From Funchal: Wooden Boat Excursion to Desertas Island

The main draw here is the long Atlantic crossing. You cover many miles between Funchal and the Desertas Islands, which gives you a good chance of seeing dolphins, whales, and seabirds. At the islands, you get dramatic cliffs, clear water, and a rare look at one of Madeira’s protected natural areas.

I like the traditional wooden boat setting, which feels more special than a standard harbor cruise. I also like that lunch, drinks, and a swim stop are included, so you can spend the day at sea without adding up every small cost.

The key caution is the amount of time spent on the water. This is an 8.5-hour outing, and roughly six to six and a half hours may be spent aboard. Access to the island can also depend on sea conditions, and some departures have involved swimming from the boat rather than walking onto dry land.

Key points to know before booking

• The boat ride is the main event: Expect a full day at sea, not a short cruise followed by hours of island touring.
• Marine life sightings are possible: The route covers many miles, giving you repeated chances to spot dolphins and whales, though sightings are never guaranteed.
• The Desertas visit may be brief: The nature path has been described as a short route with information plaques rather than a long hike.
• Island access can be wet: Recent departures have required some people to swim from the boat to reach the shore.
• Lunch and drinks are included: You receive a set lunch, one included drink with the meal, fruit, and another drink on the return according to the stated arrangements.
• This suits confident swimmers and steady sailors: The trip is not recommended for non-swimmers, people with a cold, or anyone prone to seasickness.

What this Desertas day is really about

The Desertas Islands sit southeast of Madeira in the Atlantic. This trip gives you a way to see them without arranging a private boat or a long, complicated expedition. You leave from Funchal, spend the day crossing open water, stop near the islands, and return to the same marina.

That sounds simple, but it matters how you picture the day. If you imagine a quick boat ride followed by a full island hike, this tour may disappoint you. If you enjoy being at sea and want the chance to see wildlife in open water, the long crossing is the heart of the outing.

The route also gives you changing views of Madeira and the open Atlantic. Near the Desertas, the scenery becomes stark and spare, with steep cliffs and exposed rock. One unhappy account described the islands as little more than gravel, which is a useful warning: this is not a lush beach destination. The appeal is remoteness, geology, wildlife, and the feeling of reaching a place few people see.

Leaving Funchal from Pier 8

Your meeting point is at the marina on Pier 8, at the Bonita da Madeira kiosk in the middle of the pier area. The listed starting address is Av. Do Mar 9000 in Funchal.

There is no private pickup or drop-off included. You need to make your own way to the marina, and parking is not included either. That is easy enough if you are staying in central Funchal, but allow extra time if you are driving.

The boat begins the day with a welcome drink of Madeira wine. It is a small touch, but a fitting one for a Madeira outing. Once you leave the harbor, the urban waterfront gives way to open Atlantic views.

The boat is described as a wooden vessel, which adds character to the trip. It also means you should think carefully about comfort. The sea can be rough, and the boat may feel lively beneath your feet. People prone to seasickness should choose a different way to spend the day.

Six hours of Atlantic sailing

The strongest reason to book this outing is the wildlife potential created by the long route. You cover many miles, so you have more time and water to scan for dolphins, whales, and other marine life. The crew cannot promise sightings, but the open-ocean setting gives you a fair opportunity.

Bring sunglasses and a hat, but also bring a jacket. Weather can shift during a long crossing, and a jacket is useful even on a sunny morning. Sunscreen is essential, as you can spend many hours exposed to the sun and reflected light from the sea.

The crossing is also where you need to set realistic expectations. Several hours on a boat can feel peaceful if you enjoy sea travel. It can feel tedious if you want constant activity. The trip includes no long series of island attractions. Much of your day is the voyage itself.

A moving boat can make simple tasks harder. Wear comfortable clothing and secure anything loose. Waterproof shoes or comfortable shoes with a good grip are recommended. Keep large bags and oversize luggage at home, since they are not allowed.

Reaching the Desertas Islands

The arrival near the Desertas is the visual high point. You see steep coastal cliffs and a more severe, untouched setting than the beaches and resort areas around Funchal. The islands are a protected natural reserve, and the visit offers a glimpse of their unusual plant and animal life.

The stated program includes walking, swimming, and snorkeling. It also describes a guided visit of about 20 minutes. That sounds like a compact introduction rather than a full guided hike.

You should pay close attention to the landing arrangements. Recent accounts describe a situation where passengers had to swim from the boat to the island. In those cases, there was no dry route onto shore, and people had to remain in wet swimwear once they reached the beach.

That is a major practical point. If the water is calm and the sun is out, swimming ashore can be fun. If the wind rises or the day turns cool, sitting in wet clothing is far less pleasant. The tour information does not promise a dry landing, so pack on the assumption that you may need to enter the water.

A towel is listed as something to bring, but you should not expect one to be supplied. Pack your own towel in a small, easy-to-carry bag. A dry layer for afterward is also sensible, though the stated requirements specifically call for a jacket and comfortable clothing.

The short nature visit

The island visit is not designed for a demanding hike. One account describes a circular route of about 200 meters with a few information plaques. That means you may see the main accessible area quickly, sometimes in only a few minutes.

This is not necessarily a flaw. A short path can still give you a close look at the reserve and a chance to stretch your legs after the crossing. It is useful for seeing the island without turning the trip into a strenuous walking day.

Still, you should not book this for extended hiking. The available information is inconsistent about the exact guided portion. The program promises a guided visit of around 20 minutes, while some departures have offered little or no walking ashore. Conditions at sea appear to affect what is possible.

Your time may instead center on swimming, snorkeling, and sitting near the shore. Non-swimmers should not book this outing. Even confident swimmers should remember that reaching the island from a boat is different from swimming in a sheltered hotel pool.

Lunch, drinks, and the set meal

Lunch is included, but it is a pre-established meal rather than a menu where you choose several dishes. You receive one free drink with lunch: water, Coca-Cola, beer, white wine, or red wine. Fruit is also listed, along with another free drink on the return journey.

This adds real value to an 8.5-hour day. Buying lunch and drinks separately on a remote boat trip would quickly push up the cost. The Madeira wine at the start also makes the food service feel connected to the destination.

There is one point to keep in mind: the food and drink service has not been perfectly consistent on every departure. Some people have received only one drink, no fruit, or no return drink. I would treat the stated meal as included, but avoid planning your entire day around generous catering.

Bring snacks. They are specifically recommended, and they make sense for such a long outing. Snacks are especially useful if you do not enjoy the set meal or need something between the main meal and the return to Funchal.

The swim stop and snorkeling

The swim stop is one of the more attractive parts of the trip, especially after hours on deck. You can get into the Atlantic, cool off, and snorkel if conditions allow.

The water may look inviting, but the boat’s movement and the sea conditions matter. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and waterproof shoes. You should also be comfortable getting in and out of the water from a boat.

The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, and that warning deserves attention. If you are only comfortable swimming from a shallow beach, the boat-based stop may feel stressful. If you are a confident swimmer, it can be a welcome break from the long ride.

How much value do you get for $106?

At $106 per person, the price is reasonable if you value the wooden boat, lunch, drinks, wildlife chances, and a full day on the Atlantic. A private trip to the Desertas would likely be far more complicated and costly, so the shared format makes this remote destination more accessible.

The value becomes less convincing if you mainly want time on land. The island visit may be very short, and the path may cover only about 200 meters. In that case, most of what you are paying for is the crossing, the chance to see marine life, the scenery, and the swim stop.

I would compare this price with your preferred style of day. For a sea lover, it can cover the key costs and provide a memorable route to a rarely visited place. For someone who wants a full nature walk, the cost may feel high for the amount of time spent ashore.

The group can also feel full. A crowded boat reduces the quiet, personal feel that you might expect from a traditional wooden vessel. If you want space to spread out, keep that possibility in mind.

What to pack for comfort

Pack lightly. Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed, and there is no reason to bring much beyond the basics.

Bring:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Jacket and a dry change of clothing
• Comfortable or waterproof shoes
• Sunglasses and a cap or hat
• Sunscreen
• Snacks
• A small personal bag

Do not bring glass objects, fishing gear, pets, or large luggage. Assistance dogs are allowed according to the stated conditions.

You should also think about seasickness before you book. The trip can last 8.5 hours, and the Atlantic may be rough. People who know they become ill on boats should consider a shorter cruise or a land-based outing instead.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it to you if you enjoy the journey as much as the destination. You should like open water, changing sea views, wildlife spotting, and the feeling of reaching a remote place. A full day on a boat should sound appealing, not like a price you have to tolerate for a short island stop.

It is also a good match for confident swimmers who want a swim and snorkeling stop. The included meal and drinks help make the long day easier, especially if you bring extra snacks.

I would be cautious if you want a long hike, dry access to land, or a tightly structured sightseeing program. The island route is short, and the landing may depend on sea and weather conditions. People prone to seasickness, non-swimmers, and anyone with a cold should skip it.

The live guide service is available in English and Portuguese. No individual guide names are provided, so you should not expect to choose a particular guide when booking.

Should you book the Desertas excursion?

Book this trip if the Atlantic crossing and wildlife search sound like the best part of your day. The wooden boat, remote cliffs, Madeira wine, lunch, and swim stop create a distinctive outing that is hard to match with a standard Funchal cruise.

Do not book it expecting a long island walk. The land portion may be short, and you may need to swim ashore. My practical advice is to bring a towel, jacket, snacks, and dry clothing, then accept that the sea decides how much of the island you can see.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve while paying later, which gives you some flexibility. At $106, the tour is a fair buy for a confident swimmer who loves boats. It is a poor fit for anyone who wants predictable dry-land sightseeing.

FAQ

Where does the Desertas boat trip leave from?

The meeting point is at the Bonita da Madeira kiosk in the middle of Pier 8 at the Funchal marina. The listed address is Av. Do Mar 9000.

How long does the experience last?

The total duration is 8.5 hours, including the boat journey, time near the Desertas Islands, lunch, swimming, and the return to Funchal.

Are dolphins and whales guaranteed?

No. The route covers many miles and gives you a high possibility of seeing marine life, including dolphins and whales, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A set lunch is included, with one free drink per person from the listed choices. Fruit and another free drink on the return are also stated as included.

Do I need to bring my own towel?

Yes. A towel is listed among the items you should bring. You should not assume that a towel will be supplied.

Can I walk on the Desertas Islands?

The program includes a nature walk and a guided visit of around 20 minutes. However, access can depend on conditions, and some departures have required passengers to swim from the boat rather than walk directly onto dry land.

Is the trip suitable for non-swimmers?

No. The experience is listed as unsuitable for non-swimmers. It includes a swim stop, and reaching the island may require swimming.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English and Portuguese.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.