A day on the Desertas Islands feels like stepping off Madeira’s map and into an old volcanic world. You sail past the south coast, then land on a protected reserve where the focus is conservation, not just sightseeing. The best part is a mix of volcanic scenery and real time in the water.

I like that the trip builds in time for the natural reserve experience plus hands-on activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, and a beach swim. The included lunch with drinks makes the day feel good value for a 9-hour boat outing. The main drawback: landing and water time can be a bit tricky if you’re not comfortable with wet, uneven steps, and the monk seal sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Key takeaways before you go

• Desertas Islands Nature Reserve by sea: You’re visiting a protected area over 25 years old, covering 12,586 hectares of land and surrounding marine space.
• Only Deserta Grande is for landing: It keeps the experience controlled and conservation-focused.
• Conservation walk, not a long hike: You’ll visit the conservation center area with guidance on monk seal protection and local flora/fauna.
• Swim and snorkel time on volcanic beach water: Crystal-clear water is the payoff after the open-ocean sail.
• Wildlife spotting can be excellent: Dolphins and whales have shown up on the route, but it’s still nature—so stay flexible.
• Bring proper water shoes: Tender landings involve slippery stones.

Desertas Islands are a different kind of Madeira trip

Madeira has plenty of sea views, but the Desertas Islands are on another level. This small island group (Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande, Bugio, and nearby islets, plus the surrounding marine area) is part of a nature reserve designated over 25 years ago. That protection matters because it shapes the whole feel of the day: you’re not going to a crowded beach party. You’re going to a place managed for wildlife and habitat.

The volcanic formations are the first visual hook. Even from the boat, you’ll see the islands for what they are—rock shaped by volcanic forces, sitting alone in the ocean. And when you finally step ashore on the beach of volcanic origin, it’s the kind of setting that makes you slow down and actually look around.

Meeting in Funchal Marina and planning the 9-hour flow

This is a full-day trip built around catamaran time on the water. You meet your guide at the VMT Madeira Kiosk at the Funchal Marina, and there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off included. That’s great if you like control over your morning (you’ll walk or taxi yourself in), but you should plan on getting there on time.

A full 9 hours also means the rhythm matters. Expect stretches of sailing on either side of the island time, plus active breaks once you land. If you’re the kind of traveler who gets antsy sitting still, the good news is the day isn’t only passive—there’s swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding offered during the Desertas segment.

Sailing the south coast: dolphins and whales when the sea cooperates

On this kind of catamaran day, the open ocean is part of the attraction. The route along Madeira’s south coast gives you chances to spot marine life, and multiple departures have included dolphins and whales. You might see small pods close enough to make you lean forward. You might also just get long, quiet views of Madeira’s coastline fading behind you.

Keep expectations realistic: wildlife is never a guaranteed item, even when it’s been showing up. The most reliable win here is the setting and the sense of being far from crowds, with the boat acting like your moving vantage point.

Landing on Deserta Grande: the volcanic beach swim break

Deserta Grande is the only island where visitors can disembark, and you’ll do it right from clear waters. Once you arrive, you’ll step onto a beach of volcanic origin, and that’s where the swim break happens. This is the moment many people wait for: sun on your shoulders, water that looks like it belongs on a postcard, and a sense of being in a protected pocket of ocean.

Here’s the practical part. Tender-style landings can involve wet, uneven footing. One consistent tip from real-world experience is to wear swim shoes or something that grips on slippery stones. Flip-flops usually don’t cut it. If you’d rather not gamble with balance, pack water-friendly footwear you trust.

Also, the sea-to-shore transition can take a little patience. You’ll be moving between boat and beach surfaces, and that’s harder if you’re wearing only socks or thin sandals.

The monk seal conservation walk: the real reason this reserve is special

This is where the trip has a clear purpose. The Desertas Islands reserve is internationally known for monk seal conservation, and the island visit includes a guided walk. You’ll learn about the protection efforts at the conservation center and also hear about endemic plants and animals found there.

Important note: this trip is about conservation education and habitat protection, not a guaranteed monk seal sighting. The monk seals live on their own schedule in their own environment, and you may or may not see them during your visit. If you’re coming mainly for a must-see animal encounter, you might feel disappointed. If you come to understand why the reserve matters and what people are doing to protect it, the guided content is the heart of the day.

The walk is also described as a guided stroll, not a major hike. That’s good for most active travelers who want nature and learning without spending hours on steep terrain.

Lunch on the catamaran: simple, included, and worth it

Lunch is included with drinks, served on board. That matters because you don’t have to plan food after getting out on the water—less hassle, fewer decisions, and more time in the day’s flow.

Food quality tends to be one of those “you’ll see the difference” moments on boat trips, and this one has generally been praised. You may have dietary options available, but don’t assume every vegetarian meal is handled automatically. One traveler reported that a vegetarian request wasn’t provided, so if you have a specific dietary need, message the operator ahead of time and be clear.

Extra water time: snorkeling and paddleboarding (bring the right mindset)

Once you’re on Deserta Grande, the day doesn’t stop at swimming. You can also plan for snorkeling and stand up paddleboarding during the island portion. Even if you don’t do everything, you’ll at least have the choice, and that flexibility is a big part of why catamaran days feel fun instead of routine.

What I’d watch for is comfort and logistics. Being on the water longer than you expect means you want to arrive prepared. Pack a towel and a change of clothes so you can dry off and cool down after being in the sun and sea.

Also, remember the wind can be real. Even when the island feels warmer, you can get chilly on the boat and while transitioning in and out of the water. A light windbreaker helps more than you’d think.

Weather and comfort: what to pack so the day stays enjoyable

Madeira trips live and die by wind. Multiple departures note that it can be cold on the water, even when the island area feels nicer. My best practical advice: dress in layers. Bring warm outerwear for the sailing segments, then switch to swimwear once you’re ashore.

On board comfort is another factor. Some people found the bench-style seating hard. That doesn’t ruin the trip, but it’s worth planning for—especially if you already know you don’t love long sits on hard surfaces. A light cushion isn’t mentioned as allowed or not allowed, so I won’t tell you to bring one; just take breaks where you can and consider how you’ll sit during the long boat stretches.

The catamaran also has a toilet, plus a bar with snacks and beverages. That’s helpful when you want something small without leaving the boat.

Price and value: is $106 per person fair?

At around $106 per person for a 9-hour day, this trip can be good value for what you get—if you care about the experience, not just the destination. You’re paying for a full-day catamaran cruise, access to the protected reserve experience, guided time on Deserta Grande, and lunch with drinks.

Also, compare the “included” factor to typical day tours. Many island-day options make you buy lunch or add water activities. Here, the core day package already covers cruise time and a meal. The main “hidden cost” is what you bring: water shoes, sunscreen, and a change of clothes are basically essential if you want the water time to feel comfortable.

Finally, there’s no hotel pickup. That doesn’t make the price worse, but it does mean you’ll spend a bit of your own time getting to the marina.

Who should book this Desertas Islands catamaran trip

This is a strong match if you want:

• Conservation-focused nature time with a guided walk
• A real swim break in very clear water
• A full day on the water with options like snorkeling and paddleboarding
• The chance to see marine wildlife along the way (dolphins and whales have shown up on some trips)

It’s less ideal if you:

• Have mobility limitations. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and tender landings can be challenging even for able-bodied travelers.
• Need a guaranteed monk seal sighting. The reserve protects the seals, but the animal isn’t scheduled like a show.
• Get uncomfortable on hard seating for long stretches.

Practical tips that make the day smoother

• Wear water-friendly shoes for the landing area. Stones can be slippery.
• Pack a windbreaker for the boat ride and evenings near the sea.
• Bring sunscreen, a towel, and swimwear for the island water time.
• Limit luggage. Large bags aren’t allowed, so travel light.
• If you have dietary requirements, confirm them ahead of time. The tour includes lunch, but one person reported an issue with a vegetarian request.

Should you book this Desertas Islands catamaran trip?

Book it if you want a day that’s more than scenery: a catamaran cruise, a protected reserve visit, a guided conservation walk, and time to swim and snorkel. The combination of volcanic islands, clear water, and the monk seal conservation focus makes it feel like you’re visiting for a reason, not just taking photos.

Skip it if you’re hoping for an easy day with minimal movement, or if mobility and footing on stones are concerns. And if monk seals are your only goal, treat sightings as a bonus, not a promise.

If you’re flexible and ready for wind, water shoes, and a long ocean day, this is a very solid way to experience the Desertas Islands from Funchal.

FAQ

How long is the Desertas Islands full-day catamaran trip from Funchal?

The trip duration is 9 hours.

Where do I meet the tour in Funchal?

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

Is hotel pick-up and drop-off included?

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

What’s included in the ticket price?

The ticket includes the catamaran cruise and lunch with drinks.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, a change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen. Swimwear is also useful, especially in summer.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.