Desertas from the sea feels like a true escape. This wooden boat run from Funchal covers lots of Atlantic miles, which boosts your chances of spotting marine life, and it pairs that with included Madeira wine and a full lunch. The main thing to consider is timing and sea conditions: you spend much of the day afloat, and landing time on the island may be limited depending on the water.

Meeting point is straightforward: go to the marina at pier 8 and look for the Bonita da Madeira kiosk in the middle. Once you reach the Desertas, you’ll have a swim stop and some time for walking and snorkeling, but the “island tour” can feel very short and, on rougher days, getting off the boat may be harder than you expect.

Key things to know before you go

• Marine life chances rise with distance: the route is designed to cover many miles on the Atlantic.
• Lunch and drinks are real value: Madeira wine welcome, lunch with fruit, plus another drink on the way back.
• Expect mostly time on the water: the day is long, with a large chunk spent sailing.
• Island time may be brief and simple: some describe a short loop path and mostly gravel underfoot.
• A swim stop is part of the plan: bring swim gear and be ready for saltwater time.
• Sea comfort matters: if you’re prone to seasickness, this is not the easy option.

Madeira’s Desertas day trip: what you’re really buying

This excursion is sold as an all-day wooden boat experience to the Desertas Islands, a protected nature area in the Atlantic off Madeira. In plain terms, you’re paying for three things: a long ride through open water, a swim/snorkel window at the islands, and an island walking period with a live guide.

The boat portion is the backbone of the trip. One review notes that out of about 8.5 hours, roughly 6.5 were spent on the water, with the rest split between lunch and the time on the island. So if your dream is lots of hiking, this is not that kind of day. But if you want time on the sea with a good chance at wildlife and you’re happy with a short walk, it can feel exactly right.

For value, the included food and drink help. You get a welcome Madeira wine, lunch plus one free drink per person, and then another drink again on the return. When a trip like this is priced at around $106 per person, it only feels fair if you’ll actually use the included meal and if you’re comfortable being out on open water.

Getting to the marina: pier 8 and Bonita da Madeira

Your start point is Av. Do Mar 9000, but practically, you’ll meet at the marina at pier 8. There’s a kiosk there, and your pick is the Bonita da Madeira kiosk, located in the middle.

Two small but important reality checks:

• No private transport included: you’ll need to handle your own getting there and back (and parking is extra).
• Bring what you need for both land and boat: you don’t want to be stuck hunting for a towel or sunscreen once you’re underway.

Aim to arrive with buffer time. Marina areas can be tight, and you’ll feel calmer once you’re standing at the right kiosk.

The 8.5-hour rhythm: sailing first, then island time

The day runs long. That’s not a flaw by default—it’s what makes marine life sightings more plausible. The more time you spend covering water, the more opportunities you have for dolphins or even larger animals to show up. The description explicitly frames this as a high possibility because the boat route covers so many miles.

What you should love about the sea leg

If you like being out on the ocean, this part tends to land well. People who enjoyed the trip often mention the crossing and the views, and they remember the day as a classic boat outing, not a rushed checklist tour.

What can frustrate you on the sea leg

If you’re expecting lots of land time, you might feel the hours stretch. The “off the boat and onto the island” portion can feel like the smaller part of the trip, and the boat can also be full.

Also, the water can be choppy. One review warns it can be difficult if you’re prone to seasickness. If you fall into that category, take it seriously and consider motion-sickness prep (and bring what works for you—this company’s materials don’t mention remedy options).

Marine life spotting: realistic expectations

Here’s the deal: sightings are never guaranteed on the ocean, but the trip is structured to increase odds. You may see dolphins, and whales are mentioned as a possibility. The key word is possibility, not certainty.

To improve your odds of having a good wildlife moment, do the simple things:

• Stay alert during the sailing miles.
• Get yourself into a position with clear views (without blocking anyone else).
• Have your camera ready before the excitement starts.

If you’re the type who tends to check out mentally during the first half hour, shift gears early. Wildlife, if it shows up, often doesn’t wait for you to get comfortable.

The guide and the short island walk: what it’s likely to feel like

Once you reach the Desertas, you’ll get time on the island. The plan includes a guided component—described as around 20 minutes—plus free time to walk, swim, or return to the boat.

Here’s where feedback gets mixed. Some people felt the island tour was extremely brief and described it as a short circular path with informational plaques. Another comment says the “desert” is really gravel and that the walk can feel more like a quick loop than a full guided experience. At the same time, the general idea matches what the route promises: a protected-natural setting with a chance to look at fauna and flora up close.

So I’d frame it like this:

• If you want a short, easy nature pause to break up the day, you’ll likely appreciate it.
• If you expected a long, proper guided hike, you may feel underwhelmed.

Underfoot and drying realities

Some accounts mention that getting dry on the island may be difficult, and that you might not have easy access to towels when it’s time to walk. Even the tour description implies a swim stop and water time, so assume dampness is possible.

That’s why the packing list matters. If you bring the right shoes and gear, you’ll stay comfortable longer. If you show up with just street sneakers, you might regret it.

Swim stop and snorkeling: bring gear, be ready

A swim stop is built into the plan when you reach the Desertas Islands. Snorkeling is mentioned in the experience format too, so you should treat this as a water-focused phase, not an optional splash.

A few practical tips that come directly from how people say this day can play out:

• Bring a towel you trust. If you forget one, you may be stuck feeling cold or uncomfortable after getting back on the boat.
• Wear swimwear under your clothes. You don’t want to do a last-minute outfit change in a breezy spot.
• Use waterproof shoes if you have them. Even if you don’t plan to walk far, saltwater and wet rocks are part of the experience.

Also note the trip isn’t suitable for non-swimmers. If you’re not confident in open water, skip it.

Lunch with wine: when included food actually matters

Lunch and drinks are included, and that’s one of the strongest value points. The day starts with a welcome Madeira wine. Then lunch includes one free drink per person (you can pick among water, Coca Cola, beer, or wine—white or red), plus fruit. On the return, there’s again one free drink per person.

That’s a solid package for an all-day marine trip, where buying food later would be expensive or inconvenient.

One word of fairness: a few comments suggest the lunch experience didn’t match expectations, like drinks being offered less than promised or fruit not showing up as expected. So set your expectations as “included lunch and drinks,” but bring a backup snack if you’re picky or you get hungry fast.

Packing smart: what to bring for Desertas comfort

The activity’s requirements are clear, and they map to the real risks: boat time, sun, wet surfaces, and uneven footing.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes plus waterproof shoes if you have them
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a cap/hat
• Swimsuit and towel
• A jacket (wind happens on the water)
• Snacks (not included in the data, so bring what you like)
• Snacks and comfortable clothes for after the water time

Also watch the rules:

• No oversize luggage or large bags
• No fishing
• No glass objects
• Pets are not allowed (assistance dogs are allowed)

If you take one thing from the packing list, make it this: plan for wet, plan for wind, and plan for short notice.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip)

This is a good match if you:

• Want a classic boat outing from Funchal
• Like the idea of wildlife chances in open water
• Are happy with a short nature stop rather than a long hike
• Will use the included lunch and drinks
• Can handle some chop on the sea

It’s not a good fit if you:

• Are a non-swimmer
• Are prone to seasickness
• Are coming down with a cold
• Need lots of dry time on land

The “Not Suitable For” list aligns with how the day is likely to feel: lots of water time and movement.

Price and logistics: is $106 per person worth it

At about $106 per person for an 8.5-hour day, the value depends on your expectations.

If you’re excited by long-distance boat time, this price can feel fair because:

• Sailing time is a core part of the experience.
• The day includes Madeira wine, lunch, fruit, and extra drinks.

If you’re expecting a major island hike, you may feel it’s expensive. Some comments describe very short guided time and limited dry walking space, and at least one person felt they needed to swim to see the island rather than just stepping off normally. Those details aren’t for everyone, and they can change how you rate the day.

My advice: think of it as a sea-focused outing with a brief island break. Price it in that way, and you’ll likely feel happier with the purchase.

Final verdict: should you book the Desertas wooden boat trip?

Book it if you want:

• The best shot at marine life while spending real time on the Atlantic
• Lunch and drink coverage that saves you hassle
• A short nature walk plus a swim stop

Skip it if:

• You get seasick easily
• You need a long, dry guided hike on land
• You’re the type who needs a predictable, comfortable landing and lots of time off the boat

If you do book, pack for wet conditions, take motion seriously, and treat the island portion as a brief nature pause. When you match the tour to your expectations, it can be a memorable Madeira day at sea.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

You meet at the marina at pier 8. Look for the Bonita da Madeira kiosk in the middle.

How long is the Wooden Boat Excursion to the Desertas Islands?

The duration is 8.5 hours.

Is lunch included, and what drinks are available?

Lunch is included with one free drink per person (water, Coca Cola, beer, or wine, white or red) and fruit. There’s also one free drink included again on the return.

Is there a swim stop?

Yes. There is a swimming stop when you reach the Desertas Islands.

What languages is the guide available in?

The live tour guide is available in English and Portuguese.

What should I bring for this trip?

Bring comfortable shoes (including waterproof shoes if you have them), sunglasses, sunscreen, a cap/hat, a jacket, a towel, and swimwear. The information also suggests bringing snacks.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers or people with seasickness?

No. It is not suitable for non-swimmers, and it’s also not recommended for people prone to seasickness or who have a cold.

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