From Funchal: Wooden Boat Excursion to Desertas Island

A day trip by wooden boat to the Desertas Islands is interesting because it is built around the sea, not the shoreline. You leave Funchal, spend a good chunk of the day moving across open Atlantic waters, and you’re doing it in a protected natural area that feels remote even though Madeira is just offshore.

I especially like the trip’s simple rhythm: a long sail for scenery and wildlife odds, then a short guided moment on arrival, plus a real chance to get in the water. The second thing I like is that you’re not paying extra for the fun part, since you get a Madeira wine welcome drink and an included lunch with drinks.

One drawback to plan for: the day is boat-heavy, and the island time can feel short and basic. If you’re prone to seasickness or you want a long, dry walking tour, this may frustrate you.

Key things to know before you go

• Long time on the water means more chances to spot marine life, but you will feel the boat motion
• Madeira wine and an included lunch keep the day feeling complete, not just a ride
• A short guided visit helps orient you, but it is not a full island tour
• Swim and snorkeling are central, so bring what you need for changing and getting wet
• Island access may be rougher than expected, with limited dry time on shore depending on conditions
• The boat can be full, so pack for comfort, not space

Wooden Boat to Desertas: Why This Day Feels Like an Escape

This trip from Funchal is for people who love the idea of a sea day. You’re not just “going somewhere,” you’re living on the ocean for most of the morning and early afternoon. That matters because the Desertas area is remote and you tend to see more wildlife the farther you travel across the water, not the moment you step off the dock.

You’ll get wonderful Atlantic scenery from the boat, with plenty of time to look out at cliffs and open water as you approach the islands. And if the sea is calm, the day can feel surprisingly peaceful, like you’re trading city time for ocean time.

The best part for me is that it’s not pretending to be a hiking adventure. It’s more of a sea-and-water experience with a little walking on the reserve.

Meeting Point at Av. do Mar 9000, Pier 8, and Boarding Basics

You’ll meet at Av. do Mar 9000, at the marina where you find pier 8. When you get there, look for a kiosk, and this one is the Bonita da Madeira kiosk in the middle.

Plan to arrive a bit early so you can settle in before boarding. Also, follow the rules about luggage: no oversize luggage and no large bags. If you’re the type who travels with a full beach kit and a spare outfit for every mood, consider packing lighter. The boat atmosphere is easier when you’re not wrestling bags around.

The trip is run by Bonita da Madeira, LDA, and you’ll have a live tour guide with English and Portuguese.

The 8.5-Hour Plan: What Happens Before and After the Islands

The day runs about 8.5 hours, with the schedule centered on time at sea and time at Desertas.

Here is how the experience typically plays out in real life:

• You start in Funchal and head out by boat.
• As you get closer, there is a short guided segment once you’re at the islands.
• Then you get free time to walk, swim, and snorkel.
• Finally, you return to Av. do Mar 9000.

This is why you should set expectations early. Many people expect a long, guided island circuit. Instead, the island portion is short, and the “main event” becomes the water time.

The Long Sail: Wildlife Odds and the Reality of Boat Time

One of the most praised ideas here is simple: you cover a lot of miles, so your chance of marine life sightings is higher than if you stayed close to shore. The trip’s own description sets the expectation that you might see dolphins and other marine life, and that you’ll get plenty of time to scan the water.

When you’re on a wooden boat, you also feel the ocean more than on some bigger vessels. That’s part of the charm, but it’s also the reason this trip is not a fit for everyone. If you’ve ever had motion sickness on boats, take that seriously.

What I’d do if I were you: treat the sea conditions as a deciding factor. Bring the right gear, stay seated if you’re sensitive, and keep your eyes on the horizon when the boat is moving.

Desertas Island Time: Walks, Info Plaques, and Wet Conditions

Once you arrive, you’ll have a chance to disembark and spend time on the Desertas natural reserve. In theory, you can walk a trail, but the walking portion is not long or complicated. The “tour” is described as around 20 minutes, and in practice it can feel more like a quick orientation than a full exploration.

I like that you can get close to the reserve and its natural setting, but you need to be realistic about what you will see. Some past visitors found that the trail is short and very simple, and a couple mentioned that the island is more gravel than sand, with limited visible features.

The biggest practical warning is about shore access. More than one person reported that you may not be able to get to the island in a truly dry way, and that the walk can involve water entry. One review even described needing to go in the water to see the island.

So here’s how to plan your mindset:

• Expect some time in swimwear.
• Assume you might get wet during the island portion.
• Bring a towel and something to manage wind and chill after the swim stop.

If your idea of Desertas is a long, dry beach walk with a leisurely pace, this may not match your expectations.

Swim Stop and Snorkeling: The Best Part If You’re Prepared

This excursion includes a swimming stop once you reach the Desertas area, and you also have time to snorkel. This is where the day earns its keep. You’re in clear Atlantic waters, with a protected setting, and the whole operation is set up so you can actually get into the water, not just watch from the boat.

If you snorkel, keep it simple. Bring your own comfort basics like sunscreen and sunglasses, and don’t count on the water time being long enough to also be “a whole lesson.” This is a free-time window, so show up ready.

Also, do not ignore the “not suitable” note: non-swimmers should skip this. And if you’re coming down with a cold or feeling run down, this kind of water-based schedule can be a tough match.

Finally, if the wind picks up, you may feel it more while drying off. That’s why the packing list includes a jacket, and why waterproof shoes are recommended.

Lunch, Drinks, and Madeira Wine: Included Value You Can Taste

You get a welcome drink of Madeira wine at the start. That small detail sets the tone and makes the day feel like a proper Madeira outing, not just a bus replacement on the water.

Lunch is also included, and it comes with one free drink per person. The included drink options are water, Coca Cola, beer, or wine (white or red). On top of that, you get fruit with the meal.

On the return trip, you get another free drink. For an 8.5-hour outing, that’s meaningful value. A lot of similar excursions either charge for drinks or keep food minimal.

Two things to keep in mind:

• The lunch is based on the operator’s pre-established option, so you don’t choose a fancy menu on the day.
• Some reviews pointed to drink or food issues, so if you’re picky about what you get, treat the included meal as solid, not gourmet.

Boat Comfort: What It Feels Like When the Deck Is Full

A few reviews mention that the boat can be very full. That matters, because crowding changes your experience. If you get claustrophobic, or if you want a lot of personal space to take photos and stretch out, plan for limited breathing room.

What helps:

• Wear comfortable clothes.
• Bring sunglasses and a cap if the sun hits during the sail.
• If you’re sensitive to motion, keep your plan calm and simple, and avoid big distractions.

I’d also avoid heavy, overstuffed bags. The “no large bags” rule is there for a reason.

Price and Value: Is $106 Worth It?

At $106 per person, this is not a cheap half-day add-on. You should decide based on what you want most.

This can be good value if:

• You want a long sea day with strong wildlife odds.
• You’re excited about swimming and snorkeling in a protected area.
• You like that the day includes Madeira wine, lunch, and drinks.

It may feel overpriced if:

• Your priority is a long guided hike or a lot of time on land.
• You expect a comfortable, dry island circuit.
• You’re easily bothered by boat motion.

The rating of 3.6 out of 61 reviews tells the story. Most people seem to like the day, especially the sea and water experience, but the complaints tend to cluster around the same themes: shorter-than-expected island time, wet access, and boat fullness. That means your best bet is to book with the right mindset.

Who Should Book This, and Who Should Skip It

This trip fits best if you:

• Are comfortable being on a boat for a long stretch.
• Are able and willing to swim and handle short snorkeling time.
• Like simple nature experiences more than structured, long walks.

It is not a good fit if you:

• Are a non-swimmer.
• Get seasick or don’t handle boat movement well.
• Are sick or feeling too fragile for cold water exposure.

Also, if you’re traveling with a pet, note that pets are not allowed (assistance dogs are allowed). And if you rely on fishing activities, fishing is not permitted.

Packing Like a Local: Your Madeira Desertas Kit

Here’s what you should bring for comfort and sanity:

• Towel (people have had issues drying off)
• Swimsuit
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A cap or hat
• Comfortable shoes, plus waterproof shoes if you want better footing
• A jacket (wind happens, and drying time can be chilly)
• Snacks if you like having a backup, even though lunch is included

For the day to work smoothly, focus on wet-weather logic. You’re going out to swim, and you might deal with wet entry and wet clothes after.

Final Verdict: Should You Book the Wooden Boat to Desertas?

Book this if you want a classic Madeira sea day, with wildlife odds, an included lunch with drinks, and real water time. It’s a great pick for swimmers and for people who enjoy simple nature contact over long, structured walking.

Skip it if you need lots of dry land time, hate being on the boat, or you’re worried about seasickness. In those cases, you’ll likely end up thinking about what you did not get, instead of what you actually experienced.

If you can handle a boat-heavy schedule and you’re excited to swim, the Desertas trip can feel like a true change of pace from Funchal.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for this tour?

You meet at Av. do Mar 9000, at the marina near pier 8. Look for the kiosk for Bonita da Madeira in the middle.

How long is the Wooden Boat Excursion to Desertas Islands?

The duration is about 8.5 hours.

What is included in the price?

Included items are a welcome drink (Madeira Wine), lunch with one free drink per person (water, Coca Cola, beer, or wine, plus fruit), and one more free drink on the return. Taxes and fees are included as well.

Is swimming or snorkeling included?

Yes. There is a swimming stop when you reach the Desertas Islands, and you have time to swim and snorkel.

What languages are spoken by the guide?

The live tour guide speaks English and Portuguese.

Do I need to bring a towel and swimwear?

Yes. The tour information specifically recommends bringing a towel and a swimsuit.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?

No. It is not suitable for non-swimmers.

Are pets allowed on board?

Pets are not allowed, but assistance dogs are allowed.

What should I wear or pack for the day?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and a jacket. Waterproof shoes are also recommended.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.