Desertas Islands Full-Day Catamaran Trip from Funchal

If you like wildlife plus big sea views, this day delivers. This Desertas Islands catamaran trip pairs open-ocean sailing with a protected nature reserve that’s all about conservation and raw volcanic scenery.

I especially like the access you get in one day: you actually land on Deserta Grande and take a guided walk connected to monk seal protection. You’ll also get classic warm-water break time, with a swim plus snorkeling and stand up paddleboarding in clear water.

One consideration: the island landing can be tricky, since you step from the boat onto volcanic stones and the tour focuses on walking and activities rather than a long hike. On the water, the wind can also feel cold on the catamaran benches, so plan for comfort.

Key points to know before you go

• Deserta Grande is the only island where you disembark, so your time on land is focused and guided
• Monk seal conservation is the theme, with a walk to the conservation center and info on endemic life
• Volcanic beach swim time is built in, and the water is repeatedly described as crystal-clear
• Snorkeling and stand up paddleboarding are part of the day, not just optional extras
• Wildlife sightings are possible on the boat route, including dolphins and whales mentioned by past participants
• Bring wet-ready footwear, because getting in and out of the tender can involve slippery rocks

Sailing out of Funchal toward the Desertas

This is a full-day outing from Funchal Marina, run by VMT Madeira Catamaran. You meet your guide at the VMT Madeira Kiosk at the marina, then get a safety briefing and start gliding along the south coast.

The sailing part matters more than you might expect. This isn’t a “quick hop” to an island. It’s open ocean time, which means you can enjoy wide views of Madeira from the water, and you have multiple opportunities for sea life sightings along the route. Some trips also line up with dolphin and whale encounters, so keep your eyes up and your phone away until you spot something worth photographing.

You’ll spend about 9 hours total, and most of that time is actually on the move or on the water once you arrive. If you’re the type who hates waiting around, you’ll probably enjoy the rhythm: sail, land, guided walk, swim and water activities, then cruise back.

The Desertas Islands reserve: what protection looks like at sea

The Desertas Islands Natural Reserve covers 12,586 hectares, including the main islands and nearby islets (Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande, Bugio, and surrounding islets), plus the surrounding marine area. It’s been protected for over 25 years, and the reason it’s famous internationally is the conservation work around the monk seal.

Why this matters to your day: you’re not visiting a resort island. You’re visiting a place that’s managed to reduce human impact. The trip is structured around that reality. Only Deserta Grande allows visitors to disembark, and the land portion is guided, with a conservation center stop that frames what you’re seeing as part of a protection effort.

You’ll also see the volcanic formations up close from the sea. The islands look like they were shaped by force, then left to weather into dramatic rock and sharp coastlines. It’s one of those destinations where the “wow” isn’t a single photo angle, it’s the whole coastline changing as the boat moves.

The best mindset here is simple: treat the day like an educational nature excursion with water time, not like a guaranteed monk seal viewing tour.

Deserta Grande landing and the conservation-center walk

Once you reach Deserta Grande, you disembark into clear water near a volcanic-origin beach. After that, you’ll follow a guided route that includes time connected to the conservation work and local ecosystems.

The walk is designed to teach you what makes this place special. You’ll learn about monk seal protection, plus information on endemic flora and fauna. That matters because it turns the scenery into context. Instead of just thinking, cool rocks and quiet beaches, you can understand what’s being guarded and why certain areas are not open for casual wandering.

One thing to watch: you should not expect a free-form hike across the island. The day is more about a guided experience, plus water activities, than long trails. That’s good if you want structure, and it may disappoint if you’re picturing a rugged, self-led walk.

Also, monk seals are protected wildlife. The tour includes conservation education, but the plan doesn’t promise that you’ll see seals during your visit. Some people come away saying they would have liked more chances to spot them, so set expectations around learning first, sightings second.

Swim, snorkel, and paddleboard in clear volcanic water

After landing, you get real water time. The itinerary builds in a swim on the beach, plus snorkeling and stand up paddleboarding. This is where the Desertas really turn into a “Madeira classic” day trip, because you get to mix island nature with activity.

What to focus on is your setup. You’ll want comfortable footwear that can get wet, because getting onto and off the smaller boats can involve slippery stones. Past participants specifically recommend beach shoes or similar water-friendly shoes, because flip-flops can turn into a liability.

The water is repeatedly described as clear, and that’s exactly what makes snorkeling worthwhile. Even if you’re not an expert, clear water helps you see more without pushing your limits. And paddleboarding adds a different feel compared with being anchored or swimming in place. You get a chance to read the shoreline and watch rock shapes and currents while staying active.

Wind is a real factor here. On the catamaran, some people report that warm clothes help during breezy periods, even if the island feels warmer once you’re ashore. Bring a windbreaker, and treat sunscreen as non-negotiable.

Lunch on board with drinks, plus comfort reality checks

Lunch is included, with drinks. It’s served onboard, and several bookings call it good and plentiful. Options for people who eat vegetarian were also mentioned, including cases where more than one plant-based choice was offered.

The practical lesson for you is this: dietary needs are often manageable on these trips, but you should still communicate them when you book. One person had a vegetarian request that was not met as expected, while others said vegetarian and vegan options worked out. That means it’s doable, but not something you should assume without confirmation.

Comfort is a mixed bag. The catamaran has toilet access and a bar with snacks and beverages, which is handy if you want something between swim sessions. On the seating side, some people found the bench-style seating hard for a long day. If you’re sensitive to discomfort, plan for it mentally and consider bringing a small personal item that helps you sit through the longer sailing stretches.

Bottom line: lunch is part of the value, and food usually lands well. Just don’t expect luxury seating, and don’t forget that sun and wind can change how you feel hour to hour.

Wildlife sightings on the route back and forth

This trip sails far enough that you’re not just watching the island, you’re also watching the sea. Several experiences mention dolphins and whales while traveling to and from the Desertas, including pilot whales and different dolphin species.

Here’s the useful way to handle wildlife expectations: treat sightings as a bonus. The core “product” is the Desertas reserve visit and the water time, with wildlife as a potential extra reward for being in the right place at the right time.

Still, it’s worth doing the simplest thing that improves your odds: stay alert during approach and departure. The boat route offers repeated chances to scan for blows and dorsal fins, and once you spot activity, you’ll get a front-row view from the water rather than a distant shoreline glance.

If you do get a wildlife moment, it also reframes the conservation theme. Seeing marine animals in their habitat makes the monk seal conservation angle feel less abstract.

What to bring, wear, and avoid for a smooth day

A Madeira catamaran day sounds easy until you hit wind, water, and stones. The tour’s own guidance focuses on smart, basic items, and it lines up with what people say after doing it.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes that can handle wet conditions
• A windbreaker for breezy sailing time
• Change of clothes, because you may get wet around the tender and swim stops
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• If you’re going in warmer months, also plan for swimwear and water-ready clothes

Wear:

• Water-friendly footwear for the landing and boat steps
• A light layer on the catamaran if you get cold in sea wind

Avoid:

• Luggage or large bags (keep it minimal)
• Alcohol and drugs since the operator reserves the right to refuse service to intoxicated passengers
• Anything that makes you bulky around the tender steps

If you’re worried about coordination, you’ll likely feel better if you keep your hands free and your gear simple. You’re moving between boat, beach, and water activities, and the easiest days are the ones where you are not fighting your own setup.

Who should choose this catamaran trip, and who might feel frustrated

This is best for people who want a balanced day: sailing plus nature education plus water time. If you like the idea of a protected island environment and you’re excited by snorkeling and paddleboarding, you’ll probably be happy with how the day flows.

It also suits:

• Couples, small groups, and families who want structured time on land
• People who enjoy marine scenery and are comfortable spending hours on open water

It might be a poor fit if:

• You need accessibility support, since it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments
• You want a long, free-ranging hike, because the land portion is guided and focused
• You strongly need monk seal sightings, since the trip centers on conservation education rather than a guaranteed animal encounter

As for crowd vibe, most of your day is outdoors and guided. A couple of people noted that some elements can feel a bit crowded on the walk portion, so if you want quiet, try to treat the walk like a short educational stop rather than a long reflective experience.

Price value: what you pay for at $106 per person

At about $106 per person for a 9-hour full-day trip, you’re paying for several things at once. You’re getting a full catamaran day on the south coast, lunch with drinks, and multiple water activities like swimming, snorkeling, and stand up paddleboarding.

You’re also paying for access to a protected reserve where visiting is managed. Only certain areas allow visitor landings, and the guided portion is tied to the conservation center. That kind of structure usually costs more than open-access sightseeing.

What you should know for budgeting: there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll need to get yourself to the marina meeting point, and the day runs long enough that you’ll likely spend your time budget on the excursion rather than separate meals.

If you’re comparing options, the value angle is simple: if you want both island nature and real time in the water, this is priced like a full package. If you only want the quickest island glance, it may feel long. If you want a day that combines scenery, activity, and conservation learning, it’s a solid use of your time in Madeira.

Should you book the VMT Madeira Desertas Islands trip?

I’d book this if your idea of a great Madeira day includes a true nature reserve setting, volcanic beaches, and hands-on water time. The inclusion of lunch with drinks, plus snorkeling and paddleboarding, makes it easier to justify than a “boat only” trip.

I would pause before booking if you are set on seeing monk seals on demand, or if you need easy boarding and mobility support. The landing steps and the tender transfer can be the hardest part of the day, and comfort on the catamaran seating is not everyone’s favorite for long stretches.

Also, pack smart. Get your water-ready shoes, wind protection, and a change of clothes, and you’ll turn this into one of those days you remember for both the scenery and the feeling of being in a protected place without interfering.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the Desertas Islands trip?

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

How long is the catamaran trip?

The duration is 9 hours.

What’s included in the price?

You get the catamaran cruise and lunch with drinks.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What activities are included once you reach the islands?

You can enjoy a swim, snorkeling, and stand up paddleboarding, along with a guided walk connected to the conservation center.

Will you see monk seals during the trip?

The trip is designed around monk seal conservation efforts, including a guided visit to the conservation center. The information provided does not guarantee sightings.

What should I bring with me?

Bring comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, a change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen (plus swimwear in warm weather).

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No, it is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What should I avoid bringing or doing?

The tour does not allow luggage or large bags, and it also prohibits intoxication (with the operator reserving the right to refuse service for intoxication).