Desertas Islands Full-Day Catamaran Trip from Funchal

The best part of this trip is the rare chance to set foot on Deserta Grande, one of Madeira’s remote volcanic islands. After roughly three hours at sea from Funchal, you’ll land by small boat, walk to the monk seal conservation center, and see a protected place that is normally viewed only from offshore.

I like the wildlife possibilities, since dolphins and pilot whales have appeared on the crossing, and even killer whales have been spotted. I also like the relaxed mix of a guided visit, a proper lunch with drinks, and time for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding. The main drawback is the long ride, with about three hours each way, plus a tricky landing over slippery stones.

Key things to know before you book

• Three hours each way: The Desertas are far offshore, so much of this nine-hour day takes place on the catamaran.
• Deserta Grande is the only island you visit on foot: The other islands and islets remain off-limits to ordinary visitors.
• Monk seals are protected, not promised: You’ll learn about conservation, but seeing a seal is not part of the guarantee.
• Wildlife can steal the show: Dolphins, pilot whales, and even orcas have been seen during the crossing.
• Bring proper footwear: Water shoes, beach shoes, or old Crocs are safer than flip-flops on the rocky landing.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Vegetarian and vegan meals can be arranged, but state your needs clearly when booking.

Sailing from Funchal toward a protected island chain

You meet the crew at the VMT Madeira kiosk in Funchal Marina. There is no hotel pick-up, so you’ll need to make your own way to the marina. Once aboard, the crew gives a safety briefing before the catamaran heads east along Madeira’s south coast.

The first stretch gives you changing views of Madeira from the water. Then the island fades behind you and the open Atlantic becomes the main event. This is not a quick boat ride followed by hours on land. Plan on about three hours to reach the Desertas and another three hours to return, with the island visit and water time in between.

That long crossing is important when judging the value. If you want a short sightseeing cruise, this is too much boat time. If you like being on the ocean and are happy to let the day unfold at sea, the journey feels like part of the trip rather than mere transport.

Wildlife sightings add a welcome sense of possibility. Dolphins have joined the boat, and pilot whales have been seen. One outing even encountered a group of killer whales, though that is an exceptional sighting and should never be expected. The crew may try to point out marine life, but no animal encounter can be guaranteed.

The catamaran has a toilet and a bar selling snacks and drinks. You should still bring a windbreaker, since the wind can feel cold on the water even when Madeira is warm. The seating is bench-style, and some people may find it hard after several hours. A small cushion or folded layer of clothing could make the ride more comfortable, though large bags and luggage are not allowed.

The Desertas Natural Reserve comes into view

The Desertas Natural Reserve covers 12,586 hectares, including Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande, Bugio, nearby islets, and the surrounding marine area. It has been protected for more than 25 years, which helps explain why the scenery feels so raw and lightly touched.

From the catamaran, you’ll see steep volcanic formations rising from the sea. The islands have a dry, rugged character that differs from Madeira’s greener mountain scenery. This is a place to watch slowly: cliffs, dark rock, open water, and the outline of land that has no normal road network or tourist town.

Only Deserta Grande allows visitors to disembark. That restriction gives the stop a special quality, but it also limits what you can do. This is not a free-roaming island hike, and you should not expect to spend the afternoon wandering wherever you please.

One visitor arrived expecting a longer hike and was surprised by the short guided route. That is a useful distinction. The island visit is mainly an escorted walk to the conservation center, with time to learn about the reserve and its plants and animals. You come for access and context, not for a full day of independent exploration.

Landing by tender on Deserta Grande

You do not step directly from the catamaran onto a normal pier. A small tender takes you toward the volcanic beach, where you disembark in clear water. Getting in and out can be awkward, especially for anyone with limited mobility.

The shore is rocky and can be slippery. Wear water shoes, beach shoes, or footwear that you do not mind getting wet. Flip-flops are a poor choice here. You should also expect to manage a wet landing, so keep a change of clothes in a small permitted bag and protect anything that should not get splashed.

This part of the trip is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Even with good balance, the transfer from catamaran to tender and then onto the beach takes care. Follow the crew’s instructions and take your time.

Once ashore, the clear water and volcanic beach make the landing feel worthwhile. You’ll have a chance to swim, and the itinerary also allows for snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding. The precise amount of water time depends on the day’s conditions and schedule, so do not treat every listed activity as a guaranteed long session.

Walking to the monk seal conservation center

The guided walk leads to the conservation center near the guard’s house. This is where the trip gains its strongest educational value. You’ll learn about efforts to protect the Mediterranean monk seal, one of the rarest seal species in the world, along with the reserve’s endemic plants and animals.

The monk seal is the reason many people consider this trip. Keep expectations realistic: the conservation center explains the protection work, but seals are not guaranteed to appear. In fact, the animals are difficult to see, and the reserve’s purpose is to protect them rather than stage a close encounter.

The guided talk also helps you understand why access is controlled. Deserta Grande is not simply an empty beach waiting for visitors. It is part of a large protected marine and island reserve, and the short route keeps the human footprint small.

A practical issue is group size. When many people gather around the guard’s house, it can be hard to hear every explanation or get a clear view. If you are interested in the natural history, stay close to the guide and listen carefully. The guide speaks English and Portuguese, and the explanations are a worthwhile part of the stop.

The route is not presented as a strenuous hike. That may disappoint you if you want a serious walk, but it suits people who prefer a short, guided introduction before returning to the beach and boat.

Swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding in clear water

After the island visit, the day shifts from conservation to simple water fun. The swimming stop is one of the most appealing parts of the trip, particularly after the long crossing. The water is described as clear, and you may have time to snorkel or use a stand-up paddleboard.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. A windbreaker remains useful for the boat, while swimwear and sun protection matter once you are at the island. Madeira’s sunshine can be strong, and the open deck offers little reason to stay indoors when the weather is good.

The rocky shore means this is not a soft, sandy beach day. Water shoes make the swim easier and protect your feet during the landing. If you prefer calm sightseeing to active water time, you can simply enjoy the scenery and watch others use the water.

Weather matters here. Rough sea conditions can affect the crossing, landing, or water activities. The operator may cancel after confirmation if conditions are unsafe or if too few people are booked. In that case, you receive an alternative or a full refund.

Lunch on board, with drinks included

Lunch is served on the catamaran rather than at the island. That makes practical sense in a protected reserve and gives you a chance to eat during the island portion of the day without adding another transfer.

The meal is a buffet-style lunch with drinks, and the food has been a strong point of the trip. Vegetarian options have been provided, and vegan meals have also been arranged. Still, you should communicate dietary requirements clearly when booking rather than assume the crew will know.

Plentiful food matters on a nine-hour ocean outing. You are spending much of the day outdoors, swimming, and sitting in the wind, so a proper meal is more useful than a simple snack. The bar also sells additional snacks and beverages if you need something between meals.

The main weakness is comfort rather than catering. The hard bench seating can become tiring during the long outward and return legs. This is a good trip for you if the scenery and sea time matter more than premium seating.

What the $106 price really covers

At $106 per person, the trip is not cheap, but the price includes the catamaran cruise, lunch, drinks, guided island visit, and access to a place that is difficult to reach independently. You are also paying for a full day on the water, not just a short transfer.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise want several separate activities: a wildlife cruise, a remote-island visit, a guided nature stop, and a swimming excursion. Combining those elements in one day saves planning and gives you a clear structure.

The value is weaker if you dislike long boat rides or mainly want to see the monk seals. No seal sighting is promised, and the island walk is short. You should book this for the protected setting, volcanic scenery, marine wildlife possibilities, and unusual access, not for a guaranteed animal encounter.

Hotel transportation is not included. You meet at the marina, and you are responsible for reaching the VMT Madeira kiosk. The operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option, which helps if your Madeira schedule depends on weather.

Who should choose this nine-hour sea day

I would choose this trip if you enjoy open-water cruising, remote places, and nature talks. It suits couples, families with older children, and active adults who are comfortable with a wet shore landing and several hours of sitting at sea.

It is especially appealing if you want to see a less developed side of Madeira. The Desertas are not another polished resort stop. Their appeal comes from volcanic rock, restricted access, conservation work, and the feeling of being far from the main island.

I would hesitate if you have mobility difficulties, dislike boats, or need a soft seat and frequent land access. The tender transfer can be difficult, and the three-hour return crossing is a long time if you are already uncomfortable.

You should also think about your priorities. If your main goal is a serious hike, this will feel too limited. If your goal is to see monk seals up close, the trip may disappoint. If you want a rare island visit with a good chance of dolphins and a pleasant swim, it makes much more sense.

Should you book the Desertas Islands catamaran trip?

Book it if you see the journey as part of the adventure. The combination of open Atlantic scenery, possible dolphins or whales, volcanic formations, a conservation center, lunch, and clear-water swimming gives you a full day with plenty of variety.

Go prepared for wind, hard seating, a slippery landing, and no guaranteed monk seals. Bring sturdy water-friendly shoes, sunscreen, a windbreaker, swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. With those details handled, this is one of Madeira’s more unusual day trips and a good choice for anyone who wants to reach a protected island that most people only see from a boat.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

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

How long does the trip last?

The full activity lasts nine hours. The crossing takes about three hours each way, with time at Deserta Grande between the outward and return journeys.

Which Desertas Islands can I visit on foot?

Deserta Grande is the only island where visitors can disembark. The reserve also includes Ilhéu Chão, Bugio, and nearby islets, which you view from the sea.

Are monk seals guaranteed?

No. You will learn about monk seal conservation at the center, but seeing a monk seal is not guaranteed.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch with drinks is included. Vegetarian and vegan meals can be provided, but you should state your dietary needs when booking.

Can I swim during the trip?

Yes. The itinerary includes a swimming stop in clear water. Snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding may also be part of the water activities.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, sunscreen, a towel, and a change of clothes. In summer, bring swimwear as well. Water shoes or beach shoes are useful for the slippery, rocky landing.

Is the catamaran equipped with a toilet?

Yes. The catamaran has a toilet and a bar selling snacks and beverages.

Is the trip suitable for someone with mobility impairments?

No. The tender transfer and rocky shore landing can be difficult, and the activity is not considered suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The operator may cancel after confirmation because of bad weather or insufficient numbers. You will then be offered an alternative or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.