The Desertas Islands are small, wild, and worth the ride. This full-day catamaran from Funchal brings you into the Natural Reserve of the Desertas Islands by sea, with volcanic scenery and a guided look at monk seal conservation. I especially like how the day mixes big ocean views with hands-on nature time, not just sightseeing from a deck.

I also love the practical pacing: you get a real stop to swim and then a guided walk on Deserta Grande to the conservation center, where you learn about endemic plants and animals. The one drawback to plan for is that the island time is not a long rugged hike, and tender landings can be tricky—plus the catamaran seating is more basic than comfy.

Key points to know before you go

• Deserta Grande is the only place you disembark, so your time on land is focused and guided.
• Monk seal conservation education happens on-site, but seeing seals isn’t guaranteed.
• Volcanic beach swim with crystal-clear water, plus time for snorkeling and even paddleboarding.
• Wildlife sightings often pop up on the sail out and back, including whales and dolphins when conditions are right.
• Bring beach shoes: the rocky tender landing can be slippery.
• Hard bench-style seating on the catamaran can feel uncomfortable over 9 hours.

Why the Desertas Islands feel wilder than Madeira’s main coast

Madeira is famous for views, but the Desertas Islands feel like a different planet. This protected reserve covers 12,586 hectares of islands and surrounding marine waters, including Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande, Bugio, and nearby islets. The result is a sense of space and quiet that you don’t get on the busier mainland coast.

What makes the trip especially interesting is that you’re visiting a real conservation area, not just passing by scenery. The Desertas are internationally known for monk seal protection, and the visit is built around understanding how that work protects the animals and their habitat.

You’ll also see what the islands look like when they’re shaped by volcanic forces. Those jagged formations and dark shoreline tones make the whole place feel dramatic, even before you jump in the water.

Meeting at Funchal Marina: how the day starts and how long it lasts

Your day begins at the VMT Madeira Kiosk at the Funchal Marina. There’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll want to arrive with a little buffer so you’re not rushing through marina turns and signage.

The outing is scheduled for about 9 hours, which is long enough to feel like a full day, not a quick excursion. Expect a safety briefing and then steady cruising along Madeira’s south coast before you reach the reserve.

On a day like this, timing matters because ocean conditions can shape the experience. When the sea is calmer, the whole trip feels easier—especially the tender boat transfer when you’re heading for the island.

The sail out: where whales and dolphins can steal the show

This trip isn’t just about the islands—it’s also about the ocean ride. Along the way, you’ll get scenic views on the journey, and the bigger draw for many people is wildlife spotting.

I’d go in with open eyes. On past departures, the ocean has delivered pilot whales and dolphins, and in some seasons people have reported seeing killer whales and bottlenose dolphins. Those sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the chance is real because you’re sailing in the right zone for marine life.

Even when you don’t get a big whale blow, you’ll still enjoy the sea atmosphere: the light, the coast views fading into open ocean, and that feeling of heading toward something protected and remote.

Deserta Grande landing: volcanic beach time and tricky footing

Once you arrive, the highlight for most people is the chance to get off the catamaran and into the water. You’ll disembark in clear waters onto a volcanic-origin beach, where swimming is part of the plan.

Here’s the practical note that can save you discomfort: getting out of the smaller tender boat can be difficult because of slippery stones. Plan for your footing. Bring beach shoes or water-friendly footwear you can trust on rock. Flip-flops often don’t cut it when the surface is wet and uneven.

Also bring a plan for your stuff. The tour doesn’t want big bags, and you’ll want to keep items easy to manage so you’re not balancing towels, phones, and sunscreen while trying not to slip.

The monk seal conservation walk: what it actually means on the ground

This is the heart of the day. On Deserta Grande, you’ll take a guided walk to the conservation center, where you learn about monk seal protection efforts and the islands’ endemic flora and fauna.

One thing to set your expectations: the walk is about conservation and education, not a guaranteed animal encounter. Some people have felt misled when they hoped to see monk seals right there, but the better approach is to think of this as learning how the reserve works and why it matters. You’re seeing the human side of protecting a fragile ecosystem.

The walk also helps you understand what you’re standing on. The island is not just scenic—it’s a habitat shaped by geography, isolation, and protection rules that keep the area as undisturbed as possible.

If you want the experience to feel more meaningful, go in ready to listen. The guide’s explanations are part of why this tour feels different from a simple beach stop.

Swim, snorkel, and paddleboard: choosing your water time

Your time on Deserta Grande is designed for active breaks, not long wandering. You’ll have the chance to swim, snorkel, and even try stand up paddleboarding if conditions and timing allow.

This is where the day’s pacing clicks. You get a swim stop soon enough that you don’t just feel like you’re waiting for the fun. Then the guided walk and lunch keep the tempo balanced before more water time.

If you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t panic—but you’ll want to be realistic. The water is beautiful and clear, but volcanic beaches and sea conditions can demand care. Keep an eye on your confidence level and use the time to enjoy the views rather than treating it like a training session.

Lunch on board with drinks: a real meal, not just snacks

You’ll get lunch with drinks as part of the day, and it matters more than you might think. When you’re out on the water for hours, a decent meal keeps energy steady for both swimming and snorkeling.

Food quality has been consistently praised, including vegetarian options. Some past participants specifically noted that the crew handled vegan or vegetarian meals properly, which is a big plus because you don’t want to spend the day hungry or stuck with a basic plate.

On top of lunch, the catamaran has a bar with snacks and beverages and a toilet onboard. That means you can top up between activities without feeling like you have to plan every bite around a strict schedule.

Comfort on the catamaran: what to expect from the ride itself

The catamaran ride is part of the charm, but it’s also part of the comfort equation. The seating has a bench-style setup, and some people found it hard over the full day. If you’re sensitive to back comfort, it’s worth thinking about what you can do to make the ride easier—like dressing for comfort and keeping your expectations realistic.

Wind is another factor. People have recommended bringing a windbreaker, especially for the outward and return cruises. On the sea, breeze can make the temperature feel cooler even when the island itself is warmer.

The good news: the trip includes toilet access and snacks, so you’re not stuck in a rigid, bare-bones setup. Just plan for a practical day at sea rather than a luxury lounge experience.

What to bring (and what will make the day smoother)

The tour gives a clear packing list, and you’ll feel the difference if you follow it. Bring:

• Comfortable shoes (not just flip-flops)
• A windbreaker
• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Sunscreen

For water time, I’d add one more practical item based on real-world experience: swimming shoes or water-friendly footwear. The tender landing and rocky edges are where this helps most.

Also think about sun and wind together. You might get sun during the stops, then feel cooled by sea breeze later. A towel helps you dry off fast, and a change of clothes makes the return ride much more pleasant.

And one rule to respect: no large luggage or big bags. Keep it simple.

Who should book this tour—and who might feel annoyed

This trip is a strong match if you like nature with structure. You get a mix of ocean time, swimming, snorkeling, and a guided conservation walk, so you’re not just drifting around. It’s also great if you want to see volcanic formation scenery without doing a full-day hike.

It may not suit everyone if mobility is an issue. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, mainly because of the nature of the visit and getting in and out of the tender boats.

If you want maximum independence on the island with lots of exploring, you should know the land time is more guided and contained than open-ended. This isn’t about trekking for hours across remote trails.

Price and value: is $106 a fair deal for a 9-hour catamaran?

At $106 per person for a 9-hour catamaran day, the value is strongest if you count what you’re getting. You’re paying for:

• Transportation by catamaran to a protected reserve
• Lunch with drinks
• Guided education at the conservation center
• Access to multiple water activities, including swimming and snorkeling

For many people, the “value” comes from the combination: you’re not paying just for a ride, and you’re not paying just for a beach. You’re also paying for a protected-area visit that teaches you why that place matters.

That said, factor in two comfort realities. The hard bench seating can take the shine off if you’re picky about comfort, and you should expect that seeing monk seals is not guaranteed. If your top goal is spotting a monk seal on cue, this might feel like a letdown.

Should you book VMT Madeira’s Desertas Islands catamaran trip?

I’d book this if you want a full day that feels like a real nature visit: volcanic scenery, clear water, and a guided conservation walk on Deserta Grande. The best version of the day includes wildlife sightings on the sail out or back, plus a smooth swim and snorkeling session.

I’d skip it if you need a very comfortable catamaran seat for long hours, or if you’re uncomfortable with rocky tender landings. I’d also approach the monk seal element as education and conservation context, not a guaranteed seal encounter.

If that sounds like your kind of Madeira day, you’ll likely come away feeling you visited a place that’s protected for a reason—and got enough time in the water to make the journey feel worth it.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the Desertas Islands catamaran trip?

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

How long is the tour?

The trip lasts 9 hours.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes the catamaran cruise and lunch with drinks.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What activities are included once you reach the islands?

Once there, the plan includes guided tour time, plus walking and swimming. Snorkeling and stand up paddleboarding are also part of the day’s activities.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, a change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. It’s listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.