Desertas Islands Full-Day Catamaran Trip from Funchal

The open ocean is the real attraction here. This nine-hour catamaran trip takes you from Funchal to the protected Desertas Islands, a stark volcanic outpost known for monk seal conservation, clear swimming water, and wildlife sightings along the route. I like that the day combines a rare island visit with a proper swim stop, rather than making you spend every hour looking at scenery from a boat.

I also like the thoughtful lunch service, which includes drinks and can accommodate vegetarian and vegan diets when arranged properly. The main drawback is the long crossing, roughly three hours each way according to one detailed account, and the catamaran’s hard bench seating can become tiring. Getting into the small tender and stepping onto slippery volcanic stones is also awkward for anyone with limited mobility.

Quick take: what makes this trip worth considering

• Deserta Grande is the only island you can visit: You can walk ashore here, but access is limited and controlled.
• The sea journey is part of the wildlife experience: Dolphins, pilot whales, and even killer whales have been spotted, though no sighting is guaranteed.
• Monk seal conservation is central to the visit: You learn about protection work at the conservation center, but you should not expect to see a monk seal.
• Swimming and water activities break up the long crossing: Depending on conditions, you may swim, snorkel, or use a stand-up paddleboard.
• Lunch is served on board: Food and drinks are included, with vegetarian and vegan options available when requested.
• The boat is practical rather than luxurious: It has a toilet and snack bar, but seating may feel hard during the long ride.

Why the Desertas Islands are different from Madeira

Madeira is famous for steep mountains, green valleys, and busy coastal viewpoints. The Desertas Islands offer something much more remote. The reserve covers about 12,586 hectares, including Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande, Bugio, nearby islets, and the surrounding sea.

These islands are volcanic in origin and have a dry, rugged appearance. You are not coming here for cafés, shops, or a long independent hike. You are coming to see a protected place where access is limited and the sea is the main road.

The reserve has been protected for more than 25 years. Its best-known conservation work concerns the Mediterranean monk seal, one of the rarest seal species in the world. The visit gives you useful context about that work, along with information about local plants and animals.

That distinction matters. This is not a standard island beach excursion with free wandering. It is a guided visit to a carefully managed reserve. You get a look at a sensitive natural area, but some parts are off limits.

Leaving Funchal Marina for the open sea

You meet the guide at the VMT Madeira Kiosk at Funchal Marina. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the marina and arrive ready for a full day on the water.

The trip begins with a safety briefing, followed by a long cruise along Madeira’s south coast. This first part is scenic, but it can also feel slow if you are expecting constant activity. The ocean crossing is a major part of the experience, not merely transport to the islands.

Bring a windbreaker even on a sunny day. Wind on the open water can feel surprisingly cold, and one October visitor specifically wished they had warmer clothing. At the same time, the Desertas may feel much warmer once you arrive, so packing layers makes sense.

The catamaran has a toilet and a bar serving snacks and drinks. Lunch and drinks are included, but you may still appreciate having a small personal water bottle. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so keep your packing compact.

Wildlife sightings depend on luck and weather

The Desertas trip gives you a chance to see marine wildlife in its natural setting. Dolphins have been seen on the route, along with pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. One fortunate sailing even recorded a group of killer whales, an unforgettable sight but certainly not something you should book the trip expecting.

The most important point is this: wildlife sightings are possible, not promised. The boat is visiting the reserve and crossing open water, not operating a dedicated whale-watching guarantee. If you see dolphins riding near the boat, consider it a bonus that can transform the long crossing.

The monk seals require a similar reality check. The conservation center explains the work being done to protect them, but visitors do not normally see the seals during the island stop. If your main goal is to see a monk seal, this excursion may disappoint you. If you want to understand the protection program and see the reserve that supports it, the visit has more value.

The crew makes an effort to point out wildlife and explain the area. Still, some people have wished for more information during the longer sailing sections. I would bring your own interest and patience, since the quality of the day depends partly on your enjoyment of open water and quiet scenery.

Arriving at Deserta Grande by tender

Deserta Grande is the only island in the group where you can disembark. The catamaran does not simply pull up to a normal pier. You transfer into a small boat, then reach a beach of volcanic origin in clear water.

This landing is one of the trip’s most memorable moments, but it is not effortless. The stones can be slippery, especially when wet, and getting in or out of the tender may be difficult. Wear shoes that can get wet and grip the ground. Flip-flops are a poor choice. Beach shoes, sturdy water shoes, or old Crocs are more useful.

The operator lists the trip as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments. Take that warning seriously. The tender transfer, uneven volcanic shore, and guided walk make this a poor fit if you need stable, step-free access.

Once ashore, you join a guided walk to the conservation center. The walk is fairly limited rather than a long island hike, which surprised at least one person who expected more freedom to explore. That restriction protects the reserve and keeps visitors within approved areas, but you should know what kind of outing this is before booking.

The conservation center and guided walk

The conservation stop gives the islands their purpose beyond dramatic scenery. You learn about monk seal protection and the native flora and fauna of the reserve. The setting helps make those explanations more meaningful because you are standing inside the protected area, not hearing about it from a city museum.

The group format can affect how much you take in. A large cluster around the guard’s house or conservation site may make it hard to hear every word or enjoy the area quietly. I would stay close to the guide and position yourself where you can see and hear clearly.

The limited access is not a flaw in itself. It is part of visiting a protected reserve responsibly. You may feel a little frustrated if you expected to roam, but the rules are what keep this place from becoming another heavily developed beach stop.

The best approach is to treat the walk as a short nature and conservation visit, not a serious hike. Comfortable shoes still matter because volcanic ground is uneven.

Lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding

Lunch is served on board, usually after or around the island visit. The food has received especially strong praise, with descriptions of a plentiful buffet and a good range of dishes. Vegetarian and vegan meals have been provided, though one person reported that a requested vegetarian option was missed. If you have dietary needs, state them clearly when booking and confirm them with the crew at the start.

Drinks are included with lunch. The boat bar also sells snacks and beverages, giving you a practical option during the long cruise.

The swim stop is one of the day’s best rewards. You can enter clear water near the volcanic beach, then spend time swimming or snorkeling. Stand-up paddleboarding may also be available, depending on conditions and the equipment in use that day.

Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. A windbreaker is still useful after swimming, when wet skin and sea wind can make the ride back feel chilly.

The water activities are weather-dependent. They may be less appealing in rough seas or cooler conditions, and there is no guarantee that every activity will run exactly as hoped. Still, the chance to swim beside a remote volcanic island gives the long sailing day a welcome change of pace.

How comfortable is the catamaran?

The boat is well suited to a full day at sea in practical terms. There is a toilet, a snack bar, outdoor views, and room to enjoy the coast and open water. The crew is frequently praised for being friendly and helpful, which matters during a long day involving several transfers.

Comfort is more mixed. The bench-style seating can feel hard, especially on the three-hour return crossing. If you are sensitive to firm seating, plan to move around when safe and spend some time outside rather than remaining in one position.

The open-air setting is part of the pleasure, but it also means wind and sun exposure. Sunscreen is essential, and a windbreaker is not optional in my view. Pack a change of clothes in a small bag that meets the no-large-luggage rule.

This is not a luxury yacht experience. It is a working excursion vessel that gets you to a hard-to-reach reserve, serves lunch, and supports a day of swimming and sightseeing. At $106 per person, that distinction helps you judge the price fairly.

Is $106 a fair price?

For nine hours, the price is reasonable if you value the entire package. Your fare covers the catamaran cruise, the island visit, guided explanations, lunch, drinks, and access to a place that is difficult to reach independently.

The value is strongest for someone who enjoys a full day at sea and wants a rare Madeira side trip. The price feels less attractive if you mainly want a quick boat ride, guaranteed wildlife, or a long hike on land.

You are also paying for logistics. The Desertas are remote, access is controlled, and the trip involves transporting people, food, safety equipment, and activity gear across open water. The conservation setting adds purpose, while the swim stop keeps the outing from becoming nine hours of sitting down.

The best value comes when you treat wildlife as a lucky extra, not the main product. Dolphins or whales can make the day extraordinary, but the reserve, volcanic scenery, guided conservation visit, and clear water are the reliable reasons to go.

Who should book this day trip?

I would recommend it to you if you:

• Enjoy boat trips and can handle a long day on open water
• Want to see a protected place that is not part of ordinary Madeira sightseeing
• Like volcanic scenery, wildlife, and conservation topics
• Are happy with a short guided visit instead of independent island exploration
• Want a swim and possible snorkeling or paddleboarding stop
• Can manage a tender transfer and uneven, slippery shore

I would think twice if you dislike long crossings, need soft and highly comfortable seating, or want a guaranteed whale or monk seal sighting. The same applies if you expect to hike freely across Deserta Grande.

Weather can also affect the plan. The operator may cancel after confirmation if conditions are unsafe or passenger numbers do not meet operating requirements. If that happens, you should be offered an alternative or a full refund.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. English and Portuguese are available for the live guiding.

What to pack for the Desertas

Keep your kit simple and useful:

• Comfortable shoes with a good grip
• Water shoes or old footwear for the volcanic landing
• Windbreaker
• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Change of clothes
• A small day bag rather than luggage

Do not bring large bags. Avoid flip-flops for the shore transfer, and do not arrive intoxicated. The operator can refuse service to anyone showing signs of intoxication, and a cancellation caused by that refusal is not refundable.

Should you book the Desertas Islands catamaran trip?

Book it if you want a long, scenic day that combines a remote reserve, conservation work, volcanic scenery, lunch, and time in clear water. The crew, food, and chance of seeing dolphins or whales are strong reasons to choose it.

Go with realistic expectations. You may not see a monk seal, you will not roam freely across the island, and the seating may test your patience during the return crossing. For the right person, those limits are outweighed by the rare chance to set foot on Deserta Grande and see a protected corner of Madeira that most holiday plans never reach.

FAQ

Where does the Desertas Islands trip leave from?

You meet the guide at the VMT Madeira Kiosk at Funchal Marina.

How long does the trip last?

The full experience lasts nine hours, including the outward and return catamaran journeys and the time spent at Deserta Grande.

Is hotel pick-up included?

No. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach Funchal Marina yourself.

Which Desertas Island can you visit on foot?

Deserta Grande is the only island in the group where visitors can disembark.

Will I see monk seals?

You will learn about monk seal protection at the conservation center, but seeing a monk seal is not guaranteed.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch with drinks is included, and vegetarian and vegan options can be provided when requested.

Can I swim during the trip?

Yes. The itinerary includes a stop for swimming in clear water, with snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding also listed as possible activities.

What should I wear?

Bring comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. Water shoes or footwear that can get wet are useful for the slippery volcanic shore.

Is the trip suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The trip is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments because of the tender transfer and uneven volcanic shore.

What languages are available?

The live 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. You can also reserve now and pay later.

Can bad weather cancel the trip?

Yes. The operator may cancel after confirmation because of bad weather or insufficient passenger numbers. In that case, an alternative or full refund should be offered.