Desertas Islands Full-Day Catamaran Trip from Funchal

The Desertas Islands trip is interesting because it trades Madeira’s usual “coastal postcard” for something wilder and protected. You sail the south side of the island, then you step onto volcanic sand in a marine reserve that has been protected for over 25 years. The whole day feels like a controlled peek at a fragile place.

I love the mix of sea time and island time, not just sitting on a boat. I also like that the visit centers on monk seal conservation, with a guided walk that ties the scenery to real protection work.

The main drawback to plan for is practical, not romantic: this tour is not ideal if you have mobility issues, and getting in and out of the tender can be tricky. Plus, there is an outdoor, wind-exposed portion of the day, so you will want the right clothes.

Key things to know before you go

• Desertas Natural Reserve access by sea to islands and islets like Deserta Grande, Bugio, and Ilhéu Chão
• Only Deserta Grande lets you disembark, with a guided walk to the conservation center
• Swim, snorkeling, and stand up paddleboarding in clear water when conditions allow
• Wildlife sightings are a real bonus, with dolphins and even reported whale encounters on some departures
• Wear wet-friendly footwear for the slippery stone steps when boarding and landing

Desertas Islands Natural Reserve, not just another boat day

The Desertas Islands are one of Madeira’s best “why should we protect this?” lessons, delivered in the form of a day trip. The reserve covers 12,586 hectares of land and surrounding marine area, including the main islands and islets like Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande, Bugio, and nearby smaller islets. You are not going for a crowded beach scene. You are going for a living, protected ecosystem.

The key piece here is the monk seal conservation story. The area is internationally known for protecting the monk seal, and your time on Deserta Grande includes a guided walk that focuses on that work, along with endemic flora and fauna. That matters because it turns “pretty scenery” into “I understand what is at risk and why rules exist.”

I also like how the trip balances freedom with structure. You get swim time, and you can join water activities, but you also get guided explanations that help you read the place correctly. This is the kind of tour where the walking part adds meaning to the boat part.

From Funchal Marina to the south coast: how the catamaran ride sets the tone

You start in Funchal at the VMT Madeira Kiosk at the Funchal Marina. From there, the catamaran cruise runs along Madeira’s south coast, and you can settle in while you get your first real look at the coastline from the water.

Expect a proper safety briefing before you’re let loose. The boat also has practical comforts onboard, including a toilet and a bar with snacks and beverages. That sounds basic, but on a full day, it makes the ride feel less like a long commute and more like a manageable outing.

One reason I think this day works so well is that the cruise isn’t just transit. It is time where the day can “pay off” early, especially for wildlife lovers. People report seeing dolphins and, on some departures, whale species such as pilot whales, and even killer whales. You should not assume sightings will happen, but the chance is part of the appeal.

What to watch out for on the water

The catamaran is a shared space, and seating can feel hard for some people because of bench-style arrangements. If you’re sensitive to that, bring a small personal comfort item if allowed by the operator. Also, the wind off the ocean can be sharp, even when the island feels warm.

Deserta Grande landing: volcanic sand, real steps, and swim-ready planning

Deserta Grande is the only island where visitors can disembark. When you arrive, you head to a beach area with volcanic origin, and the water there is typically described as clear. This is where the trip turns from “sailing day” into “something I can touch.”

But here is the practical reality: getting off the boat involves a tender and stone steps. Reviews and real-world boat logistics point to one thing repeatedly: wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet, because the steps can be slippery. Flip-flops often do not work well on rocks. Crocs or beach shoes are a common solution, and they also help you feel steadier once you’re in and out of the water.

If you get seasick easily, you’ll want to position yourself to reduce movement, and you’ll want fresh air. The schedule includes time on the island and then time back on the catamaran, so you’ll be exposed to wind for parts of the day. Bring a windbreaker even when the weather looks friendly from shore.

Swim time is the payoff, but conditions matter

The day includes time to swim, and snorkeling is part of the experience when you have the right setup and conditions. Whether you spend more time floating or more time exploring underwater depends on what the sea allows that day. Either way, this is one of the most “hands-on” moments of the whole trip.

The guided conservation walk: monk seal protection and endemic island life

On Deserta Grande, you do a guided walk to the conservation center area. This is not a long hike, and it is not about conquering distance. It is about learning how protection works on a remote island, where the monk seal is the headline species.

The value is in the context. When you hear how the reserve protects the animals and their habitat, the scenery changes. You start noticing things you would have otherwise walked past, like how plants and coastal areas adapt to volcanic conditions, and why certain spaces get restricted.

This walk can also be a reality check if you expected a guarantee of monk seal sightings. The tour is built around education and conservation access, not a promise of spotting wildlife on cue. Seeing monk seals is not something you can plan tightly on a day trip, but you can absolutely leave with a better understanding of why this reserve exists and what the team is trying to prevent.

Group size and hearing the guide

A guided experience works best when you can hear and see. Some people have found that the walk can feel crowded, which makes it harder to follow the finer details. If you really care about the storytelling, pick a spot where you can listen well, not just where you can take photos.

Lunch on board and the rhythm of a 9-hour day

The trip is about 9 hours, so timing matters. You’re not going to feel rushed to sprint from one “must-see” to another, but it is also not a lazy day with unlimited flexibility. The day follows a natural flow: cruise out, land on Deserta Grande, guided walk and water time, then cruise back to Funchal.

Lunch is included with drinks, served as part of the onboard plan. From what people report, it is more than a token sandwich stop. Food is described as very good, plentiful, and able to cater to dietary needs such as vegetarian and vegan options when requested.

There is also a bar with snacks and beverages onboard, which helps you manage energy between the island activities and the sail back. That matters because you’ll burn calories if you’re swimming, snorkeling, or standing on a paddleboard.

What I would do to make lunch easier

Bring your change of clothes in a small bag you can keep handy. Dry clothes after time in windy sea air make the last part of the day much more comfortable. Also, sunscreen matters here. Volcanic coasts and bright water reflection can be sneaky even when clouds drift in.

Snorkeling and paddleboarding: clear water time, plus simple safety tips

This is the part you feel in your body. The itinerary includes time for swimming and snorkeling, and many people add stand up paddleboarding if conditions allow and you feel steady.

What makes this work is the combination of calm access and a clear-water setting. You do not need to be an expert to enjoy it, but you do need the basics: proper footwear for the rocky edges and comfort in wet conditions.

Footwear and gear, in plain language

• Bring or use shoes you can wear on stones and wet surfaces.
• Pack a towel and a change of clothes so you don’t end the day damp and cold.
• Sunscreen is not optional. Water and wind both dry your skin fast.
• A windbreaker helps after you get wet, especially when you return to the catamaran.

If you plan to snorkel, you might want to focus on staying warm and taking it slow. Even when the water looks inviting, wind and boat movement can change how cold you feel.

A final comfort note

Some people find the catamaran seating uncomfortable because it is bench-style. On a 9-hour day, that small issue can add up. If you’re picky about comfort, prepare for the seating, and take breaks when you can.

Is it good value, and who should book this trip?

At $106 per person for a full-day catamaran outing, the value is strongest if you want a protected reserve experience plus actual water time. You are not paying just for transportation. You get a full cruise, lunch with drinks, a guided walk connected to monk seal conservation, and multiple opportunities to swim and snorkel, with paddleboarding depending on conditions.

It is also good value if you like being out on the ocean for a long stretch. The chance of wildlife encounters, reported by many participants as dolphins and sometimes whales, can make the trip feel like it has an extra layer beyond the “planned parts.”

Who should book:

• You want a remote, protected nature experience from Funchal without dealing with complicated logistics.
• You like guided learning, especially around conservation and endemic species.
• You are comfortable getting in and out of a tender and spending time outdoors in wind.

Who should consider a different plan:

• You have mobility concerns. This tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments because of the nature of landing and the way access is handled.
• You expect guaranteed monk seal sightings. The trip is about conservation access and education, not a strict wildlife checklist.
• You dislike hard seating for long periods.

FAQ

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the Desertas Islands catamaran trip?

Meet your guide at the VMT Madeira Kiosk at the Funchal Marina.

How long is the trip from Funchal to the Desertas Islands?

The duration is 9 hours. Starting times can vary, so checking availability is important.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included.

What is included in the price?

You get the catamaran cruise and lunch with drinks.

What activities are you likely to do once you reach the islands?

Once on Deserta Grande, you can expect time for swimming and snorkeling, plus the option of stand up paddleboarding. There is also a guided walk.

Will I see monk seals during the tour?

The tour includes a guided visit focused on monk seal conservation. The information provided does not promise sightings of monk seals, so treat it as conservation and education time rather than a guaranteed viewing.

What languages will the tour be in?

The live tour guide is available in English and Portuguese.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, a change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen. During summer, swimwear can help.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. It is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What is the cancellation policy?

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