Desertas Islands Full-Day Catamaran Trip from Funchal

Desertas Islands is one of those trips that feels both wild and controlled at the same time. You spend the day on open water off Madeira’s south coast, then land on a volcanic shoreline inside a protected reserve known for monk seal conservation.

I like the mix of real ocean time plus on-island education, not just photo stops. I also like the chance for swimming and snorkeling in clear water that looks too clean to be real. One thing to keep in mind is that getting on and off the tender can be tricky, especially if you have mobility limits or slippery footwear.

You should also know that the day is guided but not a long hike. There’s a short guided walk tied to the conservation center, so if you’re craving rugged trails, you might feel a bit short-changed.

Quick hit points before you go

• Desertas Nature Reserve by sea: a protected area covering 12,586 hectares, including Deserta Grande and nearby islets.
• Monk seal conservation focus: you get a guided walk to learn how the reserve protects monk seals and local life.
• Deserta Grande is the landing spot: it’s the only island where visitors disembark.
• Swim plus snorkeling options: the day includes time in the water, and some people also do stand up paddleboarding.
• Bring grip for the shore: volcanic rocks can be slippery during tender landings.

Sailing to the Desertas, a protected world off Madeira’s south coast

This full-day catamaran trip takes you from Funchal out into the Desertas Islands, a nature reserve that’s been protected for more than 25 years. The key detail here is that you’re not touring a town. You’re visiting a remote volcanic island group that stays mostly wild by design.

What makes it interesting is the balance. You get scenic sailing along Madeira’s south coast, then a guided visit on Deserta Grande inside the reserve. And you also get actual water time on a beach of volcanic origin, plus chances for snorkeling.

The practical upside is that the boat does the heavy lifting for you. You’re not spending the day driving or switching buses. Once you’re aboard, the rhythm is simple: ride out, land, explore briefly, swim, then ride back.

Price and value: what you really get for about $106

At $106 per person for a 9-hour outing, this is not a budget snack-run. You’re paying for a catamaran day trip that covers real mileage, a guided conservation experience, and lunch onboard with drinks.

Here’s why I think it’s good value if you want the combo they sell:

• You’re paying for access to a protected reserve that’s practical to visit by boat only.
• Lunch is included, and it comes with drinks. That matters because food costs on Madeira can add up fast.
• The day isn’t just “sit and stare.” There’s time for a guided walk, swimming, and snorkeling (and possibly paddleboarding depending on conditions and schedules).

Could it be overpriced for you? Sure, if your goal is a long hiking adventure on foot. Even people expecting more walking sometimes realize it’s more of an on-island visit tied to the conservation center than a trek. If that’s your priority, you might compare it to other Desertas-focused activities.

Getting started in Funchal: where to meet and what the first hour feels like

You meet your guide at the VMT Madeira Kiosk at the Funchal Marina. There’s no hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan to get yourself to the marina on time.

Once you’re on the catamaran, the day starts with a safety briefing and scenic views as you sail. This is one of those tours where the “getting there” is part of the product, not filler. On the way out and back, people often focus on wildlife spotting, and the boat ride gives you the best seat for it.

Also, pay attention to how the catamaran day affects your comfort. One review noted the bench-style seating can be hard. It’s a good reminder to bring a thin layer or sit with your core protected, especially if you’re not used to long rides on simple benches.

Deserta Grande landing: volcanic shoreline time and the slipperiness reality check

Deserta Grande is the only island where visitors can disembark. That keeps things organized and limits impact, but it also means your day centers on one main landing area.

The landings happen in clear waters, and you’ll disembark onto a volcanic-origin beach. That’s gorgeous, and it’s also where you should be smart with footwear. Multiple comments flagged that stepping off the tender can be difficult because the stones can be slippery.

My advice: wear water-friendly shoes or something with grip that you don’t mind getting wet. Crocs or similar closed, grippy sandals can work. Flip-flops usually do not. If you’ve got shoes you already trust in wet conditions, bring them. It beats turning your “vacation swim” into a cautious balancing act.

Also, think about the wind. Even when it’s warm in Funchal, you can feel cooler on the water. A windbreaker isn’t optional, it’s one of your best purchases for this day.

The monk seal conservation walk: education that actually changes your perspective

This is the heart of the Desertas visit. The islands and surrounding marine area make up the Desertas Islands Natural Reserve, spanning 12,586 hectares. It’s internationally known for monk seal conservation.

On Deserta Grande, you’ll take a guided walk connected to the conservation center. You learn about monk seal protection efforts and about endemic flora and fauna found in this part of the Atlantic.

One honest thing: you’re not guaranteed to see monk seals during the tour. The material you’re given emphasizes the protection and the conservation work more than sightings. In practice, some days bring more wildlife than others, and the monk seal is not something you can force into a checklist.

But even without a seal sighting, this part can still be meaningful, because it explains why the reserve is managed the way it is. You come away understanding that the goal is long-term protection, not short-term tourism drama.

Swim, snorkeling, and paddle time: making the most of clear water

After the guided portion, you get time for swimming in crystal-clear water. The tour is built around being on the water and using it, not just watching it.

You should expect a mix of:

• time swimming at the volcanic beach
• snorkeling opportunities
• and sometimes stand up paddleboarding, depending on conditions and the day’s flow

This is where the Desertas trip earns its “worth it” rating. Madeira’s coast can be beautiful from a distance, but the water here is the main attraction. When the sea is calm enough and visibility is good, snorkeling feels like the best kind of downtime.

If you’re prone to getting cold, plan for it. Wind on the boat and spray near the water can chill you fast. Bring a windbreaker you can keep on hand, and pack a change of clothes so you’re not stuck in damp layers while everyone else is drying off.

Lunch onboard with drinks: simple, filling, and often diet-friendly

Lunch is included with drinks. That alone helps the day feel structured, because you’re not juggling snacks between activities.

From the experience notes shared by people who went, the lunch tends to be good and practical. Vegetarian options were reported, including vegan alternatives. That’s helpful because you don’t want to arrive starving, then discover you’re limited to bread and chips.

Also, remember you’ll spend a lot of time moving between sun, shade, wind, and water. A solid lunch makes the difference between enjoying the afternoon and feeling sluggish.

Don’t ignore the snack-and-drink setup either. The catamaran is equipped with a bar with snacks and beverages, plus a toilet onboard. That means fewer “we have to wait until we stop” moments.

Wildlife moments on the route: why the boat ride can steal the show

Even when the main purpose is Desertas and conservation, the ocean ride can bring its own magic. Reviews mention whales and dolphins, including sightings like pilot whales and dolphin groups, with some people also describing killer whales on their day.

The honest truth is this: marine life sightings depend on conditions. You can’t plan your vacation around a guarantee. Still, the catamaran route through open water gives you a real chance, and the tour structure supports that. You’re not stuck in port with nothing to do.

If you care about wildlife spotting, arrive ready to look up and to the sides. Bring sunglasses, keep an eye on the horizon, and don’t bury yourself in your phone during the ride.

What to pack for a windy volcanic day (and what to leave behind)

This trip is straightforward, but you’ll enjoy it more if you pack for sun, wind, and wet feet.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes with grip
• Windbreaker
• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Sunscreen

You should also consider swimwear and warm layers. One useful tip from people who went: it can be much colder on the way out because of wind, even if the island weather feels warmer once you’re ashore.

Leave at home:

• luggage or large bags, since they are not allowed
• alcohol and drugs
• anything that could put you in the intoxication category, because service can be refused for safety

That last one matters because it protects everyone. It also means the vibe stays focused on safe fun, not chaos.

Logistics and comfort: the small frictions that matter

This is where I like to be blunt, because small discomforts can ruin a “great day” fast.

First: seating. The catamaran has bench-style seating, and some comments say it’s hard. If you’re sensitive to that, you might want to bring a thin cushion or wear layers that help you sit comfortably for hours.

Second: tender access. Getting on and off the tender onto the volcanic shore can be difficult. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. That’s not just a “might be hard” note. It’s a hard constraint, based on safety needs and the nature of the shore landing.

Third: island walking. The on-island visit is a guided walk tied to conservation learning. It’s not presented as a hike, and some people feel surprised by how limited the walking feels once they’re there. Think “guided visit and connection,” not “full-day trail.”

Who should book this Desertas Islands catamaran trip?

Book this if you want:

• a guided conservation-focused island visit
• swimming and snorkeling time in clear water
• a full day that mixes sailing, wildlife chances, and a calm guided walk
• lunch included so you don’t spend the day hunting food

Skip it or look for another option if:

• you need full mobility access, since tender landings make it unsuitable for mobility impairments
• you want long rugged hiking routes instead of a short guided visit
• you’re hoping for guaranteed monk seal sightings, because the tour is about conservation education more than creature bingo

This trip is a great match for couples, friends, and people who like the ocean and want a day that feels both adventurous and responsible.

Final call: should you book this tour or not?

I’d book it if your idea of a great Madeira day includes sea air, a protected nature reserve, and water time you can actually use. The combination of monk seal conservation learning and practical beach-and-snorkel time gives you more than a sightseeing day.

If you do book, do yourself a favor and prepare for the real-world parts: windy boat rides, slippery volcanic stones, and hard bench seating. Bring the right shoes and a windbreaker, and the day feels like it earns its price. Skip those, and you’ll spend your energy managing discomfort instead of enjoying the Desertas.

FAQ

How long is the Desertas Islands full-day catamaran trip?

The trip runs for 9 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

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

What’s included in the price?

The catamaran cruise is included, and lunch with drinks is included.

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?

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

What should I bring for this tour?

Bring comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, a change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen. You may also want swimwear depending on the season.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No, the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments due to the nature of getting to and from the island.