Desertas Islands Full-Day Catamaran Trip from Funchal

The Desertas Islands feel like Madeira’s wild side. This full-day catamaran trip gets you from Funchal into a protected marine world, built around monk seal conservation and volcanic-shore swimming. I love how the day mixes open-ocean sailing with a real landing on the reserve, and I also like that you get a guided walk ashore on Deserta Grande instead of just passing by. One thing to keep in mind: the island time is short and the tender ride and stone landing can be tricky.

I also like the way the crew keeps the day moving without rushing you through the good parts. You’ll get lunch onboard with drinks, plus extra water time when conditions allow. The main drawback is that monk seal sightings aren’t guaranteed; the trip is more about learning how the reserve protects them than seeing one on cue.

Key Things I’d Bet on With This Trip

• Deserta Grande is the only place you disembark, so your time stays focused and controlled inside the reserve.
• Volcanic-origin beach time in clear water makes the “arrive, swim, and cool off” part feel immediate.
• A guided walk to the conservation area gives context on protection and the islands’ endemic life.
• Snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding add variety beyond a simple beach stop.
• Marine wildlife can show up on the way, and some trips have included dolphins and whales.
• Bring wind and water-ready gear; the sea can feel colder than you expect.

A Full Day on the Desertas: What Makes It Special

This is one of those Madeira activities where the “journey” matters as much as the destination. You’re not just touring; you’re traveling through open ocean toward a protected island reserve and then spending time where few people go. The Desertas Natural Reserve is huge (12,586 hectares) and includes multiple islands and islets, plus the surrounding marine area, all set aside for long-term protection.

What I like most is the balance. You get the big views from the catamaran while you’re out at sea, then you switch to hands-on time: swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding once you’re at Deserta Grande. It’s a full 9 hours that tends to feel active without being a grind.

Getting There in Funchal: Meet at the Marina Kiosk

You’ll meet your guide at the VMT Madeira Kiosk at the Funchal Marina. There’s no hotel pick-up, so plan to get yourself to the marina on time. This sounds basic, but it affects your stress level. If you like a calm start, arrive a little early, get oriented, and settle before the safety briefing.

Once you’re aboard, the day starts with a safety briefing and then you’re off along Madeira’s south coast. The route itself is part of the experience because you’re sailing in real open water, not just cruising around the harbor.

Sailing the South Coast: Sea Views and Wildlife Chances

On the way to the Desertas, the catamaran portion is more than transportation. It’s when you see Madeira from the sea and start watching for marine life.

Some past days have included sightings of dolphins and whales (including pilot whales and bottle-nosed dolphins). You shouldn’t count on any specific animal, but the odds are meaningful enough that you’ll want to stay alert on both legs of the trip—outbound and return. Even when wildlife doesn’t show, the ocean scenery and the sense of distance from the mainland is a big part of why people do this.

Deserta Grande Landing: Volcanic Beach Swimming Time

When you arrive, you disembark in clear water onto a beach with volcanic origins. That matters more than it sounds. Volcanic shores often mean a different feel underfoot and a more dramatic setting than the typical sandy beach style.

This is also where you should prepare for the practical reality of tender landings. Reviews highlight that the exit from the smaller boat can be difficult because the stones can be slippery. So I’d treat this as a “wear the right footwear” moment, not a “barefoot and hope” moment. Bring water-friendly shoes—Crocs or beach shoes that don’t mind getting wet are often the kind of call people are happy they made.

Once you’re on the beach, you’ll have a window to swim. In good conditions, the water clarity is a real highlight. If you’re traveling in summer, you might not want to overheat on the beach, but you’ll still want your sunscreen ready.

The Guided Walk and the Monk Seal Conservation Center

Deserta Grande is the only island where visitors can disembark, and the shore time centers on a guided walk tied to conservation. The reserve is internationally known for monk seal protection, and the guided experience is your chance to understand what that protection looks like in practice.

A short walking portion also covers endemic flora and fauna. This is one of the best values of the tour because you’re not just enjoying scenery—you’re getting the “why” behind the reserve and how people work to keep this ecosystem functioning. It also helps you notice what you’re seeing instead of treating the island like a photo stop.

One honest consideration: you might not see monk seals during your visit. The trip is designed around learning and supporting the conservation effort, not guaranteeing animal sightings. If you booked specifically hoping to spot a monk seal on the sand, adjust your expectations. You’re coming to the reserve to understand and experience it responsibly.

Lunch Onboard With Drinks: Good Food, Simple Timing

Lunch is included with drinks, served onboard. This is usually the point in the day where you stop moving and reset, and it helps that you don’t have to hunt for food once you’re out there. Reviews describe the lunch as very good, with attention to diet requests like vegetarian and even vegan options.

One small comfort note: the catamaran seating is often described as bench-style and hard. It won’t ruin the day for most people, but if you’re sensitive to comfort, think about how you’ll handle the longer sea stretches. You’ll likely want to vary your posture and take breaks when you can.

Also, the boat has a toilet and a bar with snacks and beverages. That doesn’t replace lunch, but it’s handy if you get thirsty between swim and shore time. It also gives you something to do during calmer stretches when you want a break from sun and wind.

Snorkeling and Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Protected Waters

Once you’re at Desertas, the fun expands beyond the swim beach. You may have time for snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding. This is the part that turns the day from “beautiful and interesting” into “memorable.”

Snorkeling is especially worth it in clear water because you’re exploring a protected marine area. Paddleboarding adds movement and a different perspective of the island and shoreline. If you’re comfortable in the water, this is where you’ll feel most connected to the environment.

Practical tip: treat your water shoes and sunscreen as part of the gear plan. If you’re snorkeling, you’ll often be out longer than you think, and wind + sun can sneak up quickly on a sea day.

Weather, Wind, and What to Pack for a Madeira Sea Day

Even in pleasant weather, the sea wind can feel colder than you expect—especially on the return trip when the sun angle shifts. Reviews specifically call out the value of a windbreaker, and that advice is spot-on.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes for walking and slippery stone areas
• Windbreaker
• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Swimwear (and in summer, yes, it’s worth it)

If you’re choosing footwear, plan for the tender landing. Flip-flops tend to be a bad idea. Water-ready shoes or Crocs-style options are often the practical choice because they handle wet rocks better and still feel wearable when you transition between boat, beach, and back.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Rethink It)

This trip is a good match for people who want a full, outdoor day without complex logistics. You’ll be active—swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding if conditions allow—but it’s not a rugged mountaineering adventure.

It can be less ideal for:

• Mobility impairments, since the landing and tender transfers can be challenging
• Anyone who expects a long hike or lots of roaming
• People who need total control over how long they spend standing/walking on uneven surfaces

If you want a “walk a lot” island experience, you may feel the shore program is short. On the other hand, if your priority is being inside a protected reserve, getting ocean views, and doing water activities with a guided conservation focus, it’s a strong fit.

Price and Value: What You’re Paying For

At $106 per person for a 9-hour outing, the value comes from what’s included: the catamaran cruise plus lunch with drinks, along with the chance to access the reserve by sea and take part in the shore experience on Deserta Grande.

You should also account for what’s not included. There’s no hotel pick-up or drop-off, so you’ll need to handle getting to the Funchal Marina. For me, that’s the main trade: you pay for the experience, but you still own the “how do I get there” piece.

If you can make the marina start work smoothly, this is the kind of day that feels like more than a standard half-day boat tour. You’re getting a full rhythm: sail out, island time, learn something meaningful, then water activities and a sea return.

Should You Book This Desertas Islands Catamaran Trip?

I’d book it if your idea of a great Madeira day includes all of these: sailing in open water, a short but guided conservation walk, swimming in clear water, and optional snorkeling or paddleboarding. You also get a real conservation angle, not just a scenic detour.

I’d think twice if you’re counting on seeing monk seals during your visit. The goal is conservation education and protected access, and sightings depend on nature. Also, if mobility is an issue, the tender transfers and stone landing can be a deal-breaker.

If you’re flexible, bring the right footwear and a windbreaker, and you’ll likely come away feeling you spent your time in a place that still feels wild and protected—exactly what you want from the Desertas.

FAQ

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

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

How long is the trip?

The duration is 9 hours.

What’s included in the price?

The package includes the catamaran cruise and lunch with drinks.

Do they pick you up from your hotel?

No. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included.

What should I bring for the day on the water?

Bring comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, a change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen. In summer, swimwear is especially useful.

Is monk seal viewing guaranteed?

The tour focuses on visiting the reserve and learning about monk seal conservation efforts. The data does not promise you will see monk seals during the visit.

Is the catamaran accessible for people with mobility impairments?

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