Boat trip from Funchal to the Desert Islands

Desertas Island feels like Madeira’s off-the-map cousin. This 8.5-hour boat day from Funchal mixes a comfortable coastal cruise with a stop at the protected Desertas Nature Reserve, plus time to explore on land and cool off in the water. You also get the fun extra of possible dolphin and whale sightings while you’re underway.

I love the way this trip blends wild nature with a clear plan. You spend around 3 hours on Desertas itself with a guided look at the reserve, and you get free time to walk the trails or swim, with lunch and drinks already handled. I also like the marine-life angle, because the cruise stays close to the coast and you may spot fins and small fish near swimming stops.

My only real caution is the sea. If it’s rough, your ride can feel bouncy, and the route may adjust based on conditions, which can change how the day feels in practice.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Desertas Island reserve time with about 3 hours on site and a guided tour of the protected area
• Lunch plus drinks included, including fruit and a drink on the return trip
• Marine life spotting potential, with dolphins and whales mentioned as possibilities
• Coast-hugging route, giving you plenty of cliff and rock-formation viewing from the boat
• Swimming stops built in, and on smoother days you get more time in the water
• Small tour feel for a big outing, with a maximum group size of 70

Getting to the boat in Funchal (and why it matters)

This tour starts at 10:00 am in Funchal, and it returns you to the same meeting area. The meeting points are listed as J3WR+8J Funchal and J3WR+8JQ Funchal, and they’re near public transportation, so you shouldn’t need a taxi unless you’re staying far out or carrying lots of bulky luggage.

A boat trip like this lives and dies by timing. Arrive a few minutes early so you’re not rushing through check-in while everyone else lines up. I like the simplicity of “meet, go, come back,” because it makes your day plan easier than trips that depend on hotel pickups or multiple transfers.

Also, remember that the tour does not include private transportation. If you’re using taxis or buses, build in extra margin for delays. Madeira traffic can move, but it’s still smart to leave breathing room.

The cruise from Funchal: coast-hugging views and animal chances

The day begins with a boat ride out toward the Desert Islands. The big appeal here is that it’s not just a transfer. You’re already on an experience, with the chance to see dolphins and whales while you’re moving across the water.

What I’d watch for while you’re on board:

• The route tends to stay close to the coast, which means lots of time looking at impressive cliffs, rock formations, and even recognizable coastal structures from the water.
• The water can bring surprises. You may see sharks (at least fins) and shoals of small fish, especially around areas where the boat slows down.

That marine-life potential is what makes this stretch feel special. Even if the dolphins and whales do not show, you’re still getting a strong “from-the-water” perspective on Madeira that you won’t get from roads alone.

And on a day with smoother conditions, this is when the trip really clicks. You’re more likely to feel comfortable enough to stay on deck for the viewing, rather than retreating inside at every bump.

Desertas Island arrival: a protected nature reserve, not a theme park

Desertas Island is the main event, and the schedule gives you the right amount of time. You’ll spend about 3 hours there, with an admission ticket included and a guided nature-reserve tour.

This matters because Desertas is not designed for high-volume tourism. The guided component helps you understand what you’re seeing and keeps things moving at the pace that works for a protected area. You’re not just dropped off with a map and told to have fun.

On Desertas, you can:

• Explore the untouched nature with a guided tour focused on the reserve
• Walk along wild trails (appropriate shoes help)
• Look for unique island features and wildlife
• Use your free time to walk or swim, or return to the boat to rest

In other words, you get choices. If you want active time on land, there’s room for that. If you prefer to take it slower, you can still enjoy the scene from the boat.

Walking the trails: what to expect and what to bring

The guided tour is geared toward the reserve itself, including natural features and the “don’t mess with this place” vibe that protected areas rely on. Even if you’re not an expert hiker, the experience is built around a manageable walk and time on site.

Still, I recommend planning for uneven ground. Bring:

• Closed-toe shoes with grip
• A light layer in case the wind picks up
• Sunscreen and a hat, because sea days can still burn fast

If you’re planning to swim during your free time, pack swimwear that dries quickly and a towel that you don’t mind getting sandy. The tour includes time in clear water moments, so be ready for that option.

One practical tip: don’t overpack bulky items. You’ll enjoy the island more if you can move without dragging a full beach setup behind you.

Swimming and comfort on return: how the day shifts with sea conditions

A key part of this outing is the chance to get into the water. The experience description includes relaxing aboard and water time, and the way it plays out can change depending on how the sea feels.

One important detail: if conditions are rough near the Desert Islands, the route may shift. On some days the boat goes west for smoother sailing and then stops twice for swimming. The takeaway is simple. Don’t assume you’ll get the exact same water timing every day.

When you’re on the boat, keep your expectations realistic:

• Your comfort is connected to sea state.
• Your access to specific swimming windows can change.

If you know you get motion sickness easily, this is the moment to be honest about it. You’re on the water for hours, and there’s limited control once you’re underway. If you’re not sure, consider bringing whatever helps you handle boat rides.

Lunch and drinks included: why it’s more than a checkbox

The tour includes lunch plus drinks, and that’s not a small detail on a boat day. You’re out for about 8 hours 30 minutes total, and you’ll be mixing land walking with time on deck. Having food handled means you can focus on the scenery rather than hunting for a cafe halfway through your island time.

Included meals and drinks include:

• A welcome drink
• Lunch on the day
• A drink with your meal, plus fruit
• A drink on the return

I like this setup because it removes the main “what about food?” stress for long day trips. Also, lunch timing usually matters more on the water than on land. A good lunch slot keeps energy steady, so you can enjoy the island without the mid-afternoon slump.

Food is also a social glue for groups. Even if you chat with just a few people, you’ll get a sense of the day’s mood. And it helps everyone regroup after the island portion.

Duration and timing: a full day without feeling endless

This is roughly an 8 hours 30 minutes outing. The most valuable chunk is the island stop, around 3 hours. That gives you enough time to do something on land, take a swim if you want, and still make the return without feeling rushed.

The schedule starts at 10:00 am and ends back at the meeting point. So you’re not stuck navigating onward plans late at night. For a Madeira trip, that can be a real advantage, especially if you want dinner plans in Funchal.

What I’d plan around:

• Build in energy for a mid-morning start.
• Expect wind and sun changes from boat to island to return.
• Keep your day light on heavy commitments afterward.

Price and value: is $108.35 a fair deal?

At $108.35 per person, this isn’t a “cheap and cheerful” activity. But it’s also not just a ferry ride. You’re paying for:

• A full half-day-plus boat experience from Funchal
• Time at Desertas Island inside a protected nature reserve
• Lunch and drinks
• Admission ticket included for the island component
• An experienced team that runs the day and the guided reserve tour

So the value comes down to convenience and structure. Without this kind of packaged boat day, you’d likely spend time piecing together transport, figuring out island access, and paying for meals separately. Even if you could build an alternative, the bundled lunch and reserve guidance make the total feel more “all-in” than it looks.

The other value factor is group size. With a maximum of 70 travelers, you get enough company for a social day, but it’s still the kind of group size where you can experience the day without it feeling like a mass event.

If you’re the type of traveler who likes nature, sea views, and marine-life possibilities, this price can make sense. If you’re only interested in a quick stop and you dislike boats, you might look at a different kind of Madeira day.

Who this tour fits best (and who should think twice)

This trip works best for:

• People who want a real nature reserve experience, not a quick photo stop
• Travelers who like being on the water and staying active
• Families or friends who want a day with lunch and a guided component handled

It may be less ideal if:

• You strongly prefer stable ground and hate boat rides in rough seas
• You want a very quiet, slow pace with no group coordination
• You’re expecting a long beach day. The time on the island is around 3 hours, then it’s back to the boat

Most travelers can participate, which suggests the core experience is fairly approachable. Still, you should gauge your own comfort with boat movement and outdoor walking.

Practical tips to make the day smoother

A few small choices can make a big difference on a Desertas boat day:

• Bring water-friendly gear if you plan to swim.
• Wear shoes you trust on natural trails. If your feet slip, your whole experience gets less fun.
• Bring sun protection. Wind makes it feel cooler than it is.
• Keep your daypack small. You’ll use less time managing things and more time enjoying views.
• If you’re sensitive to motion, plan accordingly before the trip starts.

Also, take the weather seriously. The experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you may get offered a different date or a refund, so it’s not a “take your chances” gamble.

Quick verdict: should you book it?

Yes, you should book this tour if you want a structured day that mixes boat time, Desertas nature reserve access, and lunch included. The combination is the real win: you’re not choosing between scenery, wildlife potential, and comfort.

Skip it or choose another option if you dislike boat rides, want lots of beach lounging, or need total predictability regardless of sea conditions. Desertas is worth it, but it’s still the ocean, so the day’s feel can shift.

If your Madeira trip has you craving one unforgettable sea day, this is a strong fit. You’ll come back with cliff views from the water, island walking time, and the kind of marine sightings that keep a trip story alive long after you leave.

FAQ

What time does the Desertas Islands boat trip depart from Funchal?

It starts at 10:00 am. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the boat trip total?

The duration is approximately 8 hours 30 minutes.

What’s included in the price?

Lunch is included, plus a welcome drink. The meal includes a drink and fruit, and there is also a drink on the return. An admission ticket is included for the Desertas stop.

Is private transportation included?

No. Private transportation is not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to the meeting point.

Is there a chance to see dolphins or whales?

The experience description includes the possibility of watching dolphins and whales from the boat.

What if weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.