Catamaran Day Cruise to Desertas Islands from Funchal

A catamaran day cruise to the Desertas Islands from Funchal is interesting because you’re not just visiting a place on land, you’re starting on the water, sailing out past the horizon, then spending your time on protected coastline and a virgin beach. It’s a long day, but the route is part of the point, and the Desertas Islands have a strong wildlife presence.

Two things I really like are the onboard live commentary (so you know what you’re seeing while you’re moving) and the fact that the basics for snorkeling and standup paddle are included. You get a real shot at underwater views and calm-water fun without having to scramble for gear.

One drawback to plan around is that the cruise can feel windy and cold, especially on the open water stretches. And timing at the islands can vary, so expect the day to be flexible rather than perfectly uniform.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Desertas Islands, not just a stop: You’ll reach a group of islands and disembark onto a virgin beach area.
• Water-time activities included: snorkeling equipment and standup paddle are part of the package.
• Live narration onboard: commentary helps you connect birds, sea life, and island life while you cruise.
• Wildlife spotting can happen en route: some days you might see cetaceans and seabirds on the way.
• Weather matters a lot: the experience runs only if conditions are right, and plans can change due to wind.

Leaving Funchal on a Catamaran, Then Chasing Wildlife by Sea

From Funchal, you start at the Praça do Povo area (Av. do Mar 4, São Martinho). The vibe is simple: meet, get aboard, and then settle in while the catamaran runs out toward the Desertas Islands. It’s a full-day format, so think of this as a water-based outing first, island time second.

What makes this kind of cruise feel different from a standard excursion is that you’re constantly changing perspectives. You’re up on deck for the sea view, you’re getting narration as the coastline and islands come into view, and you’re not stuck staring at one spot for hours. If you like the idea of watching the ocean as a living place rather than a backdrop, this works.

The crew is a major part of the experience. Even when the day doesn’t go exactly as expected, the best moments are often when the staff keep things organized, share the story of the islands, and adjust the plan to match conditions. That matters because this is one of those activities where the sea can steer the schedule.

Your 9-Hour Plan, and Where the Time Really Goes

This is an about 9-hour excursion, starting at 9:00 am and returning back to the meeting point area. The day is typically split into three phases, and understanding that split will help you set expectations.

First is the sail out from Funchal toward the island group in the distance. This is where you’ll get the running commentary and, if conditions are good, a chance at wildlife spotting on the way. Some people have reported seeing dolphins and seabirds, and on the better days, even larger marine life like orcas. You’re never guaranteed sightings, but the structure of the day gives you time to actually look.

Second is the stop at the Desertas. The goal is to get you on land for a stretch of beach time and activities. The experience is framed as reaching a sanctuary-like area where the islands resisted colonization and remain important for wildlife. You’re there long enough to enjoy the beach, swim if allowed, and take part in the included water sports.

Third is the return sail. This is where a lot of the “wind and cold” feeling shows up. If you’re the type who gets chilled easily, I’d treat this as a real part of the tour, not an unexpected inconvenience. Pack for it in your head, even if you keep your choices simple for a day trip.

The Desertas Island Stop: Virgin Beach Time and On-Island Reality

The most memorable part for many people is the moment you’re actually off the boat onto a virgin beach setting. The description emphasizes that these islands are inhabited by numerous marine and land wildlife species, and it’s the kind of place where the surroundings feel controlled and protected rather than developed.

The key practical thing to know is that your on-island experience is not set up as a big sightseeing day with dozens of structured stops. Think of it as beach plus a short on-land walking portion, with optional activities depending on conditions. One review pointed out that the walking felt more like a small trail than a full hike, so don’t plan the day as a trek.

Also, a portion of the day may be shaped by what wildlife and seasonal conditions allow. On some visits, people have been told it’s not the right time for specific animal viewing. The good news is that the sanctuary setting and the beach time still offer value, especially if your focus is water, nature, and the feeling of being in a quieter place.

If your ideal day is a long, active hike, you might end up feeling under-stimulated. If your ideal day is being on the water, getting wildlife context from the crew, and spending time where swimming and snorkeling are part of the plan, you’ll likely be happier.

Snorkeling and Standup Paddle, With Included Gear

The tour includes snorkeling equipment and standup paddle, and that’s a big value point. You’re not paying extra to try the water fun, and you’re not burning time figuring out rentals. It’s also a more hands-on way to experience the islands, since you’re not only looking at the coastline, you’re trying to see underwater life in the time you’re there.

The snorkeling component is also part of why the Desertas stop feels more than just a beach visit. For people who want a closer look underwater, this is where the cruise turns from scenic to active. You’ll want to pay attention to how the crew runs it and what safety cues they give you on the day.

Standup paddle gives you another way to enjoy the area without relying on perfect swim conditions. Depending on weather and sea state, one activity might feel more comfortable than the other. The best approach is to go with the flow once you’re on site and take advantage of the time windows you get.

A small caution from experience: if the time ashore is slightly limited due to sea conditions, you may not feel like you’re doing everything. So if snorkeling and paddleboarding are your top priorities, don’t treat them as optional extras. Treat them as core parts of the day.

Wildlife at Sea: What You Can Hope For (and Why It’s Still Worth It)

This cruise is strongly marketed around wildlife, and the day supports that. While you’re sailing out and back, you’re in a position where spotting birds and marine life becomes part of the activity, not something you have to stop and search for.

What you might see can vary. Some people have shared sightings of orcas en route, as well as dolphins and playful ocean encounters. Others have mentioned seabirds. And the on-island area connects you with land wildlife context, because the Desertas are treated as a sanctuary with both marine and terrestrial animals.

The important point is that wildlife watching is inherently unpredictable. Still, the cruise format is designed to give you time at sea, not just a short rush. If you enjoy looking, asking questions, and reading the water, this kind of day can deliver more than a normal viewpoint stop.

Also, the live commentary matters here. It’s one thing to see movement in the distance, it’s another thing to understand why it’s relevant. The crew’s storytelling can make your sightings feel more meaningful, even if you don’t get the headline animal of the day.

Madeiran Buffet Lunch On Board: Simple, Convenient, and Part of the Value

Lunch is included as a Madeiran buffet on the catamaran. For a day cruise, that’s a practical win. You don’t have to go hunting for food after you disembark, and you’re not losing island time to ferrying yourself back and forth for meals.

The food is generally described as tasty and filling enough for a long day on the water. One person noted that the meal timing can get awkward if the return to the catamaran is late and you’re still eating while trying to manage timing for dessert or additional items.

My advice is to treat lunch as solid fuel, not a gourmet highlight. If your expectations match the day, you’ll appreciate the convenience more than you’ll nitpick pacing.

Price and Value: Why $108.37 Can Make Sense

At about $108.37 per person, this is not a budget throwaway. But the price stacks up better than you might think because several things are bundled into one ticket: catamaran transport for most of the day, live commentary, snorkeling equipment, standup paddle, and a buffet lunch.

So the key value question becomes: will you use the included water activities and do you want a full-day water route? If yes, the cost feels more reasonable. If you’re mainly interested in a quick look at the islands and you don’t care about snorkeling or paddleboarding, you may feel the money is paying for sea time you could use elsewhere.

Group size is capped at 70, which typically means you’re not getting swallowed by a huge crowd. That’s helpful for organization during water activity windows and for managing the logistics of getting everyone back on board.

Also, this experience is usually booked about 21 days in advance on average. That’s a hint that popular dates and good weather windows get taken up, so if you want it on your schedule, don’t wait for the last minute.

Comfort, Wind, and Weather: What to Plan For in Madeira’s Sea Air

This is the part I’d take seriously. Multiple comments point to the ride being windy and cold on the water. Madeira’s climate can be lovely on land, but open water can feel different fast, especially on a catamaran with wind pushing along the deck.

If you chill easily, wear layers. If you get seasick, consider how you handle boats in general before you decide. And when you arrive on the islands, be ready for conditions that can limit swimming or change the flow of activities.

The bright side is that when conditions are good, the day can feel magical. One excellent day included both wildlife sightings and full use of snorkeling and paddleboarding. When the sea cooperates, you get the “water day in paradise” payoff.

When the sea doesn’t cooperate, the day may be adjusted. One example involved a change in route when the boat could not visit the Desertas due to winds, and the alternate plan still allowed wildlife viewing. The takeaway is simple: be flexible. This cruise is weather-dependent by design.

Who Should Book This Desertas Catamaran Day Cruise

This trip is a good fit if you want:

• a nature-focused day with wildlife context
• included snorkeling equipment and standup paddle time
• a full-day catamaran experience that starts and ends in Funchal
• live narration so the day feels meaningful, not random

It might not be your best choice if:

• you’re hunting for a long hike or lots of on-land walking
• you hate wind and cold on open water and you don’t want to layer up
• you expect every day to match a perfect itinerary with the same time ashore and the same wildlife sightings

If you’re traveling with family, the tour notes that children must be accompanied by an adult. The format is also described as family-friendly, which usually means the crew is used to handling mixed ages and the schedule stays active enough for kids without turning into a strenuous trek.

Should You Book It?

Book it if you’re excited by a full-day catamaran outing with included snorkeling and standup paddle, and you’re comfortable with a schedule that depends on weather. The wildlife angle plus the onboard commentary makes it more than a simple ferry to a beach.

Hold off or compare options if you strongly prefer predictable timing and lots of structured hiking. Some days may trade off on-island time, and the sea ride can be chilly and windy. Still, even when plans shift, the cruise format gives you a chance at marine wildlife and a genuinely different way to experience Madeira’s protected island setting.

If you want one practical decision tool, use this: if you would feel happy spending 9 hours on a boat plus active water time, you’ll likely enjoy it. If you want mostly land-based sightseeing, look for something else.

FAQ

What time does the catamaran cruise depart from Funchal?

The start time is 9:00 am. The activity runs for about 9 hours and ends back at the meeting point.

Where is the meeting point for this tour?

You meet at Praça do Povo, Av. do Mar 4, São Martinho, 9000-900 Funchal, Portugal.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is snorkeling included, and is equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included, along with live commentary on board.

Is standup paddle included?

Yes. Use of stand up paddle is included.

Is lunch included on the boat?

Yes. The day includes a Madeiran buffet lunch on board.

Are children allowed?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

How big is the group?

The maximum is 70 travelers.

What happens if weather conditions are poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.