Desertas Islands Full-Day Catamaran Trip from Funchal

Wild islands reward the long boat ride. This nine-hour trip from Funchal takes you across Madeira’s south coast to the protected Desertas Islands, where you can swim from a volcanic beach, enjoy lunch on board, and walk to a monk seal conservation center. I especially like the dramatic volcanic scenery and the chance to see dolphins or whales along the way. The crew also earns high marks for friendly service and accommodating vegetarian and vegan meals. The main catch is the long crossing, roughly three hours each way, plus a tricky tender landing that may not suit anyone with mobility difficulties.

You should also set your expectations carefully. The tour explains the work done to protect monk seals, but seeing one is not part of the experience, and some island areas are off-limits. The catamaran has a toilet, bar, snacks, and drinks, but the bench seating can feel hard after several hours at sea.

Key points before you book

• Three hours each way by catamaran: The journey is a major part of the day, not simply transportation between two quick stops.
• Deserta Grande is the only island you visit on foot: The protected reserve also includes Ilhéu Chão, Bugio, and nearby islets, but you disembark only at Deserta Grande.
• Wildlife sightings are possible, not promised: Dolphins, pilot whales, bottle-nosed dolphins, and even killer whales have been spotted, but monk seals are rarely seen.
• Lunch and drinks are included: The buffet is plentiful, and vegetarian and vegan meals can be arranged, though it is wise to confirm your request.
• Bring shoes that can get wet: Slippery stones make the tender landing awkward, and flip-flops are a poor choice.
• The water stop is a real highlight: You may swim, snorkel, and use stand-up paddleboards in clear water beside the volcanic shore.

Why the Desertas Islands are worth the crossing

Madeira is famous for steep mountains, levada walks, and flower-filled towns. The Desertas Islands offer something quite different: open sea, bare volcanic rock, and a protected place that feels much less developed.

The reserve covers 12,586 hectares, including the islands, islets, and surrounding marine area. It has been protected for more than 25 years, with particular attention given to the endangered monk seal. That conservation work gives the trip more purpose than a standard boat outing. You are not simply looking at cliffs from the water. You are learning why access is controlled and why the islands remain largely untouched.

I like that the visit is limited to Deserta Grande. You do not get a free run of the reserve, and that is the point. The restricted access helps protect wildlife and fragile plant life. It also means you should not expect a long island hike. One passenger was surprised by how little hiking was allowed, so think of this as a guided introduction to a protected site, not a full walking tour.

The shore is volcanic in origin, with dark rock and clear water. The setting feels spare and remote, especially compared with Funchal’s marina and waterfront. If your idea of a good day includes seeing a less-developed side of Madeira, this is one of the better ways to do it.

Leaving Funchal Marina for the open sea

You meet the VMT Madeira team at the VMT Madeira kiosk in Funchal Marina. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your own way to the marina and leave enough time to find the meeting point.

The day begins with a safety briefing before the catamaran heads along Madeira’s south coast. The first few hours are scenic but unhurried. You will have sea views, changing perspectives on Madeira, and the possibility of spotting wildlife. Dolphins and whales have appeared on several departures, including pilot whales, bottle-nosed dolphins, and large dolphin groups. One departure even encountered killer whales, though that is an unusual stroke of luck rather than something you should count on.

The crossing can be calm and pleasant in good weather. It can also feel long. Three hours outbound and three hours back leaves plenty of time sitting on the boat, so bring a windbreaker even in summer. The wind can feel cold at sea, while the island itself may be much warmer.

The catamaran has a toilet and a bar selling snacks and beverages. Lunch and drinks are included, which helps make the long day easier. Still, the seating is not luxurious. Bench-style seats can become uncomfortable after several hours, particularly on the return journey when you are tired and possibly damp from swimming.

Landing on Deserta Grande

The landing is one of the day’s more memorable moments, but it is not a smooth marina arrival. You transfer from the catamaran in a smaller tender and step onto a rocky volcanic shore. Stones can be slippery, so wear sturdy shoes that you do not mind getting wet.

Beach shoes, water shoes, or old trainers are better than flip-flops. Several people found getting in and out of the tender awkward, and this is the clearest reason the trip is unsuitable for people with mobility impairments. You need to manage the tender transfer and uneven stones without much assistance.

Once ashore, you have time for the guided walk toward the conservation center and the guard’s house. The guide explains the monk seal protection program, along with endemic plants and animals found in the reserve. The walk is valuable because it gives context to the protected status of the islands. Without it, the day could feel like a scenic swim stop with a very long boat ride.

The pace is generally gentle, but the visit is not a full island trek. Some areas are restricted, and the group remains within the permitted zone. One practical issue is that a large group can make the explanations harder to hear, especially around the guard’s house. If you want every detail, stay close to the guide and listen carefully when the group gathers.

The monk seal story, without false promises

The Desertas Islands are internationally known for monk seal conservation. That is a major reason to visit, but it does not mean you will see a monk seal.

The animals are protected and sightings are uncommon. You should treat the conservation center as an educational stop, not a wildlife guarantee. The trip gives you a chance to understand the work being done to protect them and the wider marine reserve. It also shows why responsible access matters.

This distinction is important because the promotional focus on monk seals can create the wrong expectation. If your main goal is to see one, this tour may disappoint. If you care about conservation and want to visit a restricted natural area while respecting its limits, the center adds real value.

The guide also covers endemic flora and fauna, though the amount of detail can depend on the group and how well you can hear. The best experience comes from treating the walk as a short, focused introduction rather than a long naturalist lecture.

Swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding beside volcanic rock

After the guided visit, the trip shifts from conservation to recreation. You can swim in clear water near the volcanic beach, with snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding also available.

This is the most active part of the day, but it remains flexible. You do not need to take part in every water activity. You can swim, look around from shore, or stay on the boat and enjoy the scenery. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. A windbreaker is still useful after you get out of the water, since the return crossing can feel cool.

The clear water is a strong point. It gives you a different view of the islands, with dark volcanic stone below and open sea around you. The swimming stop also breaks up the long schedule. After hours on the catamaran, getting into the water can make the return journey feel less tiring.

Take care around the landing area. The same stones that make the shore attractive can be slippery. Water shoes are not just a comfort item here. They can make the transfer and time in the water much easier.

Lunch on board and dietary requests

Lunch is served on the catamaran and is included with drinks. The food is described as a generous buffet, with enough variety to suit different tastes. Vegetarian and vegan meals have been provided, and dietary requests can be handled, but I would confirm your needs in advance rather than assume the correct meal will appear.

That small step matters. One passenger requested vegetarian food and did not receive it, while other departures successfully provided vegetarian and vegan options. The safest approach is to tell the operator clearly before the day and remind the crew when you board.

Eating on board also saves you from carrying a packed lunch to a remote island. You can sit down after the guided walk or water stop and enjoy a proper meal before the return crossing. Drinks, snacks, and a bar are available, though large bags and luggage are not allowed.

How the $106 price works out

At $106 per person, this is not a cheap quick excursion. It is a full nine-hour day that includes the catamaran, guided island visit, lunch, drinks, and access to the swimming stop. There is no extra hotel transfer, so you need to reach Funchal Marina yourself.

The value depends on what you want from Madeira. If you want the lowest-cost way to see a beach, this is not it. You are paying for the boat crossing, the rare chance to visit a protected island reserve, the conservation presentation, meals, and the possibility of marine wildlife sightings.

I think the price is fair for someone who enjoys being at sea and wants an unusual day outside Madeira’s usual sightseeing circuit. It is less convincing for anyone who dislikes long boat rides or needs a packed schedule of land-based activities.

The strongest value comes from the whole combination. A dolphin sighting can make the crossing memorable, and the island visit gives the day a clear purpose. But wildlife is never guaranteed, and the sea conditions can affect the comfort of the trip.

What to bring for a more comfortable day

Pack light. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, and you will not need much beyond a few practical items.

• A windbreaker for the open-water crossing
• Swimwear, towel, and a change of clothes
• Sunscreen, even when the air feels cool
• Comfortable shoes for the walk
• Water shoes or old shoes that can get wet
• Sunglasses and a hat, if useful for you
• Any necessary dietary information shared before departure

Do not bring alcohol or drugs, and do not board while intoxicated. The operator can refuse service if you appear intoxicated, and a cancellation caused by that situation does not qualify for a refund.

The tour can also be canceled after confirmation if weather or passenger numbers make the trip unsafe or impractical. In that case, you are offered an alternative or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some flexibility when arranging your Madeira plans.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would choose this trip if you enjoy long scenic boat rides, remote places, and the feeling of visiting somewhere carefully protected. It suits couples, friends, and active families who can manage the tender transfer and are happy with a full day at sea.

It is especially good for you if:

• You want to see more than Funchal and Madeira’s main coast
• You enjoy swimming and snorkeling in clear water
• You are interested in conservation
• You are comfortable with a full three-hour crossing each way
• You appreciate wildlife sightings without needing a guarantee
• You can walk on uneven, slippery volcanic stones

I would think twice if you need easy access, dislike hard seating, or expect a substantial island hike. The island walk is short and controlled, not a day of roaming. You also need to accept that the monk seals may remain unseen.

The tour is available with live guides in English and Portuguese. The crew is often praised for being warm and helpful, and the captain adds to the relaxed feel of the day. The only consistent comfort concern is the bench seating, not the service.

Should you book the Desertas Islands trip?

Book it if you want a rare look at Madeira’s protected offshore world and you are happy to make the boat journey part of the experience. The volcanic scenery, conservation visit, clear-water swim, included lunch, and chance of dolphins or whales create a memorable full day.

Skip it if you want a short excursion, a guaranteed monk seal sighting, or an easy-access beach visit. Before booking, check the sea forecast, confirm any dietary request, and pack a windbreaker plus proper wet-weather footwear.

For the right person, this is one of Madeira’s more unusual day trips. Just remember that the Desertas Islands are the star, but the open-ocean crossing is half the adventure.

FAQ

Where does the Desertas Islands trip start?

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

How long does the full trip last?

The experience lasts about nine hours, including the boat journey, island visit, guided walk, lunch, and time for swimming or other water activities.

Which Desertas Island can I visit on foot?

Deserta Grande is the only island where you disembark. The protected reserve also includes Ilhéu Chão, Bugio, and nearby islets.

Can I see monk seals on the trip?

The tour explains monk seal conservation, but seeing a monk seal is not guaranteed. The animals are protected, and sightings are uncommon.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch with drinks is included, and the meal is served on board the catamaran.

Can vegetarian or vegan meals be provided?

Vegetarian and vegan meals have been catered for, but you should confirm your dietary needs with the operator before departure.

Can I swim or snorkel?

Yes. The stop at Deserta Grande allows time for swimming and snorkeling in clear water. Stand-up paddleboarding is also listed as an available activity.

What should I wear and bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and a change of clothes. Water shoes or sturdy shoes that can get wet are better than flip-flops.

Is the trip suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The tender transfer and slippery volcanic stones can make getting ashore difficult, so the trip is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.