Desertas Islands day trips feel like a secret.

This catamaran outing from Funchal Marina takes you out to the protected Desertas group for wildlife watching and beach time, with snorkeling and stand-up paddle built in. You get the islands from the sea first, then close up once you land.

I like two things the most. Live commentary keeps the voyage meaningful, not just scenic. And since snorkeling equipment plus stand-up paddle are included, you can go straight from boat to water without running around for rentals.

Here’s the main catch to plan around: the sea can be windy and cold, and conditions can affect how much time you spend ashore and what swimming is possible once you’re there.

Key highlights that matter

• Wildlife first, in open water: you sail out to a sanctuary where marine life and seabirds are part of the day
• Included snorkeling gear: you don’t have to bring your own mask and fins
• Stand-up paddle included: a real add-on, not an afterthought
• Madeiran buffet on board: a hot meal break during a long day at sea
• Flexible plan with weather: when conditions are rough, the route may change

Catamaran Day Cruise to Desertas Islands: what you’re really buying

You’re not just paying for transportation. You’re buying access to a protected island zone that feels far from Madeira’s main tourist lanes. From Funchal, you head out to the Desertas group, known for its wildlife and for staying relatively undisturbed.

The best part is the mix: time on the water plus time on land. From the reviews and tour details, the boat ride is often where you get the big wildlife moments, while the island portion is where snorkeling and paddleboarding turn the scenery into an experience you can feel.

The value is strongest when you want an active day. The tour includes snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddle, plus a Madeiran buffet lunch on board. If your idea of a good day is lots of time sitting, you might wish you had picked something more slow and shaded.

Starting at Funchal Marina: timing, meeting point, and getting there

The cruise starts at 9:00 am at Praça do Povo (Av. do Mar 4, São Martinho, 9000-900 Funchal). The location is close to public transportation, which helps if you don’t want to coordinate taxis.

There’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to get yourself to the marina. That’s worth factoring into your day planning, especially if you’re staying in a more inland neighborhood. A mobile ticket is provided, so you won’t be stuck hunting for paper documents.

The total duration is about 9 hours. That’s a full-day commitment, so treat it like one: start with a proper breakfast, and don’t schedule anything tight for after you return.

One more practical note: the tour calls for a moderate physical fitness level. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable moving around the catamaran and handling short shifts between boat and beach.

Sailing toward the three Desertas islands: how the day starts

Once you leave the marina, the catamaran heads out toward the group of three islands. Even though they’re called the Desertas (often interpreted as desert-like), they’re not empty. They’re a wildlife sanctuary with both marine and land animals living there.

This is where the live commentary earns its keep. As you cruise toward the islands, you’re getting context for what you’re seeing, not just being left to guess. In the best cases, you’ll also spot cetaceans on the way. Some departures have included sightings like orcas and other marine activity, with crew helping point out what’s in the water and around you.

The tone here is clear: watch from the deck early and stay alert. If the sea is moving, take a moment to get your sea legs before you commit to standing in one spot for long stretches.

Virgin beach and short time ashore: snorkeling, paddleboarding, and land walking

Eventually, you reach a section of islands where you can land. The tour description calls out a virgin beach, and that’s the moment when the day feels most different from a simple sightseeing cruise.

On the beach and nearby, you can use the snorkeling equipment provided and try stand-up paddle with the included gear. This is the part of the day that tends to feel most hands-on. You’re not just looking at the coastline; you’re in it, watching underwater life up close.

Be realistic about land time. One of the common frustrations in the experience is that the time on Desertas can feel shorter than expected, and land activities may be more like a brief walk than a full hike. If you’re picturing long trails and lots of inland exploring, adjust your expectations. Think: a short, scenic stretch of land time, then back to water-based fun.

Also keep in mind that swimming plans can shift. Some departures involve restrictions around the shoreline when seals are present, which can affect where and how you’re allowed to enter the water. It’s not about your ability; it’s about safety and animal protection. If you want guarantee-level beach swimming, this tour is better treated as an opportunity to try, not a promise.

Snorkeling on Madeira’s doorstep: what’s included and what to expect

The tour provides snorkeling equipment, which is a big quality-of-life win. It means you can travel lighter and still get the gear you need for the water portion. If you’ve snorkeled before, you’ll know the difference between borrowing random gear and using properly fitting equipment; inclusion helps reduce that hassle.

What you won’t control is water conditions. Wind and swell can affect how calm the swimming feels and how comfortable snorkeling is. When the sea is choppy, you may spend more time watching from the surface than actively staying under for long stretches. That’s still worth it in a wildlife setting, but it’s good to know you might not get a perfect, clear-water session every time.

A key point: you can’t count on a specific seal or fish moment. The sanctuary is alive, and wildlife follows its own schedule. Your best strategy is simple: snorkel when you can, and don’t wait for the perfect moment if conditions are already working.

Stand-up paddle included: best for the confident and the curious

Stand-up paddle is included, and that changes the day from passive to active. It’s also the activity that can feel most different depending on sea state. In smoother conditions, it’s fun and relaxing. In wind, you’ll work harder to balance and steer.

If you’re new to SUP, this is still potentially doable, but keep your expectations humble. Wear a swimsuit you’re comfortable getting sandy-wet, and be ready to hop off quickly if conditions aren’t ideal. If you’re prone to motion sickness, keep that in mind too. SUP is usually done while the catamaran is anchored or near calm zones, but the approach and timing can still be affected by wind.

The Madeiran buffet lunch on board: fuel for a long sea day

You’ll get a Madeiran buffet lunch on board. For an outing lasting most of the day, this is more important than it sounds. Food is often what decides whether you enjoy the last third of a trip or turn cranky when you’re cold and hungry.

The overall takeaway is that the meal is well-liked, with multiple departures describing the buffet as tasty and satisfying. Still, time matters. If your schedule shifts due to weather or delays returning to the boat, lunch timing can get messy. One of the less happy experiences involved arriving back later than expected and then dealing with the timing of dessert while the boat was already moving. That’s not guaranteed to happen, but it’s a reminder that you’re on sea-time, not restaurant-time.

So: eat when it’s served, don’t plan on waiting for a specific moment. And bring patience. You’ll already be doing a lot of waiting-in-motion.

When weather pushes the plan: winds, route changes, and backup nature

This tour depends on good weather. If conditions are too rough, the trip can be adjusted or even canceled, with refunds or alternate dates offered when poor weather is the reason. That’s the big thing to understand before you put it on your calendar.

When conditions don’t allow the boat to visit Desertas directly, a common outcome is a route change that still keeps the day valuable. One experience involved sailing south from Funchal to observe marine life and seabirds when Desertas couldn’t be reached. That kind of pivot isn’t a failure of the tour; it’s a safety choice.

The practical takeaway: pack for wind. Some people describe the ride as both windy and cold. Even in mild Madeira weather, sea spray and wind chill can feel much colder than you expect. Layers beat one thin top. If you get seasick easily, consider preparing ahead with what usually works for you.

Small-group feel and who should book

The catamaran has a maximum of 70 travelers. That’s large enough for a lively day, but small enough that you’re not lost in a crowd when you’re trying to hear commentary or get your snorkeling turn.

It’s a strong match for families since the tour specifically allows bringing the whole family, with the rule that children must be accompanied by an adult. It also fits wildlife lovers who want more than a quick photo stop.

What it may not suit:

• People who expect lots of shore walking and long hiking routes
• Folks who are very sensitive to cold and wind on the water
• Anyone looking for guaranteed swimming off the island every time

If you’re the type who enjoys flexible nature experiences and can roll with changing plans, you’ll likely enjoy this more.

Price and value check: is $108.37 worth it?

At $108.37 per person, you’re paying for a full-day catamaran outing, live commentary, a Madeiran buffet lunch, and the gear for water activities. That’s not a cheap day, but it’s not just a boat ride either.

The inclusion of snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddle makes a real difference. If you’ve priced those activities separately in many coastal towns, you know the add-ons add up fast. Here, they’re part of the package, which helps you get a predictable day budget.

The only consistent cost you still need to handle is transportation to the marina, since hotel pickup isn’t included. If you’re already staying near public transit or close to Funchal, that cost stays low and the value improves.

One more reason the price can feel fair: small-group limits. With a cap around 70 people, you still get a more personal experience than you would on a huge sightseeing boat.

Should you book it: my decision guide

Book this cruise if you want a day that blends wildlife time from the water with active snorkeling and paddleboarding, plus a real meal on board. You’ll also get the benefit of live commentary, which helps you understand what you’re seeing.

Skip it or consider alternatives if you’re chasing a long, hands-on hike or you need calm, warm water for beach swimming. This trip can be windy, and time ashore can shift based on conditions and safety around wildlife.

My bottom line: if your ideal Madeira day includes sea time, snorkeling gear included, and the possibility of real wildlife moments, this is a solid pick. Go in with flexible expectations, dress for wind, and plan your day around sea-time, and you’ll get a far better outcome.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise to the Desertas Islands?

It’s about 9 hours. The activity starts at 9:00 am and ends back at the same meeting point.

What activities are included?

You get live commentary on board, snorkeling equipment, and stand-up paddle. Lunch is also included as a Madeiran buffet on board.

Where is the meeting point in Funchal?

The meeting point is Praça do Povo (Av. do Mar 4, São Martinho, 9000-900 Funchal, Portugal). The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Do they pick you up at your hotel?

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

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you don’t need to bring your own.

What if the weather is bad?

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

Is it suitable for children?

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour also asks for a moderate physical fitness level, so plan for how kids will handle the boat and beach time.

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