From Funchal: Wooden Boat Excursion to Desertas Island

A trip to the Desertas Islands from Funchal has a special pull because you are leaving the easy tourist trail and spending most of the day out on the Atlantic. This wooden boat excursion is built around long cruising time and big open-water views toward the Desertas Islands and their dramatic cliffs.

What I really like is the setup for marine life sightings. You cover a lot of miles, and that means more chances to spot dolphins and other sea life on the way. I also like that the day is kept simple with Madeira wine in a welcome drink and a real lunch included, not just a token snack.

One consideration before you book: this is not a short sightseeing hop. Expect seasickness risk for some people (the boat can move), and the time on land can be brief, more walk-and-swim than a full island hike.

Key highlights you should know before you go

• Marine life odds from lots of cruising time across the Atlantic
• Long day on a wooden boat, with the main action happening at sea
• Guided island moment for about 20 minutes when you’re on site
• Lunch plus drinks including a Madeira wine welcome and another drink on the return
• Swim stop and snorkeling time once you reach the Desertas area
• Plan for damp conditions on shore if you are not coming off the boat dry

Madeira’s Desertas Islands by Wooden Boat: what this day feels like

This excursion is for people who actually like boats. If you love the idea of spending hours underway, watching the light change on the water, and scanning the sea for movement, you will probably enjoy it more than a typical sightseeing tour.

The day is structured like this: you start in Funchal, you spend a large chunk of the 8.5 hours sailing, you get a guided period on the island area, then you end with lunch and the return journey. In other words, the “main event” is the time on the water, not a long, relaxing stroll.

You are also going somewhere specific: the Desertas are a protected natural reserve off Madeira. That matters because it keeps the experience focused. You are not hunting for cafés or souvenir stops. You are there to see coastline, wildlife, and the remote feeling of the islands.

Getting started in Funchal: where you meet at pier 8

You’ll meet at Av. Do Mar 9000, and the key detail is the marina location. When you get to the marina at pier 8, look for the kiosk in the middle. Your meeting point is the Bonita da Madeira kiosk.

This matters because the tour is timed, and “near the pier” is not specific enough when you are juggling groups and boarding. If you arrive a bit early, you can sort out your shoes, towel, and swim gear without stressing.

Also note what is not included: there’s no private transport pick up or drop off from your hotel, and car parking is not included either. If you’re driving, you’ll want to plan where you’ll park ahead of time.

On the water for 8.5 hours: marine life chances and real sea conditions

The biggest promise here is the chance to see marine life. The reasoning is simple: you travel many miles. More time moving through the water equals more chances to spot dolphins and other wildlife.

I like that this is not a “sit at the harbor and hope” approach. You are out there doing the moving part, which is exactly when wildlife tends to show up.

Still, the sea is the sea. One review experience described that the boat ride takes up most of the day, and another pointed out that the water can be a bit agitated, making it difficult for people prone to seasickness. That lines up with the “not suitable” guidance for anyone who gets motion sick.

If you’re on the fence because you usually feel okay on boats: consider taking it seriously. A wooden boat can feel charming, but it still rides the same Atlantic waves as everyone else. If you know you react badly to motion, skip this one.

The Desertas stop: short walk, swimming, and how shore time works

Once you arrive, the itinerary centers on three things: a walk, swimming, and snorkeling. There is also a guided tour that lasts around 20 minutes, so you get some context for what you are seeing.

Here’s the honest part. The on-island time can be short, and shore conditions can mean you may not get the simple dry, sand-on-your-sneakers experience you’re imagining. Some people described a very short circular path, around 200 meters, with information plaques, and more of a gravel feeling than a soft, sandy beach. Others noted that disembarking might involve getting wet, with limited help for staying dry.

So I’d plan your mindset that way: you’re going to the Desertas for a nature moment, not a long hike. Wear comfortable shoes for walking, but also be prepared that you may spend time in swim gear.

If you are snorkeling, bring your expectations into line with what the day offers. You will not have an entire beach day to figure everything out. It’s more of a “get in, enjoy, then back on the boat” rhythm.

Guided tour timing: what you’ll actually learn in the 20 minutes

The guide component is real, but compact. You get roughly a 20-minute guided tour after docking, with interpretation about the island reserve and what you can observe around you.

In practice, that means you can get the basics without turning this into a classroom day. You’ll have enough time to get bearings fast and connect the visuals to the setting. Then you move on to free time activities like walking, swimming, or returning to the boat.

If your idea of a good guide day is a long, detailed hike with stops every few minutes, this may feel short. But if you want a quick “here’s what matters” intro followed by time in and on the water, it fits the bill.

Lunch and drinks: Madeira wine, your included meal, and what to expect

Food is included, and I like that the day is not forcing you to find lunch during a limited shore window. Your welcome drink is Madeira wine, and you also get lunch with one free drink per person.

The drink options listed are water, Coca Cola, beer, or wine (white or red). Lunch also includes fruit, and there’s another free drink on the return trip.

One warning from real-world experience: a couple of people reported inconsistencies, like fewer drinks offered than expected or not getting the full meal detail they were told. I can’t promise every sailing is identical, but you can protect yourself by having your expectations clear. If drinks and fruit matter a lot to you, it’s smart to politely confirm details when the crew is serving.

Bottom line: when it goes smoothly, lunch feels like a true part of the outing, not an afterthought. When conditions are busy, the service can still be quick.

Price and value: is $106 per person fair for what you get?

At $106 per person for an 8.5-hour experience, you are paying for a few things at once: the boat time, the island reserve access, the guide time (about 20 minutes), and the included lunch and drinks.

What boosts the value is that you are not just buying a view from land. You are paying for a proper stretch of time out on the water, plus a swim stop and snorkeling. If marine life sightings are your priority, more miles covered can be worth real money.

What can lower the value for some people is the ratio of sea time to shore time. Several descriptions made it clear that most of the day is spent on the boat, and the island walk can be short. If you’re expecting a long, dry sightseeing day with big distances on foot, $106 might feel steep.

So I’d judge this tour by your preferences:

• If you want boat time and wildlife chances, it can feel like a good deal.
• If you want lots of land activities and lots of dry, walkable exploration, you may find it overpriced for your personal tastes.

Who this wooden boat Desertas trip fits best

This is a strong match if you are:

• A boat person who enjoys time on the water more than land excursions
• A swimmer who is comfortable with getting in for a swim stop and snorkeling
• Someone who likes simple guidance and then free time outdoors
• People who appreciate included food and drinks so you do not have to think about meals

It is a poor match if you are:

• Prone to seasickness, since the boat can move and the day is mostly on the water
• Not a confident swimmer, since the experience includes swimming and snorkeling as core parts
• Traveling with “cold” conditions, since it’s listed as not suitable for people with a cold

Also, skip it if your travel style requires luggage and big-bag freedom. Oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed, and glass objects are not allowed either.

Packing tips that make the day better (and less miserable)

Bring a kit that handles both the boat ride and the swim stop.

From the provided guidance, I’d pack:

• Swimsuit and towel, because you will want to dry off after water time
• Sunscreen plus sunglasses and a cap or hat, since you’ll be out on open water
• Comfortable shoes for the walk, plus waterproof shoes if you think you’ll get wet moving around on shore
• A jacket, since sea wind can cool you down fast even when it looks sunny
• Snacks, even though lunch is included, because the day is long and you might want a quick boost

And for your sanity: leave big bags at home. Pets are not allowed (assistance dogs are allowed), and fishing is not permitted. Plan to travel light, so boarding and moving around feels easy.

Should you book this tour?

Book it if you want a Madeira wildlife-focused boat day with a good chance of seeing sea life, a swim stop at the Desertas area, and lunch plus drinks taken care of.

Skip it if you need a long, dry, fully walkable island hike or if you get seasick easily. This is not designed to be comfortable on the boat for everyone. It’s designed for people who enjoy being out there, moving across miles of Atlantic water.

If you do book, go in with the right expectation: you’re buying time on a boat, a short guided moment, and a swim-focused stop. That’s the value. When that matches your travel mood, this outing can turn into a memorable day.

FAQ

How long is the Wooden Boat Excursion to the Desertas Islands?

The duration is 8.5 hours.

Where is the meeting point in Funchal?

You’ll meet at the marina at pier 8. Look for the kiosk in the middle, the Bonita da Madeira kiosk.

What is included in the price?

Included are a welcome drink (Madeira wine), lunch with one free drink per person, taxes and fees, plus a swimming stop.

What food and drinks do you get?

Lunch includes fruit and one free drink per person (water, Coca Cola, beer, or wine, white or red). You also get another free drink on the return.

Is there a swimming stop and snorkeling?

Yes. The stop includes swimming, and snorkeling is part of the Desertas portion.

Do I need to be a swimmer to join?

The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers.

Is this tour okay if I get seasick?

It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, snacks, a jacket, and comfortable clothes. Waterproof shoes are also recommended.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are not allowed, but assistance dogs are allowed.

Is cancellation free?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.