A long boat ride can sound like a chore, but this one is the whole point. The wooden-boat excursion from Funchal heads out across the Atlantic with plenty of time on the water, plus a structured island visit at the Desertas Islands. You’re also in the right kind of area for marine life sightings, since you cover a lot of miles.

I love the way the day is built around ocean time and big open-water views, not a rushed checklist. I also like the onboard flow: you get a short guided orientation and then time to enjoy the islands on your own, including a swim stop when you’re there. It’s a straightforward “do the sea, then cool off” kind of outing.

The main drawback to consider is timing and access. Island time can be brief, and on some trips getting off and on can be more wet-and-wild than you expect—plus the boat can move, so it’s not for everyone.

Key things to know before you go

• A lot of boat time (8.5 hours total): Much of your day is spent sailing, not hiking.
• Marine life odds: The route covers many miles, so wildlife spotting can be a highlight.
• Short on-island visit: Expect a quick walking loop and time that’s more flexible than you might assume.
• Swim and snorkeling stop included: Bring the right swim setup and don’t plan on staying dry.
• Lunch + drinks built in: Madeira wine welcome, lunch with a included drink, plus another drink later.
• Seasickness reality check: If you’re sensitive to motion, plan carefully.

Why the wooden-boat crossing is the attraction

This is not a “hop off for a long hike and back” day. The core experience is the ride itself. You’ll spend hours out on the water, watching the coastlines slide by and looking out at the wide Atlantic. If you love being on boats, this makes sense right away.

The company runs it as a proper day outing—around 8.5 hours—and the sailing is long enough that you can settle in. You also get plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting. You’re traveling enough distance that a dolphin sighting or similar marine-life moment is genuinely plausible, even though nature always keeps the final decision.

Here’s the consideration: because it’s a full day and you’re out in open water, wind and swell matter. If you tend to get queasy on boats, this trip can be tough even if the staff is trying to make you comfortable. Plan like the sea might be lively.

Meeting at Av. do Mar: find Pier 8 and the Bonita da Madeira kiosk

Start at Av. do Mar 9000, at the marina. When you reach the water and head to pier 8, look for the kiosk in the middle. Your stop is the Bonita da Madeira kiosk.

This is one of those days where being early helps. You’re coordinating boarding, distributing the included items, and getting everyone ready for water time. If you arrive right at the start window, you may feel rushed once the group forms.

Also, double-check what you’re carrying. There’s a clear “no oversize luggage / no big bags” rule. If you’re the type to bring the kitchen sink, leave most of it behind and pack like you’ll be walking a bit and then getting into swim gear.

The time at sea: what you’ll do and how it feels

Once you’re aboard, you’ll get a live tour guide experience in English and Portuguese. The guided part is short—about 20 minutes—so don’t expect a long, deep narration session.

Instead, think of it as an orientation that helps you get your bearings fast: what you’re seeing, what’s coming next, and how to handle the island portion and the swim stop. After that, the day shifts into “ride and watch.”

This is also the period where you can best appreciate how Madeira’s coastal setting gives way to open ocean. You’ll likely spend a lot of time looking out rather than moving around. That’s great if you like relaxing, and not ideal if you need constant action.

Desertas Islands stop: short walk, real water time, and the practical limits

The Desertas Islands visit is where expectations can get tricky. The plan includes disembarking and spending time on the island, but the reality is that getting in and out can be more water-based than you might picture. I’d plan for a scenario where you’re not stepping straight onto a dry, easy path the moment you arrive.

Once on shore, the walk you get can be minimal—think short loop, simple signage, and a very limited “tour” feel. In other words: don’t book this if you’re hoping for a long nature hike or a full-on desert-like landscape exploration. The time you spend walking may be brief, and a lot of the experience comes from being on a protected island reserve rather than from covering big trails.

You also have choices once you’re there. You can walk, swim, or head back to the boat during your free time. That flexibility is useful because weather and wind can shift quickly in this part of the Atlantic.

Swim stop and snorkeling: the fun part you should dress for

This trip includes a swimming stop when you reach the Desertas Islands area. It’s not an optional extra you might miss—it’s part of the structure. That means your clothing matters.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and gear that dries fast. You’ll want sunscreen because you’re on open water with sun exposure, and also shoes that can handle wet ground. Even if the staff tries to keep it organized, expect the “wet day” rhythm—off the boat, in the water, back to the boat, repeat.

Snorkeling is mentioned as part of the island time, so I’d treat it as a do-it-if-conditions-are-right moment, not a guarantee of perfect visibility. If you’re not a strong swimmer, this is also why the trip isn’t for you. The day has real water requirements.

Lunch and drinks: Madeira wine welcome, then fuel for the ride back

Food is built into the timing, which helps. You’ll get a welcome drink (Madeira wine) and a lunch that includes one free drink per person.

Lunch includes water, Coca Cola, beer, or wine (white or red), plus fruit. On the return, there’s again one free drink included. That second drink is a nice touch because it matches the energy dip that often hits after a swim stop and some sun.

One note: the day’s flow is water-first, so don’t expect a “lingering dining experience.” Plan to eat efficiently. If you’re the type who needs a full meal to feel normal on a moving boat, you’ll still be fine—but keep your expectations grounded in a simple, practical lunch service.

Comfort checklist: what to bring (and what to skip)

The packing list is clear for a reason. You’ll want comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a jacket. Even in good weather, the breeze on the water can cool you down.

A towel is essential. If you expect to use the swim stop, you’ll dry off during the day, and having your own towel makes life easier. Also bring snacks if you know you get hungry between meals, especially since most of the time is spent at sea.

A smart upgrade: include waterproof or water-ready shoes. Even if the island portion is short, the day involves wet transitions and uneven ground.

Rules matter here. You can’t bring oversize luggage, pets are not allowed (assistance dogs are allowed), fishing isn’t permitted, and glass objects aren’t allowed. If you’re trying to travel light, this is actually easier than it sounds: pack for one day and keep it simple.

Motion and health: who this boat trip won’t work for

This outing isn’t suitable for everyone. It’s specifically not recommended for non-swimmers, people with a cold, or people prone to seasickness.

The seasickness part isn’t a throwaway line. You’re on a boat for a big chunk of the day, and the sea can be agitated. The most important move you can make is honesty with yourself: if you’ve been miserable on boats before, don’t gamble.

Also, if you’ve got a cold, the combination of wind, sun, and motion can feel rough. This trip asks your body to handle more than “just sitting in a car.”

Price and value: when $106 feels fair, and when it doesn’t

At $106 per person for about 8.5 hours, the value depends on what you came for.

If your priority is boat time—sailing, views, and the chance of marine life—this can feel like fair pricing. You get Madeira wine, lunch with a drink, a swim stop, and a guided orientation. That’s a full-day bundle.

If you’re expecting a long island adventure—big walking routes, lots of time on land, and a deep guided nature experience—then you might feel shortchanged. The on-island component can be very brief, and the “tour” feel is more like a quick orientation plus free time than a long planned excursion.

So my advice is simple: treat this as a sea day with a quick island break, not as an all-day island hiking tour.

Who should book this Desertas trip from Funchal

This works best if you:

• Love being on boats and can handle open water time
• Are comfortable swimming and want a swim/snorkel stop
• Want a straightforward day with included lunch and drinks
• Enjoy short, practical island experiences rather than long guided walks

It’s a poor fit if you:

• Get seasick easily
• Need dry, easy access to the shore and long stretches of standing/walking
• Don’t swim, or you’re uncomfortable with water transitions
• Are hoping for a full-length island hike day

Should you book this wooden boat excursion?

I’d book it if you picture yourself happiest with ocean views and a swim stop, and you’re honest about motion. The price is reasonable for a full-day package, and the day is structured so you don’t have to plan food or logistics beyond showing up ready.

Skip it if you want the bulk of your time on land, or if you’re nervous about boat movement. This is a sea-first itinerary, and your comfort with the ocean decides whether it feels like a perfect day or a frustrating one.

If you do book, pack like the weather will be real: towel, swimwear, sunscreen, jacket, and water-friendly shoes. That small prep can turn the day into a smooth ride.

FAQ

How long is the Wooden Boat Excursion to Desertas Islands?

The total duration is about 8.5 hours.

What’s included in the price?

You’ll get a welcome drink of Madeira wine, lunch with one free drink per person (and fruit), a swimming stop, and taxes and fees. There is also one free drink included again on the return.

Where do I meet in Funchal?

Meet at the marina at pier 8. There’s a kiosk in the middle, and the meeting point is the Bonita da Madeira kiosk.

Do I need to be able to swim?

Yes. The trip is not suitable for non-swimmers, and the day includes a swimming stop and water access during the island portion.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a jacket, comfortable clothes, and a cap/hat. Water-ready footwear can help too.

What languages is the guide?

The live tour guide works in English and Portuguese.

What’s the cancellation policy?

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