Windy? Sometimes. Worth it? Often.

This is a full-day catamaran cruise from Funchal out toward the Desertas Islands, where you’re meant to enjoy the trip as much as the destination. I like that the day mixes live commentary with hands-on water time, not just a sit-and-stare boat ride. One thing to plan for: the sea crossing can be cold and choppy, and on rougher days your on-island time and route may change.

You’ll leave from the Funchal Marina at 9:00am and spend roughly 9 hours total, with snorkeling gear and stand-up paddle included. The vibe is very family-friendly in the sense that you’re on a big, stable catamaran for most of the day, and the lunch is onboard. The main drawback is expectations: this isn’t a long hike or an all-day beach camp—time on land can be limited depending on conditions and what the crew is able to do safely.

Key points worth knowing

• Desertas wildlife focus: you’re heading to a protected sanctuary where marine and land life are a big part of the point
• Snorkel + stand-up paddle included: both are built into the day plan, not paid add-ons
• Madeiran buffet lunch onboard: food is part of the schedule, with time to refuel before you head back out
• Sea state matters: wind and cold can shape the ride and even how much time you get off the boat
• Small-ish group for a cruise: capped at 70 travelers, so it doesn’t feel like a cattle-boat

A Catamaran Day to the Desertas: What the 9 Hours Actually Give You

The Desertas Islands are famous in Madeira circles for one simple reason: nature control. You’re not strolling through a theme park. You’re going to a place where the point is wildlife—marine life around the boat, and land animals on (and near) the islands when conditions allow.

What I like about this tour is that it’s built around that nature focus without turning it into a lecture marathon. You get live commentary as you sail out, and then you get to do the fun stuff: snorkeling and stand-up paddle. It’s also a straightforward day on paper—leave Funchal, spend time at the islands, then return to the same meeting point.

What you should keep in your head before booking: the Desertas stop is not guaranteed to be identical every day. Wind can change everything. Some days you may spend less time ashore than you hoped, or the crew may adjust the plan if the sea is too rough.

From Funchal Marina to the Horizon: Sailing, Wildlife, and the Real Weather Check

You start at the Funchal Marina area, meeting at Praça do Povo, Av. do Mar 4, São Martinho (near public transport), with a 9:00am departure. The timing matters because you’ll get out before the day ramps up. If the seas are calm, it feels like a slow-moving out-and-back day with lots of viewing from the water.

Even when it’s not calm, the catamaran helps. You’re not in a tiny skiff. Still, expect that “windy and cold” part. One of the most consistent practical notes is that the ride out and back can feel chilly, even when Madeira is warm onshore. Bring layers you can actually tolerate while seated on a deck that can get blasted.

The wildlife payoff can be excellent, especially for people who enjoy spotting from the water. On route, you might see dolphins, seabirds, and—on some trips—larger cetaceans. Think of it as wildlife scouting with a boat: you’re not guaranteed a species list, but you’re in the right zone.

The Desertas Stop: Virgin Beach Time, and Why Conditions Control Everything

Once you reach the islands—despite the name, they’re not empty—you head toward a group of three islands. The idea is that there’s wildlife on land and in the water, and that’s why the crew aims to disembark onto a beach area when they can.

This is the moment people often imagine as a full day on a remote shore. Reality check: the time you spend on land can be shorter depending on weather and safety. There’s often some kind of short walking route or small trail, but it’s not a big hike day in the way you might think of Madeira’s inland trails.

Another reality detail: swimming right off the beach may not always be on offer. If wildlife is present (for example seals), the crew may limit where and how you can get in the water. That can be frustrating if you’re there for a beach swim, but it also explains why the place stays protected.

Still, the upside is huge. Even if you get only a slice of time on the island, you get the feeling of being somewhere that’s still wild and controlled. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to see animals in their environment—not behind rails—this portion is the reason the day exists.

Snorkeling and Stand-Up Paddle: Included Fun That Actually Changes the Day

The best part of this tour for active people is that snorkeling equipment is included and stand-up paddle is included. That’s not a small detail. It turns a boat trip into a hands-on water day.

Here’s how to think about it:

• Snorkeling gives you a close look at what’s under the surface near the islands.
• Stand-up paddle lets you feel the water movement in a more controlled way than swimming alone.

The tradeoff is that these activities depend on what the crew can do safely. If it’s windy or rough, you might get different conditions than you expected. Sometimes the crew may focus more on time in the water from the boat than on shore activities.

Practical tip that helps a lot: pack swim gear you don’t mind getting cold. If the sea breeze is sharp, damp clothing is not your friend. A warm top or light wetsuit-style layer can make the difference between okay and miserable.

Lunch on Board: Buffet Time, Timing, and How Not to Get Hangry

This tour includes a Madeiran buffet lunch on board. That’s a real quality-of-life inclusion. It means you’re not trying to hunt for food in Funchal between transfers, and you’re not spending your island time searching for a restaurant.

The buffet is also part of the pacing problem. If the return timing shifts due to sailing conditions, your lunch schedule might feel tight or you might eat while the day is still running late. That’s not the end of the world, but it’s useful to know so you don’t plan the rest of your day with precision.

What to expect in your own body: a day with wind on the water can make you forget how much energy you’re burning. Eating onboard helps you stay functional for the water activities later.

The Crew and Commentary: Why the Information Matters on a Protected Island Day

The live commentary is included, and it helps turn the day from scenery into context. When you’re headed to a sanctuary-like environment, basic explanations—what you’re seeing, why certain behaviors matter, what to look for—make your viewing more satisfying.

I especially liked the practical side of good onboard instruction. Knowing what to pay attention to when looking out over the water makes sightings feel less random. It also makes your time on the islands feel purposeful, not like a quick photo stop.

You’ll also want to lean into the crew’s guidance about what’s safe and what’s available. In some conditions, activities may be adjusted, and the crew is steering you away from risky choices and toward the best plan possible that day.

Price and Value: Is $108.37 Fair for a Full 9-Hour Day?

At $108.37 per person, you’re paying for a full-day catamaran experience that includes:

• live onboard commentary
• snorkeling equipment
• stand-up paddle
• a Madeiran buffet lunch
• the main sailing time from Funchal to the islands and back

You’re also not paying separately for the water gear, which is where many day tours quietly inflate your final cost. In other words, the price makes more sense when you treat this as a “day on the water with included equipment and lunch,” not as a simple sightseeing boat.

If you’re the type who would otherwise rent snorkeling gear or pay for a stand-up paddle session, this tour can feel like a decent deal. If you mostly want a quiet boat ride and you hate cold wind, it may feel pricey—because the sailing conditions are part of the experience.

Who This Fits Best (and Who Might Feel Let Down)

This tour is a strong match for:

• families who want one structured, all-in-one day that isn’t complicated
• people who enjoy wildlife spotting from the water
• travelers who want snorkel + paddle without doing extra booking
• anyone who likes learning what they’re seeing through live onboard talk

There are also clear “think twice” factors:

• If you’re highly sensitive to wind and cold, the boat ride may be tough.
• If you expect a long, big hike or hours of beach time, be ready for a shorter ashore portion.
• If you’re hoping for a specific animal sighting at peak time, know that nature doesn’t run on your schedule.

Also, children must be accompanied by an adult, and you should have a moderate physical fitness level. That matters for getting around onboard, and for joining activities when offered.

Practicalities That Make or Break Your Day

This is a well-run tour in the sense that it’s capped at 70 travelers, so you don’t feel lost in a massive crowd. You’ll also use a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English.

A few planning notes that help:

• Start location is right by the Praça do Povo area in Funchal, near public transport.
• The tour starts at 9:00am. Showing up early helps you get settled.
• If you book within 2 days of travel, confirmation arrives within 48 hours subject to availability, so don’t count on last-minute certainty.

And yes, pack for the sea. Even if you’re wearing summer clothes in Funchal, bring windproof layers for the water crossing.

Should You Book This Desertas Catamaran Day Cruise?

I think you should book if your goal is a full wildlife-focused day that mixes sailing views with hands-on water time. The included snorkeling gear, included stand-up paddle, and onboard buffet lunch make it feel like a complete package, not a half-day with extras.

I’d skip or be cautious if you’re chasing a very specific kind of island time—long beach hours, lots of hiking, or calm sea conditions. Wind can change the day, and the crew adjusts the plan to keep things safe.

If you’re going to Madeira and want one memorable “out there” nature day without complicated logistics, this is a smart pick. Just dress for a boat day, not a street-walking day.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise to the Desertas Islands?

It’s listed as approximately 9 hours total.

What time does the tour start, and where do I meet?

The start time is 9:00am, and the meeting point is at Praça do Povo, Av. Do Mar 4, São Martinho, 9000-900 Funchal, Portugal. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Are snorkeling and stand-up paddle included?

Yes. The tour includes use of snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddle.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Is it suitable for kids?

Children must be accompanied by an adult, but the experience is described as suitable for bringing the whole family.

What happens if 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. It can also be canceled if a minimum number of travelers isn’t met, with the same options.