From Funchal: Wooden Boat Excursion to Desertas Island

Desertas feels like the Atlantic’s private room. This wooden boat day from Funchal takes you far enough offshore to turn the sea into the main character, then you get a short, guided look at the Desertas with time to swim.

I especially like two things here: the chance of marine life sightings thanks to covering a lot of miles, and the included lunch with Madeira wine and a free drink. One caution, though: much of the day is time on the boat, and the island stop is brief, so plan for limited walking and a stop that can feel more water-based than shore-based.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Marine life odds improve with distance: more time moving through open water means better chances to spot dolphins and other sea life.
• A short guided island segment: you get a guided portion of about 20 minutes, not a long hike.
• Swimming is part of the plan: there’s a swim stop when you reach the Desertas, and the itinerary includes snorkeling.
• Lunch and drinks are built in: you start with a Madeira wine welcome drink, then lunch includes one free drink per person, plus another on the return.
• Bring layers and footwear: wind and spray are real here, and you may want waterproof shoes for comfort.

Wooden Boat Days From Funchal, How the 8.5 Hours Work

This trip is about the rhythm of a long Atlantic cruise, with the Desertas Islands acting like the calm payoff at the end. Expect a total duration of 8.5 hours, and expect that a big chunk of that time is spent on the water. If your idea of a great day is lots of sea time, this fits. If you are hoping for a full day of island exploring, adjust your expectations.

The day starts from the Funchal side, at Av. do Mar 9000, and you’ll meet at the marina area. Once you’re aboard, the focus shifts to what the sea brings, from wildlife sightings to the sheer scale of the coastline and cliffs as you approach the islands.

One more practical thought: this is not a calm, take-a-quick-photo sort of outing. It’s a boat trip, and boats move. If you know you get seasick, think hard before booking.

Getting to Pier 8 and Finding the Bonita da Madeira Kiosk

Meeting is straightforward, but only if you arrive early enough to orient yourself. Go to the marina and look for pier 8. There’s a kiosk in the middle, and this one is the Bonita da Madeira kiosk.

The tour information does not include any private pick up or drop off, so you’ll want to plan your own transport to the meeting area. Parking is also not included, so if you’re driving, assume you’ll handle that separately.

To keep the start smooth, come ready to move. There’s also a clear rules list for what you can bring on board: no oversize luggage and no large bags, and no glass objects. Keep your daypack simple, and bring only what you truly need for the water and the short island time.

Sailing the Atlantic, Where the Marine Life Odds Come From

The standout reason to choose this excursion is simple: you spend a lot of time traveling over open water, and that increases your chance of spotting marine life. The itinerary itself highlights that possibility, and it makes sense in real-world terms. When you’re covering miles rather than staying close to shore, you’re more likely to intersect with moving wildlife.

On a good day, you’re looking for moments like quick surfacing blows, dorsal fins cutting through the water, or pods tracking the boat. Even if sightings are not constant, the view angle is often the point: Madeira’s shoreline gives way to open sea, and the islands show up with dramatic cliff lines.

If weather turns choppy, that wildlife bonus can come with bouncier boat time. This is why the tour is listed as not suitable for people prone to seasickness. If you’ve ever felt ill on boats, treat that warning as serious.

Desertas Islands Stop, Walking Versus Wet Landing Reality

Here’s the deal: the Desertas stop is built around walking plus swimming and snorkeling, with some guided time too. The experience includes a guided tour of around 20 minutes, so you will not spend the day on a long self-led trek.

The island part is also designed around a natural, protected-reserve vibe. You’ll have time on your own to walk, swim, or return to the comfort of the boat. That flexibility is useful if wind picks up or if you just want to relax and keep the camera out.

Now, a caution that matters for planning: a few people have reported that landing can involve getting in and out from the water, meaning you might spend some time wet and not necessarily on a perfectly convenient dock with towel-ready comfort. Even if you are expecting a standard “step off onto land” moment, keep a towel and waterproof shoes in your bag. It can be a deal breaker if you show up unprepared.

Also, the island walk is best thought of as a short orientation and loop rather than a full hike. If you want hours of trail time, you may feel the island segment is too brief.

Lunch and Drinks on the Water, Included but Keep Your Expectations Simple

Food is included, and that’s a real part of the value. You get:

• a welcome drink, Madeira wine
• lunch with one free drink per person
• fruit with lunch (listed as included)
• another free drink on the return

That combination is exactly why I think this tour can feel good even when the island stop is short. You’re not paying extra for lunch at sea, and the included drinks reduce the need to hunt for refreshments later.

That said, this is still a boat excursion with limited service time. Some people have found the meals and drink setup to be simpler and more basic than they hoped for. If you’re the type who expects a leisurely, restaurant-style lunch, this may feel rushed. If you want hearty enough fuel for a boat-and-swim day, it can work well.

A smart move: bring a small snack of your own if you like to keep energy steady. The tour notes snacks as something to bring, which tells you the organizers expect you might want extra.

What to Pack, Your Checklist for Sun, Wind, and Spray

This day has a mix of sun, wind, and water time, so your packing matters more than usual. Use the tour’s suggested items as your baseline.

Bring:

• comfortable shoes
• towel
• swimwear
• sunglasses and sunscreen
• a jacket for wind
• comfortable clothes
• waterproof shoes if you have them
• cap or hat
• snacks

Think about how you’ll handle the post-swim phase. If you end up wet longer than expected, a towel and dry layer can save your mood. If you end up doing any on-water landing, waterproof footwear is not a luxury.

Not allowed items to note: pets are not allowed (assistance dogs are allowed), fishing is not allowed, and glass objects are not allowed. It’s a good sign that they’re serious about safety and comfort on board.

Seasickness, Non-Swimmers, and Who This Trip Is Actually For

The tour is clearly not designed for everyone. It’s listed as not suitable for:

• non-swimmers
• people with a cold
• people prone to seasickness

That’s not just fine print. This is a boat-heavy day with swimming built in. Even if you are comfortable at sea, a cold can make the wind and spray feel much worse, and a seasickness situation can ruin the whole schedule.

Best fit:

• you love boat days and don’t mind being out on the water for hours
• you can swim (or at least feel confident in open-water conditions)
• you want a short island orientation plus aquatic time
• you like wildlife odds, even if you cannot guarantee sightings

If you are traveling with kids, you’ll want to judge carefully based on swimming ability and comfort with boat movement. The rules around swimming and seasickness are your guide.

Price and Value, Is $106 Fair for This Mix of Sea and Shore?

At $106 per person for an 8.5-hour wooden boat outing, you’re paying for two things: time on the water and the included meal-and-drink package.

The value equation looks good if:

• you truly want a full half-day plus of cruising
• you care about the chance of marine life
• you appreciate that lunch and drinks are included, including a Madeira wine welcome

Where the price can feel less fair is when your main goal is lots of dry land time, long hiking, or a slow, cushy island experience. Since the guided island portion is short and the island time is limited, it helps to book with the right mental picture: a boat journey first, an island orientation second.

Also, consider that group size can make the boat feel crowded. Some people have commented on boat density, and in those moments the boat becomes less relaxing and more like a busy shared ride. If you prefer lots of personal space, that’s worth factoring in.

Should You Book This Desertas Excursion?

My take: book it if you want an Atlantic cruise with swimming and snorkeling time and you’re happy with a short island walk plus a simple included lunch. The combination of Madeira wine, lunch drinks, and a guided chunk around 20 minutes is a good deal for a day that is primarily about sea views and wildlife potential.

Skip it or choose another format if:

• you get seasick easily
• you do not swim confidently
• you want a long, dry island hike
• you need an easy, guaranteed dock-and-walk landing experience

If you do book, go in prepared. Pack your towel, bring water-friendly footwear, and wear layers for wind. You’ll enjoy the day more because you’ll be ready for the parts that can be less convenient when the sea gets a bit active.

FAQ

How long is the wooden boat excursion?

It runs for 8.5 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at the marina at pier 8, at the Bonita da Madeira kiosk in the middle.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with one free drink per person (water, Coca Cola, beer, or white/red wine) plus fruit, and there is another free drink on the return.

What drinks are included?

A welcome drink (Madeira wine) is included, and lunch includes one free drink per person, followed by one more free drink on the return.

Is there a guided tour on the island?

Yes. There is a guided portion of around 20 minutes.

Can I swim or snorkel?

Yes. A swimming stop is included when you reach the Desertas Islands, and snorkeling is listed as part of what you can do during the island time.

Do I need to be a swimmer?

Yes. The activity is listed as not suitable for non-swimmers.

Does the tour include pick up or drop off by private transport?

No. Pick up and drop off are not included (private transport is not part of the package).

What languages is the guide available in?

The live tour guide is available in English and Portuguese.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring towel, swimsuit, jacket, comfortable shoes, waterproof shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a cap/hat. Not allowed: oversize luggage, large bags, pets (assistance dogs allowed), fishing, and glass objects.