Desertas days are mostly Atlantic time. I like that this wooden-boat trip is built for marine-life sightings thanks to covering lots of miles, and I also like the easy start with Madeira wine plus lunch onboard. One thing to plan for: a big chunk of the day is on the water, so it’s not a great fit if you get seasick.

Once you reach the Desertas, the day turns calmer. You get a short guided moment (about 20 minutes), then time to walk the reserve area, swim, or just take a breather while the boat waits nearby at the islands. If you’re expecting lots of long hiking time on dry land, manage your expectations and go for the sea-and-coast experience.

Key points to know before you go

• Long sailing = better wildlife odds: you cover many miles out in the Atlantic, which boosts your chances of seeing marine life.
• Swim stop is part of the deal: there’s a water time at the Desertas reach, and the trip is not ideal for non-swimmers.
• Short guided tour: the on-island guide time is around 20 minutes, plus you have free time after.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Madeira wine welcome drink, plus lunch with one drink per person, and another drink on the return.
• Bring the right gear for a wet day: towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and footwear matter because conditions can be changeable.

A Full 8.5 Hours Out on the Atlantic

This is an all-day boat outing from Funchal, running about 8.5 hours. Plan your mindset accordingly. Most of your time is spent sailing to and from the Desertas, and that’s not a small detail—it’s the whole point. If you love being on the water, this format is ideal.

If your main goal is to spend hours hiking on land, you may feel shorted on island time. The trip is more about the route, the sea, and the protected reserve setting than a long, land-heavy day. I’d call it a “sea day with a reserve stop,” not a “reserve day with a boat ride.”

Where You Meet: Av. do Mar, Pier 8, and the Bonita da Madeira Kiosk

The meeting point is simple, but it helps to show up early. You meet at Av. do Mar 9000, at marina pier 8. When you’re at the marina, look for the kiosk in the middle—your group is at the Bonita da Madeira kiosk.

Why this matters: when a trip starts with a short check-in window, being a few minutes late can cut into your day. Also, this is a boat trip with a set schedule, so you’ll want to be ready to board when they’re ready to leave.

If you’re using private transport on your own, note that pick-up and drop-off are not included, and there’s car parking information you’ll need to handle separately.

The Wooden Boat Ride: Why the Miles Matter for Marine Life

One of the strongest selling points is the chance to spot marine life. The big reason is straightforward: the boat route covers a lot of miles. More miles usually means more time in the zones where wildlife shows up, and you also have more chances during different stretches of the crossing.

On a day like this, conditions can also change what you notice. Good sun and calmer water can help you look longer and feel more comfortable. Choppy water can make sighting harder and make the motion more noticeable. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take that seriously—this trip is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

What you’ll likely enjoy most is the combination of open Atlantic space and the feeling of moving between viewpoints. And because it’s a wooden-boat experience, you get a more traditional, hands-on boat vibe than you’d get on a large motor-coach-style ferry.

Reaching the Desertas: Short Guided Time and Free Time on the Reserve

At the Desertas Islands, you’ll get a guided tour of around 20 minutes. That guided portion is meant to orient you quickly—what you’re looking at, how the reserve is protected, and what’s worth noticing during your own time afterward.

Then you have free time. You can walk, swim, or return to the boat. The reserve setting is the draw: this isn’t a built-up island with lots of facilities. You’re there to experience a remote corner of the Madeira area, with nature as the main attraction.

That said, keep your expectations realistic. Access and comfort can vary. Some people found the walk very short and very basic, and others had issues with how they were able to get off and move around depending on the conditions. So if part of your dream is a long, dry, comfortable nature hike, you might be disappointed. Go with the goal of seeing the islands from the water, enjoying the calm breaks, and soaking up the reserve atmosphere.

Swim Stop and Snorkeling Time: The Part You Should Actually Plan For

A swimming stop is included when you reach the Desertas area. You’ll also see snorkeling mentioned, but the practical takeaway is this: the trip expects you to be comfortable getting in the water.

Here’s what to prepare around:

• Bring your swimwear under your clothes so you can change fast.
• Pack a towel so you’re not dealing with cold, damp discomfort.
• Use sunscreen and a hat/cap if you sunburn easily, since you’ll be outside for hours.
• Wear footwear you can handle if you need to step around slick or uneven areas (and bring waterproof shoes if you have them).

Non-swimmers: this is a tough match. It’s also listed as not suitable for non-swimmers, so don’t gamble on a last-minute change of heart.

Lunch, Madeira Wine, and Drinks: Included, but Not a Feast Fantasy

Food is included, and it’s part of what makes the day easier. You start with a welcome drink of Madeira wine. Lunch is included with one free drink per person (water, Coca Cola, beer, or white/red wine). Fruit is included as well, and you’ll get another free drink on the return.

In other words: this is a full-day tour that doesn’t leave you hungry. But it’s not set up like a multi-course restaurant meal. Think practical: enough to keep your energy up for a long day outdoors.

Also, don’t build your day around perfect food service. Some departures and situations can run differently, and a few people reported gaps in what they expected (like drinks availability or the way lunch was handled). Your best approach is to treat lunch as included basics, not a guarantee of a lavish spread—then you won’t feel let down.

Price and Value at $106: When It Makes Sense

At $106 per person, this isn’t a cheap outing. The value depends on what you want from the day.

This trip is worth considering if:

• you love boat time and want lots of hours on the water
• you’re chasing the marine-life chance created by long travel distance
• you enjoy a mix of sailing, a short guided explanation, and casual free time
• you like knowing lunch and drinks are handled so you don’t manage your own meals

It may feel overpriced if:

• you wanted a long, structured island hike
• you’re looking for extended guided instruction on land
• you expect lots of comfort and dry footing the entire time

So my advice is to match the product to your personality. If your ideal day in Madeira is movement, sea air, and “see what shows up,” you’re in the right lane. If you want a mostly land-based nature adventure, keep looking.

What to Bring (So You Don’t End the Day Miserable)

This is one of those tours where packing well improves everything. Bring:

• Comfortable shoes (and consider waterproof shoes)
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Swimwear and a towel
• Jacket and comfortable clothes (weather can shift offshore)
• A cap/hat if you burn easily
• Snacks (even though lunch is included)

A few safety/comfort notes from the activity rules:

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

Also, they list that it’s not suitable for people with a cold. If you’re already fighting something, the day outdoors on a moving boat is not the place to test your resilience.

Best Fit: Who Will Love It Most

You’ll probably have the best day if you:

• are comfortable on boats and can handle some motion
• like the idea of spending time outside with long sea views
• enjoy swimming or at least being ready for the swim stop
• speak either English or Portuguese (the tour guide is live)

This is also a good match for people who want a simple, all-in-one outing: meeting point, boat, guided intro, lunch, and a swimming window. The structure is straightforward, and you’re not spending your time planning meals or routes.

Should You Book the Wooden Boat Excursion to the Desertas?

Book it if your heart is set on a sea-forward day from Funchal, you want the marine-life odds created by the long miles, and you’re happy with short guided time plus casual reserve freedom.

Skip or choose something else if you:

• need a long, land-based guided hike
• can’t handle boat movement
• are a non-swimmer
• want guaranteed dry, easy walking conditions the whole time

If you do book, go in with a “boat day first” mindset, pack for sun and damp, and be ready for nature to stay nature—Desertas isn’t built for comfort. It’s built for the Atlantic and the reserve experience.

FAQ

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

The total duration is 8.5 hours.

What’s included in the price?

Included are a welcome drink (Madeira wine), lunch with one free drink per person, plus swimming stop, and taxes and fees. You also get another free drink on the return.

Is lunch included, and what does it include?

Yes. Lunch is included with one free drink per person (water, Coca Cola, beer, wine white or red). Fruit is included, and you receive another free drink on the return.

Do you get to swim or snorkel?

There is a swimming stop included, and swimming and snorkeling are part of the island time.

Is there a guided tour on the island?

Yes. There is a live tour guide, and the guided tour on the islands is about 20 minutes.

Does the tour include pick-up or drop-off?

No. Private transport pick up and drop off are not included.

What language is the guide?

The live tour guide is available in English and Portuguese.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a jacket, comfortable clothes, and it’s also advised to bring snacks. Waterproof shoes are specifically recommended.

Who should avoid this tour?

It’s listed as not suitable for non-swimmers, people prone to seasickness, people with a cold, and it’s also not set up for oversize luggage or large bags.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s also an option to reserve now & pay later.