Catamaran Day Cruise to Desertas Islands from Funchal

Wild islands reward patient sailors. This full-day catamaran trip from Funchal takes you across open Atlantic water to the remote Desertas Islands, where wildlife, a short island walk, snorkeling, and paddleboarding replace the usual Madeira sightseeing routine. I like the chance to reach a protected place that few people can visit at once, and I like that lunch and water equipment are included. The main catch is the long, windy ride, and the Desertas may feel stark rather than lush.

You leave Funchal at 9:00 a.m. and return to the same marina after roughly nine hours. The crew provides live commentary, a Madeiran buffet, snorkeling gear, and stand-up paddleboards, but hotel pickup is not included. I would treat this as a sea day first and an island visit second.

Key points to know before you sail

• The Desertas are stark and protected: Expect bare rock, a pebble beach, and wildlife habitat rather than a green island getaway.
• Most of the day is spent at sea: The outward and return crossings can take several hours each, with wind and spray making the ride feel chilly.
• Wildlife is the great bonus: Dolphins, seabirds, whales, and even orcas have been seen on the route, though sightings are never guaranteed.
• Water activities are included: Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards are available, subject to sea and wildlife conditions.
• Lunch is served on board: The Madeiran buffet is a useful part of the value, especially on a long excursion.
• Weather can change the plan: Strong winds may prevent the boat from reaching the Desertas, with a replacement route or refund offered in that case.

Setting out from Funchal at 9:00 a.m.

The meeting point is Praça do Povo, at Avenida do Mar 4 in Funchal. You make your own way there, so allow time to reach the marina before the 9:00 a.m. departure. The activity ends back at the same point, which keeps the day simple if you are staying in Funchal.

The boat is a catamaran, giving you several places to sit and watch the sea. The published maximum is 70 people, so this is not a tiny private sailing trip. That larger capacity helps keep the price at about $108.37 per person, but it also means you should expect a shared excursion with other families and groups.

The first part of the trip is a long run away from Madeira. You are heading toward three islands that are called the Desertas, not because they are empty of life, but because their dry, difficult conditions resisted permanent settlement. That difference matters. You are not heading to a resort beach with cafés and shade. You are going to a remote natural area where the appeal is isolation and wildlife.

I would bring a warm layer even on a sunny Madeira day. The open Atlantic crossing can be cold and windy, especially when the catamaran is moving quickly. One unhappy passenger described the ride as very unpleasant in strong wind, while another found the sea journey worthwhile because of the dolphins and island views. Both reactions are reasonable. Your comfort will depend heavily on the weather.

The long Atlantic crossing is part of the deal

The biggest question is simple: how much boat time can you enjoy? A journey of this distance can take around two and a half hours each way, leaving only a shorter period at the islands. One account described roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes outbound, about two hours on the island, and another 2 hours and 40 minutes back.

That schedule explains the mixed overall score of 3.4 from 44 ratings. The trip can feel magical when wildlife appears or the sea is calm. It can feel like a very long transfer if the water is rough and the island visit is brief.

I would choose a seat with a good view but keep your expectations flexible. The crew may alter the route to look for cetaceans or seabirds. On one changed itinerary, strong winds prevented a visit to the Desertas, so the boat sailed south from Funchal instead. That route still produced a rewarding day through wildlife watching and a sensible alternative plan.

This is an important strength of the operation. The sea, not the timetable, controls the experience. A responsible crew should not force a landing or swim stop in unsafe conditions. If you need a guaranteed island walk, this is not the right tour. If you enjoy being out on the ocean and can accept a change of plan, the flexibility works in your favor.

Reaching the Desertas and stepping onto a pebble beach

The Desertas are made up of three islands. The excursion heads toward one of these remote islands and allows you to leave the catamaran for a short visit. The beach is described as virgin and made of pebbles, with bare, dry surroundings rather than thick vegetation.

That setting is the point, but it will not suit everyone. You may find the island fascinating because it feels untouched and difficult to reach. You may also find it underwhelming if you expect a large beach, soft sand, or plenty of things to do ashore. One account called the island little more than a rock with a difficult pebble cove, while another described the visit as a magical privilege.

Take those two views seriously. The Desertas are valuable because they are remote and protected, not because they offer a long list of attractions. I would wear secure footwear for the beach and short trail. Pebbles can be awkward underfoot, and the provided information asks for a moderate level of physical fitness.

The time on land is not a major hike. A short trail gives you explanations about the island and its natural setting. The walk may be shorter than the word hiking suggests, so do not book this expecting a strenuous trek or a full day of exploring inland. The experience is more about reaching a rare place, hearing the guide’s commentary, and seeing wildlife habitat up close.

Wildlife comes before swimming

The Desertas are known for marine and land animals, and the trip is designed around observing nature in its own setting. The crossing may produce sightings of dolphins, whales, seabirds, or other cetaceans. One especially unusual sighting involved a small pod of orcas on the way to the islands.

That is an extraordinary possibility, but it remains a possibility. The crew can search, slow down, or adjust course for animals, yet no cruise can promise wildlife. If you book mainly for whales or orcas, disappointment is possible. If you see them, consider it a major bonus rather than the guaranteed centerpiece.

Seals also affect the schedule. A seal colony can mean no swimming near the boat or shore, even if you were hoping to use the water equipment. That restriction is a good sign from a conservation point of view, though it can be frustrating when you have packed swimwear and planned on a water stop.

The live commentary adds value here. You are not simply being dropped at a bare island with no context. The crew explains the Desertas and points out what makes the place important. English is the offered language, and several participants praised the crew’s friendly manner and strong English communication.

Snorkeling and paddleboarding near the island

Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards are included. These activities give you something active to do during the island stop, but they depend on conditions, timing, and wildlife protection.

The water may be clear enough for an enjoyable look below the surface, though the supplied information does not promise a particular marine species or snorkeling location. You should also understand that equipment being included does not mean you will always be able to use it. Wind, waves, seals, or a late return from shore can change the plan.

One French-speaking participant noted that snorkeling gear was not offered during a short island visit, and swimming did not take place because seals were present. That is useful practical information. If using a mask, fins, or paddleboard is central to your decision, ask the crew on the day rather than assuming every activity will run exactly as expected.

The shore itself may not be comfortable for a long swim. The beach is a pebble cove, not a broad sandy strand. Bring a towel, swimsuit, sun protection, and footwear that can handle rough stones. Also bring a dry layer for the return crossing, since the boat ride may feel cooler after you have been in the water.

A Madeiran buffet breaks up the day

A buffet lunch is served on board and is included in the price. Food can make a real difference on a nine-hour outing, especially when there are no shops or cafés on the Desertas. The meal has been praised as tasty and suitable for the long day.

You should give dietary requirements when booking. The meal is served during the cruise, and timing may shift if the boat returns late from the island. One account described lunch being delayed, with the catamaran already moving while people were still finishing their meal. That is not ideal, so keep your schedule relaxed and do not plan an important appointment immediately after the tour.

The lunch is best viewed as practical onboard catering with a Madeiran touch, not a restaurant meal. At this price, including food, commentary, snorkeling equipment, and paddleboards makes the excursion more attractive. Still, the value depends on how much you enjoy the sea crossing. A person who dislikes long boat rides may not feel the included lunch compensates for the time onboard.

Is $108.37 fair for nine hours?

At about $108.37 per person, this is not a cheap half-day activity. It is closer to a full-day expedition, and the price covers the catamaran, crew commentary, island access when conditions allow, buffet lunch, snorkeling equipment, and stand-up paddleboarding.

I think the price is reasonable for someone who specifically wants to reach the Desertas. This is not an easy place to visit independently, and the boat, food, equipment, and route planning are bundled together. The chance of seeing dolphins, seabirds, whales, or even orcas adds real value, though you cannot buy a wildlife guarantee.

The price is less convincing if you mainly want a beach day. The island visit may last only around two hours, the beach is pebbly, and the return trip can be tiring. Madeira offers many other excursions, so compare this with your interests before booking. Choose it for remoteness, open water, and nature. Skip it if you need a relaxed day with plenty of time ashore.

The trip is booked on average 21 days ahead, which suggests you should not leave it until the last minute if the date matters. Confirmation normally arrives at booking, although reservations made within two days of departure may take up to 48 hours and depend on availability.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to you if you:

• Enjoy long days on the water
• Like remote natural places more than polished attractions
• Can handle wind, spray, and a moderate level of physical activity
• Want the possibility of dolphin or whale sightings
• Are happy to snorkel or paddleboard when conditions permit
• Are traveling with children who can remain with an adult throughout the trip

Families can join, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The published group limit of 70 people means the boat may feel busy, especially when everyone gathers for lunch or prepares for shore activities.

I would be cautious if you suffer from motion sickness, dislike cold wind, or expect several hours of hiking. The island trail is short, and the crossing is the main physical and emotional commitment. The trip also requires good weather, so you need to accept that nature may cancel or reshape the plan.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can receive another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book the Desertas Islands cruise?

Book this tour if the idea of reaching a difficult, protected island excites you more than the thought of relaxing on a sandy beach. The strongest parts are the friendly crew, the chance to see wildlife in open water, the Madeiran buffet, and the rare access to the Desertas.

Go in with realistic expectations. You may spend most of the day on the catamaran, the sea may be windy, the island walk may be short, and swimming may be stopped to protect seals or respond to conditions. With that understanding, this can be a memorable nature day rather than a disappointing beach trip.

FAQ

Where does the Desertas Islands cruise start?

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

What time does the cruise leave?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 a.m. The full excursion lasts about nine hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards are included, although their use depends on sea conditions, timing, and wildlife restrictions.

Is lunch included?

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

What happens if bad weather stops the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Strong winds may also lead to a changed route instead of a landing at the Desertas.