Desertas Islands Full-Day Catamaran Trip from Funchal

The Desertas Islands are a protected, largely uninhabited group of volcanic islands off Madeira, and the only way to visit them is by sea. This nine-hour catamaran trip takes you across open water to Deserta Grande, where you can walk to a conservation center and swim from a volcanic beach.

I like two things especially: the chance to learn about monk seal protection at a reserve rather than just view it from a distance, and the generous mix of time on the water and time ashore. The catamaran ride is part of the outing, not just transport, with views of Madeira’s south coast and the chance to spot dolphins or whales.

One consideration: the crossing can feel long, and the sea can make getting from the catamaran to the beach tricky. Monk seals are the focus of conservation work here, but seeing one is not a promise of the trip.

• A rare island landing: Deserta Grande is the only island in the reserve where visitors can disembark.
• Conservation with context: Walk to the island’s conservation center to learn about monk seals and endemic plants and animals.
• A full day on the water: The nine-hour outing includes the crossing, time ashore, lunch, and the return to Funchal.
• Bring shoes that can get wet: The transfer to the beach may involve slippery stones, so flip-flops are a poor choice.
• Wildlife is a bonus, not a guarantee: Dolphins and whales have been spotted on the crossing, but sightings vary.
• Lunch and drinks are included: The boat also has a bar with snacks and other beverages available.

From Funchal Marina into open water

Meet the crew at the VMT Madeira Kiosk at Funchal Marina. There is no hotel pickup, so plan your own way to the marina and arrive with enough time to find the kiosk and board. The trip includes a safety briefing before the catamaran heads along Madeira’s south coast.

The boat ride is a major part of the day. You leave the sheltered harbor behind and spend several hours on open water, with Madeira’s coastline gradually giving way to views of the Desertas Islands. The journey can be rewarding in its own right: passengers have spotted dolphins, pilot whales, and even orcas along the route. But these are wild animals, not scheduled stops, so enjoy a sighting if it happens without treating it as guaranteed.

A nine-hour trip gives you time to settle into the pace, but it is a long outing. Bring a windbreaker even on a warm day. The breeze on the water can feel chilly, particularly while the boat is moving, and conditions on the island may be warmer than they were during the crossing.

The catamaran has a toilet and a bar selling snacks and beverages. Lunch and drinks are included, which helps make the price more appealing on a full-day excursion. Seating is bench-style, and some people find it hard after hours aboard. If you know you need extra cushioning or frequent movement, keep that in mind when deciding if this is the right day trip for you.

Landing on volcanic Deserta Grande

The reserve covers 12,586 hectares, including Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande, Bugio, nearby islets, and the surrounding sea. It has been protected for more than 25 years. That status is central to the visit: this is not an island day out with free access to roam wherever you please. The land and waters are managed to safeguard wildlife and fragile habitats.

Deserta Grande is the one island where visitors may disembark. The transfer from the catamaran to shore is made in clear water, and the beach is volcanic in origin. You may need to step across wet or slippery stones, so wear sturdy footwear that can get wet. Water shoes, beach shoes, or secure sandals are more useful here than ordinary flip-flops.

The stop includes a guided walk to the conservation center. The guide explains the work to protect the Mediterranean monk seal, as well as the island’s endemic flora and fauna. This gives the landing a purpose beyond taking photos and going for a swim. You’re visiting a protected place with limited access, and the walk helps explain why that access is controlled.

Set your expectations carefully. The conservation effort is the point of this stop, not a promise that you will see a monk seal. The islands are known internationally for seal protection, but the animals are not guaranteed to appear. You also should not expect a long hike across the island. The walk is guided and focused on the conservation center and its surroundings.

A small group can hear the guide more easily than a large one. If the group is crowded around the guide, you may have trouble catching every explanation or taking in the setting at your own pace. Stay close enough to listen, and ask questions if you want more detail about the reserve or its wildlife.

Swimming, snorkeling, and time at the beach

After the walk, the outing includes time for swimming and snorkeling in clear water. The setting is a welcome change after hours at sea: instead of watching the island from the deck, you can get into the water and see the volcanic shore up close. Stand-up paddleboarding is also listed among the activities, though what you can do on the day may depend on conditions and the operator’s arrangements.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. The sun can be strong even when the breeze feels cool, and the ride back may feel colder in damp clothes. A windbreaker and a dry change of clothing are practical for the return crossing.

The shore is not a polished resort beach. That is part of the appeal, but it also means you should plan for uneven, wet footing and a more basic landing. If you have mobility limitations, this trip is not suitable: boarding the small transfer craft and stepping onto slippery ground can be difficult.

There is no guarantee that conditions will suit every water activity. The operator may cancel the trip if weather is poor, and the boat crew’s priority is safety. Treat swimming and snorkeling as part of the plan, but be prepared for the day to change if sea conditions require it.

Lunch aboard and the long return

Lunch is included and served on board. The meal has been described as a substantial buffet, and the crew has catered for vegetarian and vegan diets on some trips. Because dietary requests have not always been handled consistently, tell the operator about your needs in advance and confirm what can be provided rather than relying on a particular menu.

Drinks are included with lunch, and the catamaran’s bar offers snacks and beverages as well. That makes the day easier to manage, though you may want to bring anything specific you need between meals. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so pack light and keep essentials in a small day bag.

The return crossing gives you more time to watch the sea and coast. Wildlife may appear on the way back too, but it is best to think of sightings as a lucky extra. The catamaran returns to Funchal after the day at the reserve, with a safety briefing and scenic views along the route.

For comfort, remember that this is a boat excursion first and an island visit second. You will spend a large part of the day seated or moving around the catamaran. The bench-style seating may feel hard over time, and wind and sea conditions can affect how comfortable the ride is. If you enjoy being at sea, this is part of the pleasure. If you mainly want a long hike or hours on a sandy beach, the format may not suit you.

Is $106 good value for a nine-hour trip?

At $106 per person, this is not a quick, low-cost boat ride. You are paying for a full-day catamaran cruise to a protected group of islands that you cannot visit by road, plus a guided walk, lunch, and drinks. The price makes the most sense if you value the crossing itself, the chance to land on Deserta Grande, and the conservation information as much as the swim.

The included lunch is a useful part of the value, especially on a day that keeps you away from Funchal for nine hours. The boat also has a toilet and a bar. On the other hand, hotel transfers are not included, and any snacks or drinks beyond those provided with lunch may cost extra.

This is a better fit for someone who likes a slow day on the water than for someone who wants constant activity. The schedule has room for a guided walk, swimming, snorkeling, and possibly paddleboarding, but the crossing takes up much of the day. Wildlife sightings can make the journey memorable, but they should not be the sole reason you book.

The operator speaks English and Portuguese. You can reserve without paying immediately, and cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund. The trip may also be canceled after confirmation if there are not enough passengers or the weather is unsuitable; in that case, an alternative or full refund is offered.

Who should book this trip?

I’d choose this outing if you want to see a wilder side of Madeira and are happy to spend much of the day on a boat. It suits people who enjoy ocean scenery, care about conservation, and want a swim in a place that feels far removed from town. The guided visit adds useful context to what might otherwise be only a scenic landing.

Think twice if you dislike long crossings, need comfortable seating for many hours, or have difficulty stepping between a boat and uneven ground. The trip is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. It is also a poor match if your main goal is to hike across the islands or see monk seals up close.

For the best chance of enjoying the day, bring a windbreaker, sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, dry clothes, and shoes with grip that can get wet. Keep your bag small, and check dietary arrangements before departure if you need a vegetarian or vegan meal. If you’re comfortable with a long sea day and flexible about wildlife and weather, this is a worthwhile way to reach one of Madeira’s most protected places.

FAQ

Where does the trip start?

Meet the guide at the VMT Madeira Kiosk at Funchal Marina. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long is the trip?

The trip lasts nine hours, including the catamaran ride, time at the Desertas Islands, and the return to Funchal.

Which islands can I visit?

Visitors can disembark only on Deserta Grande. The reserve also includes Ilhéu Chão, Bugio, nearby islets, and surrounding marine waters.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch with drinks is included. The catamaran also has a bar with snacks and beverages.

Will I see monk seals?

A sighting is not guaranteed. The guided visit explains the conservation work to protect monk seals, but the animals may not be seen.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, a change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen. In summer, bring swimwear. Shoes that can get wet and grip slippery stones are a practical choice.

Is the trip suitable for someone with mobility impairments?

No. The trip is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and getting between the boat and shore may be difficult.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the operator cancels because of poor weather or too few passengers, you will be offered an alternative or a full refund.