a quick swim or a short sightseeing cruise, the nine-hour schedule may feel excessive. If you want to see a protected island that is not part of ordinary Madeira sightseeing, the price is more reasonable.

The wildlife element can also affect how you judge the cost. Dolphins or whales may appear, but they are not guaranteed. Book this for the Desertas and the experience of getting there, not because you expect a specific animal to perform on schedule.

The included lunch helps. You can enjoy the day without hunting for food on an uninhabited island, and the meal has accommodated vegetarian and vegan requests. Since there is no hotel pickup, remember to add your own transport time and cost to the budget.

Who should book this trip?

I would recommend it to you if you enjoy being on the water for long stretches, want to see a less visited part of Madeira, and appreciate conservation work. It is also a good fit if you like combining scenery, a short guided walk, swimming, and possible wildlife sightings in one day.

You should think twice if you dislike long boat journeys or need soft, comfortable seating. The hard benches and several hours at sea are real considerations. The route is also unsuitable for people with mobility impairments, particularly because of the tender transfer and slippery volcanic rocks.

Families and active adults may enjoy the mix of swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding, but the provided information does not identify a minimum age or child-specific facilities. If you are booking for children, check the current requirements before paying.

The trip operates with English and Portuguese-speaking guides. If you need detailed explanations, stay near the guide during the walk, since group noise can make it harder to hear.

Small details that make a big difference

A windbreaker is more useful than you may expect. The open sea can feel cold even when Funchal is warm, while the island itself may feel hotter once you are ashore.

Use sunscreen before departure and reapply during the day. There is little point reaching a remote island only to spend the return crossing uncomfortable from sunburn.

Pack a towel and spare clothes, especially if you plan to swim or use the paddleboards. Keep electronics protected from spray during the tender transfer.

Do not bring alcohol or drugs, and do not board intoxicated. The operator can refuse service for safety reasons, and a canceled trip caused by intoxication does not qualify for a refund.

Weather and passenger numbers can affect departure. The operator may cancel if conditions are unsafe or if there are not enough people to meet operating requirements. In that case, you are offered an alternative or a full refund.

Should you book the Desertas catamaran trip?

Book it if you want a long, scenic day at sea and a rare chance to set foot on Deserta Grande. The conservation center, volcanic shore, included lunch, and possibility of dolphins or whales make this much more than a standard coastal cruise.

Skip it if you want a relaxed short outing, guaranteed monk seals, or an easy beach landing. The crossing is long, the seating is basic, and the rocks require care.

For the best chance of enjoying it, pack warm and practical clothing, wear shoes that grip wet stones, and treat wildlife sightings as a gift. With those expectations, this is one of Madeira’s more unusual day trips and a worthwhile choice for people who value protected places over a packed schedule of ordinary attractions.

FAQ

Where does the Desertas Islands trip begin?

Meet the guide at the VMT Madeira kiosk in Funchal Marina.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts about nine hours. The crossing to and from the islands can take roughly three hours each way.

What languages are spoken on the tour?

Guides provide the experience in English and Portuguese.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach Funchal Marina yourself.

Which Desertas island can visitors visit?

Deserta Grande is the only island in the reserve where visitors can disembark.

Can I see monk seals?

The trip explains monk seal conservation, but seeing monk seals is not guaranteed.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch and drinks are included in the catamaran trip.

Can vegetarian or vegan meals be provided?

Vegetarian and vegan meals have been provided, and dietary requirements can be catered for. State your needs clearly when arranging the trip.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. Water shoes or another pair of shoes with good grip are useful for the rocky landing.

Is the trip suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The experience is not considered suitable for people with mobility impairments, particularly because of the tender transfer and slippery volcanic rocks.