Desertas Islands Full-Day Catamaran Trip from Funchal

The most memorable part of this trip is reaching the Desertas Islands Natural Reserve, a protected chain of volcanic islands far beyond Madeira’s busy south coast. You sail for roughly three hours each way, then land on Deserta Grande for a guided walk, lunch, and time in clear water.

I like the strong mix of wildlife and conservation, especially the chance to learn how the monk seal is protected. I also like that lunch and drinks are included, so the $106 price covers a full day rather than just a boat ride. The main drawback is the long crossing, plus a rocky landing that can be awkward if you have mobility difficulties.

Key points to know before booking

• Three hours each way: Much of the nine-hour day is spent sailing across open ocean, with Madeira and the Desertas providing the scenery.
• Deserta Grande is the only landing island: You will not freely roam the whole island chain.
• Monk seals are protected, not promised: The visit focuses on conservation, but seals are not guaranteed to appear.
• Swim from a volcanic beach: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and shoes that can get wet.
• Lunch and drinks are included: The onboard meal is described as plentiful, with vegetarian and vegan meals available when arranged.
• Prepare for wind and a tender landing: A windbreaker is useful, and flip-flops are a poor choice on slippery stones.

Sailing from Funchal into open Atlantic water

Your day begins at the VMT Madeira Kiosk in Funchal Marina. There is no hotel pickup, so plan your route to the marina ahead of time. Once aboard, the crew gives a safety briefing before the catamaran leaves Madeira’s south coast.

The boat ride is not a quick transfer. It takes about three hours to reach the Desertas, then about three hours to return. That makes the sea journey a major part of the experience, not a gap between attractions. I would book this trip only if you enjoy being on the water for long stretches.

The reward is a changing view of Madeira from offshore. The island’s steep volcanic sides look different from the sea, and the Desertas appear as a much wilder, more isolated group of islands. The route can also bring wildlife sightings. Dolphins, pilot whales, and even killer whales have been seen during past trips, but these are wild animals and no sighting is guaranteed.

The catamaran has a toilet and a bar selling snacks and drinks. Lunch and drinks are included, though you may still want a small amount of spending money for anything extra. Seating is bench-style, and one useful warning is that it can become hard on your back during the long crossings.

Bring a windbreaker even on a sunny day. Wind over open water can feel cold, especially in the morning and on the return trip. Sunscreen matters too, since you are exposed for much of the day and reflected light from the sea adds to the burn risk.

Reaching the volcanic shore of Deserta Grande

Deserta Grande is the only island in the reserve where visitors may disembark. The final approach is part of the adventure, but it is not a simple walk down a marina gangway. You transfer to a smaller boat and land near a beach of volcanic origin.

The stones can be slippery. Wear sturdy shoes, water shoes, beach shoes, or old trainers that you do not mind getting wet. Flip-flops are specifically a poor choice here, since getting in and out of the tender can be difficult and the rocks are uneven.

This is also why the trip is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The issue is not only the catamaran itself. You must manage the smaller boat, the rocky landing, and the guided walk afterward.

Once ashore, you get a close look at a protected place that has seen far less development than Madeira. The volcanic formations and clear water are the main visual rewards. The setting feels quiet and exposed, with the open sea around you and little of the built-up feel found on Madeira.

Do not expect a long independent hike across the island. The visit includes a guided walk to the conservation center, and the group stays within the permitted visitor area. One useful point to understand before booking is that this is a controlled nature visit, not a free-roaming island hike.

The monk seal conservation center

The Desertas Islands Natural Reserve covers 12,586 hectares, including Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande, Bugio, nearby islets, and the surrounding marine area. The reserve has protected status for more than 25 years and is known internationally for its work with monk seals.

The guided walk takes you to the conservation center, where you learn about the efforts to protect these rare seals. You also hear about endemic plants and animals found in the reserve. This gives the landing more purpose than simply stopping at a pretty beach for a swim.

Set your expectations correctly. The conservation visit does not mean you will see a monk seal. Seals are wild and protected, and sightings are not part of the guarantee. The value is in understanding the work being done and seeing an area where conservation rules shape the entire visitor experience.

The guide speaks English and Portuguese. The information is useful, though the quality of the visit depends partly on where you are standing within the group. A large group can make it hard to hear or enjoy every explanation, so move closer when the guide begins speaking.

The guided walk is generally short rather than strenuous, but the rocky terrain still calls for sensible footwear. Comfortable shoes are listed among the essentials, and this is one case where that advice matters more than fashion.

Swimming, snorkeling, and time on the water

After the guided visit, the day returns to the sea. You can swim in clear water near the volcanic beach, and the activities also include snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding.

The water stop adds a welcome change after the long outward crossing. You can cool off, see the shoreline from the water, or simply stay aboard and enjoy the view if swimming is not your thing. Bring a towel and change of clothes, since the combination of sea spray, swimming, and wind can leave you uncomfortable on the return journey.

Pack sunscreen and swimwear even if the morning looks cool. Conditions can feel warmer at the island than they did on the boat, and the sun can be strong around the beach.

A water shoe is especially useful. The volcanic stones are slippery, and you may need to walk through shallow water or over wet rock. It is a small item, but it can make the landing and swim stop much easier.

The water activities are an added part of the day, not the whole point of the excursion. If your main goal is a long snorkeling session, this may not be the right trip. The main experience is the full combination of sailing, protected nature, a guided conservation visit, lunch, and a short swim stop.

Lunch aboard the catamaran

Lunch is served on board and included in the price. It is described as a generous buffet with a good range of food and drinks, which matters on a nine-hour outing with no ordinary restaurant stop.

Vegetarian and vegan meals have been provided, but tell the operator about dietary needs in advance rather than assuming a suitable plate will appear automatically. One person reported not receiving the requested vegetarian meal, so it is sensible to confirm your request before departure.

The meal also helps break up the long schedule. You are not expected to carry a full picnic, and you can eat while enjoying views of the sea and volcanic islands. Still, the onboard bar offers snacks and beverages, so bringing only what you need is best. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

The crew receives especially strong praise for being friendly and helpful. That matters here because a good crew can make the boat ride feel relaxed, explain the safety steps clearly, and help with the transfer to shore.

Is $106 a fair price?

At $106 per person, this is not a cheap short cruise, but it covers a full nine-hour outing, catamaran transport, lunch, drinks, the guided conservation visit, and time for swimming and other water activities.

The value depends on how you feel about the six hours of sailing. If you see the crossing as part of the attraction, the price is reasonable. You are paying to reach a remote protected area that cannot be visited by a normal road trip from Funchal. If you mainly want a quick swim and a few hours on land, the cost and travel time may feel less attractive.

The wildlife possibility also adds value, though it should not be treated as a promise. Dolphins and whales have appeared along the route, sometimes becoming the day’s best memory. But you should book for the Desertas experience first, with marine life as a welcome bonus.

Lunch helps the arithmetic. You do not need to buy a separate meal, and the included drinks make the day easier to manage. Hotel transfers are not included, so add the cost and time of reaching Funchal Marina when comparing this with other excursions.

The cancellation terms are useful if your plans may shift. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some flexibility. The operator can also cancel after confirmation because of bad weather or insufficient numbers, in which case you are offered an alternative or a full refund.

Who will enjoy this day most?

I would recommend this trip to people who like the sea as much as the destination. You should be comfortable with a long catamaran ride, changing wind, and a full day outdoors.

It suits:

• Nature-minded visitors who want to see a protected area rather than another town or viewpoint
• People interested in conservation and endemic island wildlife
• Swimmers who want a volcanic beach and clear water
• Anyone who enjoys the chance of seeing dolphins or whales from a boat
• Couples and families with older children who can manage the boat and rocky shore
• Visitors who prefer an organized day with lunch included

I would hesitate if you dislike open-water crossings, need lots of legroom, or want a long independent hike. The bench seating may feel uncomfortable over three hours, and the island visit is guided and limited.

People with mobility difficulties should choose another excursion. The tender transfer and slippery stones create a real practical problem, not just a minor inconvenience.

What to pack for the Desertas

Keep your day bag small. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, and you do not need much beyond a few practical items.

Bring:

• A windbreaker for both crossings
• Comfortable shoes with a firm grip
• Water shoes or old shoes for the rocky landing
• Swimwear
• A towel
• Sunscreen
• A change of clothes
• Any personal medication you need during the nine-hour day

Do not rely on flip-flops. They are poor on wet volcanic stones and can make the tender landing harder. Do not bring alcohol or drugs, and do not board while intoxicated. The operator can refuse service for safety reasons, and a cancellation caused by intoxication does not qualify for a refund.

The return crossing to Funchal

After the island visit and water stop, you return to the catamaran for the long sail back to Funchal. This is a good time to dry off, eat, watch the sea, and keep an eye out for wildlife.

The return can feel different from the outward trip because you know what the schedule involves. If you found the seating uncomfortable earlier, move around carefully when permitted and use the breaks to stretch. Keep your windbreaker close, even after a warm afternoon ashore.

The crew’s attitude matters most during this part of the day. Friendly service and clear safety guidance can make the final crossing pleasant, but no crew can change the fact that the boat ride is long. Go in expecting a full marine excursion, not a quick island shuttle.

Should you book this Desertas Islands trip?

Book it if you want a rare chance to reach Madeira’s remote neighboring reserve, enjoy a full day on the Atlantic, and learn about monk seal protection. The volcanic scenery, clear-water swim, included lunch, and possibility of dolphins or whales make this a strong choice for active nature lovers.

Skip it if you want guaranteed monk seals, extensive hiking, or a short boat ride. You will not freely explore the entire island chain, and the three-hour crossings require patience.

My practical verdict is positive, with conditions: wear proper shoes, pack warm layers, and treat wildlife sightings as luck rather than a promise. At $106, the trip offers fair value when you want the complete Desertas experience, not simply a beach stop.

FAQ

Where does the Desertas Islands catamaran trip begin?

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

How long does the excursion last?

The activity lasts nine hours. The boat journey takes about three hours each way between Funchal and the Desertas Islands.

Which Desertas island can visitors visit on land?

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

Will I see monk seals?

Monk seal sightings are not guaranteed. The visit includes a guided walk to the conservation center to learn about protection efforts.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch with drinks is included. Vegetarian and vegan meals have been provided, but you should state dietary requirements in advance.

Can I swim or snorkel during the trip?

Yes. The day includes a swimming stop, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding, subject to conditions and the tour schedule.

What should I wear and bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. Water shoes or sturdy footwear are useful for the slippery volcanic stones.

Is the excursion suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The trip is not suitable for people with mobility impairments because of the tender transfer, rocky landing, and uneven walking conditions.