Desertas Islands Full-Day Catamaran Trip from Funchal

A day on a catamaran to the Desertas Islands is interesting because it feels like you’re stepping into a protected corner of Madeira that most people only see from afar. You’re out on open water, surrounded by volcanic formations, and the day is built around conservation and time in the sea.

I especially like two things. First, you get a guided look at monk seal protection efforts on Deserta Grande, plus talk about endemic flora and fauna. Second, you get real water time, including a beach landing for swimming, with options like snorkeling and stand up paddleboarding.

One thing to consider: this is not a hike-that-keeps-going kind of island day. You’ll do a guided walk, plus a lot of sailing time, and there’s no guarantee of seeing monk seals in the wild on your particular outing.

Key highlights at a glance

• Desertas Islands Natural Reserve by sea: a massive protected area you can actually visit
• Monk seal conservation focus: learn what the reserve is doing to protect this species
• Volcanic beach swimming: disembark in clear water and head to a volcanic-origin shoreline
• Time for snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding: built-in options once you’re on the island
• Lunch on board with drinks included: a solid break during the 9-hour day
• Plan for wind and a tricky shoreline entry: bring the right shoes and a windbreaker

Desertas Islands: Madeira’s protected sea world, up close

The Desertas Islands sit off Madeira’s south coast, and the whole area is designated as a natural reserve. It’s not just one island either. The reserve covers Deserta Grande, Ilhéu Chão, Bugio, and the surrounding marine zone, totaling 12,586 hectares. That matters because your day is about more than scenic cruising. You’re visiting a place that is managed and protected.

The volcanic character is what hits first. You see it in the rock formations and the rugged shapes around you, and you feel it again when you land on a volcanic-origin beach. This combination, volcanic geology plus clear water, is why the Desertas day has such strong pull.

I also like that the trip is built around protection work, specifically monk seal conservation. Even if you do not see a seal in the water that day, you still learn what the reserve is doing and why it’s such an internationally known project. It gives the day context, instead of treating the islands like a quick photo stop.

Getting from Funchal to the catamaran, and how the day flows

You meet your guide at the VMT Madeira Kiosk at the Funchal Marina. There’s no hotel pick-up included, so you’ll want to plan enough time to get yourself there and check in. Once you’re onboard, the crew runs a safety briefing and you start gliding along Madeira’s south coast.

The total duration is 9 hours, and it helps to think of it in blocks:

• cruising out, with scenic viewpoints and chances to spot wildlife
• time on Deserta Grande for lunch, a guided walk, and water activities
• cruising back to Funchal

The catamaran has a toilet, and there’s also a bar with snacks and beverages. Lunch is included with drinks, so you’re not going to be stuck hunting for food mid-day.

If you care about comfort, do your homework on expectations. One review note I’d take seriously is that the bench-style seating can feel hard. Bring patience for the ride portion, and plan to spend your energy on the parts that matter most to you, the water time and the guided island walk.

Sailing the south coast: views first, wildlife if luck is on your side

This is not a glassy-lake cruise. You’ll be on open ocean waters, and that is part of the charm. From the boat you get sustained sea views, plus a sense of remoteness as the coastline falls away.

There’s also a good chance of seeing wildlife on the way, because people commonly report dolphins and whales during the crossing. I’d treat that as a hopeful bonus, not a promise. The real win is the setting. Even without wildlife, you’re moving through a dramatic marine area where the scenery changes constantly.

A practical point: the boat ride and island stop are different weather zones. Reviews specifically call out that it can feel cold and windy at sea, even if the island itself is warmer. A windbreaker is not a suggestion. It’s your best friend for comfort during the longer stretches on the water.

Deserta Grande landing: volcanic shoreline swimming, not an all-day hike

Deserta Grande is the only island where visitors can disembark. That means you’re not hopping between multiple land options for big independent exploring. Once you arrive, you head to the volcanic-origin beach, and this is where the day’s water portion really begins.

You get time to swim in clear water. You may also add snorkeling during the Deserta Grande visit, and stand up paddleboarding is on the menu too, depending on conditions and how the crew schedules the water time.

The detail that can make or break your enjoyment is the shoreline entry. More than one person notes the landing can involve slipping on stones. So pack with that reality in mind. I strongly recommend water shoes or shoes you don’t mind getting wet. Flip flops often do not cut it here, and Crocs-style slip-ons are a safer call than bare feet.

Also keep expectations grounded about the island walk. You do a guided walk to the conservation center, but it is not framed as a rugged hike where you roam for hours on your own. If you want variety through independent trails, this trip may feel a bit more structured than you expect.

Monk seal conservation walk: why the visit matters even when seals are not seen

This tour is tied to one of Madeira’s best-known conservation stories: efforts to protect the monk seal. The reserve is internationally known for this work, and the value of the day is how it’s explained on-site.

On Deserta Grande, you’ll join a guided walk to the conservation center. You learn about monk seal protection and also about endemic flora and fauna in the reserve. That matters because it helps you see the island as living ecosystem, not just a scenic stop.

Could you spot a monk seal during the day? It’s possible, but it’s not something you should bank on. One of the more honest pieces of feedback from real outings is disappointment when monk seals were not visible. The practical way to think about it is this: your payoff is the conservation learning and the chance to experience the protected environment responsibly. The animals are wild, and you’re visiting a sensitive habitat.

If you want a day that feels purposeful, not just recreational, this is exactly where the trip earns its keep.

On-water time: snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and what to pack

This day is active in a low-key way. You’re not doing complicated gear work all day, but you do need the basics ready for changing conditions: sea air, sun, wind, and getting in and out of the water.

Pack the stuff that keeps you comfortable:

• Comfortable shoes, especially ones that handle a rocky entry
• A windbreaker for the boat ride
• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Swimwear

Some people also recommend bringing swim shoes specifically for the rocky disembark area. That’s one of the rare tips that is worth treating as mission-critical, because wet, slippery footing makes everything feel harder.

You’ll also have the chance to snorkel and do stand up paddleboarding. I like that the trip doesn’t force you into one single activity lane. If you want a quiet swim, you can do that. If you want to explore the water a bit more, snorkeling and paddleboarding give you a different kind of view.

One more safety note worth taking seriously: there are restrictions on intoxication and alcohol and drugs. The operator can refuse service if someone is intoxicated. It’s part of why this trip stays functional and safe, especially with water activities.

Price and value for $106, plus the comfort trade-offs

At $106 per person, this is not a budget snack-and-sail. The value comes from what you actually get for that money.

You’re paying for:

• a full-day catamaran cruise out and back
• lunch with drinks
• a guided visit connected to conservation work
• time for swimming, snorkeling, and stand up paddleboarding

The included lunch is a real anchor. It keeps the day from feeling like nonstop boat time, and it gives you energy to enjoy the island portion. People report that vegetarian and vegan options were handled when needed, but since dietary details are not spelled out in the tour basics, I’d treat that as a request to make during booking or check-in.

Comfort is mixed. The catamaran includes a toilet and a bar with snacks and beverages, which helps. But seating can be hard for longer stretches. If you’re sensitive to that, bring a small comfort item if the operator allows it, and plan to rotate your time between sitting and moving around when you can.

Also factor in what is not included: there is no hotel pick-up or drop-off. That cost is small, but it’s real, because you’ll need to handle getting to the marina yourself.

If you want a day that feels more like a meaningful nature encounter than a sightseeing loop, this pricing can make sense. If you mainly want comfort and minimal walking, you might feel like you’re paying for a day that is more active than restful.

Should you book the Desertas Islands full-day catamaran trip?

I’d book it if you want a purposeful day at sea: volcanic scenery, clear-water swimming, and a guided conservation-focused visit to Deserta Grande. It’s also a strong pick if you like structured days where someone else handles the route, timing, and the on-island explanations.

I’d think twice if you want a lot of independent hiking or long roaming time. The island visit is guided, and Deserta Grande is the only place you disembark. I’d also skip it if mobility is a concern, because it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments based on the tour info.

If you can handle a bit of wind, pack the right footwear for rocky entry, and accept that monk seals are not guaranteed, this trip can be one of the most memorable ways to experience Madeira’s protected sea world in a single day.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the Desertas Islands catamaran trip?

Meet your guide at the VMT Madeira Kiosk at the Funchal Marina.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the catamaran cruise and lunch with drinks.

How long is the trip?

The duration is 9 hours.

Can I bring luggage or large bags?

No. The tour info says luggage or large bags are not allowed.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, a change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen. Swimwear is useful, especially in summer, and swim shoes can help for getting in and out on the rocky shoreline.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.