Catamaran Day Cruise to Desertas Islands from Funchal

The most unusual part of this day cruise is the chance to set foot on Madeira’s remote Desertas Islands, a group of three protected islands reached after a long ride into open water. You get a beach landing, a short guided walk, and time for sea activities in a place that feels far removed from Funchal.

I like the wildlife focus, since the route can bring dolphins, whales, seabirds, or even orcas into view. I also like the simple mix of activities: a Madeiran buffet, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and a short visit ashore, all from one catamaran.

The main catch is the amount of time spent getting there. The outward and return journeys can take several hours, and wind can make the ride cold and rough. If you want a long, relaxing beach day, this may not be the right boat trip.

Key points to know before booking

• The Desertas are remote and protected: You visit a quiet group of three islands with very little development and a strong connection to Madeira’s native wildlife.
• The boat ride is a major part of the day: Plan on roughly nine hours overall, with some reports of about two hours and forty minutes each way.
• Wildlife sightings are possible, not promised: Dolphins, whales, seabirds, seals, and even orcas have been seen, but nature sets the schedule.
• The beach is pebbly: The landing area is not a soft, sandy resort beach, and swimming can be awkward underfoot.
• Water activities are included: Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards are provided, subject to weather and local conditions.
• You need to reach the marina yourself: The meeting point is Praça do Povo in Funchal, and hotel pickup is not included.

Why the Desertas make this a different Madeira boat trip

Many Madeira excursions stay close to the island’s steep coast. This one sends you toward the horizon, to three islands known as the Desertas. Their dry, harsh conditions kept them from becoming settled in the usual way, and today they offer a much wilder setting than the busy waterfront of Funchal.

That remoteness is the point. You are not visiting a town, a museum, or a polished beach club. You are going to a sparsely developed natural area where land and sea wildlife are the main attraction. The payoff is a sense of distance and quiet, but only if you are comfortable with a long day on the ocean.

The trip leaves from the Funchal Marina area at 9:00 a.m. The stated meeting point is Praça do Povo, at Avenida do Mar 4 in Funchal. Check the exact boarding instructions when you book, since the marina area has several waterfront access points and you do not want to begin the day searching for the boat.

The morning crossing from Funchal

Once the catamaran leaves Madeira, the scenery changes quickly. Funchal recedes behind you, and the focus shifts from buildings and coastal roads to open sea. The catamaran gives you views from the water, but it also exposes you to wind, spray, and changing conditions.

I would bring a warm layer even on a sunny Madeira morning. The ride can feel chilly when the boat is moving, and the return crossing may be especially tiring after a full day outdoors. A waterproof outer layer is also sensible, since the conditions on deck can change.

Live commentary is provided in English. The crew explains the islands and the surrounding waters, giving the crossing more purpose than a simple transfer. Still, you should think of the crossing as part of the experience rather than dead time. If you dislike long boat rides, the distance is the most important factor to consider before paying.

Wildlife can make the crossing memorable. Dolphins and seabirds have been spotted, and one outing even encountered a small pod of orcas. Another route was changed because strong winds prevented a visit to the Desertas, but the crew sailed south from Funchal and found cetaceans and seabirds instead.

Those sightings are a welcome bonus, not a guarantee. You should book this for the islands and the day at sea, with wildlife as an extra possibility. That mindset will help you avoid feeling let down if the water remains empty.

Reaching the three-island group

The Desertas are not a conventional sightseeing stop. You will not find a string of shops, cafés, or paved attractions waiting on shore. The appeal lies in the bare setting, the protected wildlife, and the feeling that you have reached a place few people see.

The boat makes its way toward a virgin beach, where you can disembark for a short visit. The walk is described as a small trail rather than a serious hike. That distinction matters. If you expect a substantial trek across the island, you may find the land portion brief.

The walk gives you context for the island’s dry character and wildlife. It is a guided outing with information about the Desertas, rather than a long independent exploration. Wear shoes that handle uneven ground, and do not expect a smooth promenade.

The beach itself is made up of pebbles rather than fine sand. Some people find the shore difficult for swimming, especially when entering and leaving the water. If you want to use the sea, water shoes would be useful, though the tour information specifically confirms snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboarding rather than water shoes.

The amount of time ashore can vary. The overall experience is advertised at about nine hours, but the actual visit to the island may be closer to two or three hours depending on sea conditions and the day’s operation. Do not read the full duration as nine hours on land.

Snorkeling and paddleboarding near the shore

The included water activities give the island stop more variety. You can use the snorkeling equipment for a closer look below the surface, and stand-up paddleboards are available for a more active way to enjoy the water.

Conditions control how much of this you can do. Wind, waves, wildlife protection, and the timing of the boat all matter. One account describes no swimming from the boat because seals were present, which is a reasonable restriction in a protected setting. On another day, snorkeling and paddleboarding were available.

You may also find that the crew does not always push the activities. If you want to snorkel, ask clearly and early rather than assuming someone will bring equipment to you. The same applies to paddleboarding. Weather and local wildlife rules may still prevent either activity.

This is a good reason to pack a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and a change of clothing. You can enjoy the outing without getting in the water, but the equipment adds real value if conditions allow you to use it.

Lunch with a Madeiran flavor

A Madeiran buffet lunch is served on board. The food has been described as tasty and perfectly adequate for a day excursion, which is the right expectation. This is practical boat-trip catering, not a formal restaurant meal.

Timing can be a little awkward. If the beach visit runs late, lunch may begin while the catamaran is already moving. That can make it harder to collect food, sit comfortably, and return for dessert while the boat is under way.

I would eat a little at the start rather than waiting for a quiet moment later. Keep one hand free if the sea is moving, and do not expect a leisurely meal with a long pause between courses. The buffet is still useful because it saves you from carrying a full lunch for a nine-hour outing.

Tell the operator about dietary requirements when booking. The supplied information specifically asks you to provide this in advance. Do not leave it until boarding, when options may be limited.

What the crew and boat add to the day

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. The staff have been described as friendly and helpful, with good English skills and plenty of information about the islands. That matters on a long crossing, since clear instructions make boarding, shore activities, lunch, and wildlife stops easier to follow.

The catamaran lets you watch the coast and ocean from several positions rather than sitting inside a standard tour bus. You can use the ride for views, wildlife spotting, or simply a quiet break from Madeira’s busy streets. The tradeoff is exposure to wind and motion.

The boat can carry up to 70 people. That is not a small private sailing trip. On a full departure, the shared areas, equipment, beach landing, and buffet may feel busy. The larger capacity can help keep the price at a reasonable level, but it reduces the sense of personal space.

The published price is $108.37 per person. I consider that fair if you value the remote island visit, the long catamaran crossing, lunch, commentary, and included water equipment as one package. It is less attractive if you mainly want a quick wildlife cruise or a comfortable swim stop, since much of the day is spent traveling.

The published score is 3.4 from 44 ratings, which fits the mixed nature of the outing. The best days can include dolphins, seabirds, orcas, a friendly crew, good food, and access to a rare destination. The weaker days can involve rough water, limited time ashore, no swimming, and a beach that feels uncomfortable underfoot.

Weather can change the whole plan

This tour requires good weather. Winds can make the Desertas crossing unpleasant, and poor conditions can force a change of route or cancellation. If the boat cannot visit the islands, the operator may offer another date or a full refund.

A changed route does not necessarily mean a wasted day. Sailing south from Funchal can provide chances to see cetaceans and seabirds, and the crew may adapt the plan to match the sea. Still, you should be comfortable with the fact that the headline destination may not be reached.

The cancellation rules are simple but strict close to departure. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund, unless the operator cancels because of weather or insufficient numbers.

Book earlier if this is an important part of your Madeira plan. The experience is booked on average about 21 days ahead, and confirmation for bookings made within two days of departure can take up to 48 hours, subject to availability.

Who will enjoy this nine-hour outing

I would recommend this cruise to you if you like unusual places, open-water travel, and wildlife watching. It suits families who can manage a full day at sea, since children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

You should have a moderate level of physical fitness. The walk is short, but you still need to board a boat, move around on deck, step onto a pebbly beach, and possibly handle snorkeling or paddleboarding equipment.

This is not the best choice for you if you need a soft sandy beach, a long hike, guaranteed whale sightings, or a calm and sheltered cruise. It is also a poor match if you get seasick easily or dislike cold wind. The long outward and return journeys are not a minor detail.

For families, I would explain the day honestly before booking: several hours on a moving catamaran, a short island walk, lunch, and possible water activities. Children who enjoy boats and wildlife may have a great time. Children expecting rides, games, or a broad sandy beach may be disappointed.

Practical details for a smoother day

Arrive ready to spend most of the day away from Funchal. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to Praça do Povo by 9:00 a.m. The meeting point is near public transportation.

Pack light, but include the basics:

• A warm layer for the crossing
• Sun protection and a hat
• Swimwear and a towel
• Comfortable shoes for the short trail
• A waterproof bag for small electronics
• Any medication you need during a nine-hour day

Keep your expectations flexible. The islands may receive strong wind, the beach may be pebbly, and water activities may be restricted. In exchange, you get a rare chance to visit a remote natural area from the sea, with an adaptable crew and several possible wildlife encounters.

Should you book the Desertas Islands cruise?

Book it if the idea of reaching Madeira’s remote Desertas Islands excites you more than the promise of a perfect beach day. The strongest reasons to go are the unusual destination, the chance to see marine life in open water, the friendly English-speaking crew, the Madeiran buffet, and the included snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding.

Skip it if you want maximum time ashore or a short, easy cruise. The journey can take several hours each way, the sea may be windy and cold, and the island stop may be brief. At $108.37, the value depends on how much you enjoy the crossing itself.

My advice is to book with realistic expectations and choose a day when you can spare the full schedule. Think of it as an ocean expedition with a beach landing, not a standard island beach excursion. On a calm day with wildlife sightings, it can be a memorable addition to Madeira. On a rough day, the long ride will test your patience.

FAQ

How long is the Catamaran Day Cruise to the Desertas Islands?

The experience lasts approximately nine hours, starting at 9:00 a.m. and ending back at the meeting point in Funchal.

Where does the cruise start?

It starts at Praça do Povo, Avenida do Mar 4, São Martinho, 9000-900 Funchal, Portugal. The activity ends at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to the meeting point.

Are snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards included?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboarding. Use of these activities can depend on weather, sea conditions, and local wildlife restrictions.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Madeiran buffet lunch is served on board. You should provide any specific dietary requirements when booking.

Can children join the cruise?

Yes. Children can participate, but they must be accompanied by an adult. The tour also advises that participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness.