From Funchal: Wooden Boat Excursion to Desertas Island

Desertas feels remote, even from Funchal. I like this wooden boat trip for its marine life chances and its included Madeira wine and lunch, but I also think you should expect very limited time on land and some serious boat motion.

This is a full day of sea time (about 8.5 hours total), with a short guided bit once you get to the islands. If you get queasy on boats or you are not confident in the water, it may not be your best Madeira day.

Key things to know before you go

• Expect lots of time at sea: the schedule is mostly sailing, which is part of why wildlife spotting can be good.
• The island part is short: the walk and guide time are brief, more like a quick loop than a long hike.
• Plan for wet logistics: conditions can mean you are not walking around dry and comfy the whole time.
• Swim stop is real: you get a stop at the Desertas area, with time for swimming and snorkeling if you’re prepared.
• Food and drinks are a real value: Madeira wine welcome, lunch with fruit plus a free drink, and another free drink on the way back.
• It is not for non-swimmers or seasick-prone people: movement can be part of the day.

From Funchal to the Desertas: why the 8.5 hours mostly feels like sea time

The trip runs about 8.5 hours, and the pacing is clear: a big chunk is sailing around and getting out to the Desertas area. That long water time is not wasted, because the farther and more actively the boat moves, the better your odds tend to be for marine life sightings. Think dolphins, maybe whales, and lots of bird and ocean action if the day is calm.

On the flip side, you are on the boat for most of the day. If you dislike movement, plan to take it seriously. Even if you are fine in the morning, the Atlantic can turn the ride into something you feel in your stomach. Bring a jacket, sit where you feel most stable, and keep your expectations flexible.

The best mindset here is simple: you are buying a sea experience first, then adding a short island break.

Finding the marina and the Bonita da Madeira kiosk at pier 8

Your meeting point is tied to the marina area, at pier 8, where there is a kiosk in the middle. Look for the Bonita da Madeira kiosk, and plan to arrive a little early so you are not stressed when boarding starts.

The tour is listed with the starting point around Av. Do Mar 9000, and it’s a straightforward marina meeting. One note for your planning: pickup and drop-off by private transport is not included, and parking is not included either. So build in buffer time for getting to the port area.

If you can, dress like you are going to be wet or splashed. Even with a careful crew, a day on the Atlantic has a way of turning dry clothing into a memory.

Marine life spotting: what you can reasonably hope to see

One of the main selling points is the high possibility of marine life sightings because the boat covers a lot of miles during the day. That is how these trips improve your chances: they are not sitting in one spot for hours.

What you should do to improve your viewing? Keep your eyes up and scan the water around the boat, especially when you feel the boat pick up speed or change direction. Dolphins often show themselves with quick bursts of movement, while larger animals can be harder to predict, so patience matters.

Also, protect yourself from the sun. It’s easy to focus so hard on the horizon that you forget you’re in Madeira’s stronger light, even when the air feels cooler. Sunglasses and sunscreen are not optional here.

The Desertas landing and the short guided part you should plan around

Once you reach the Desertas, you get the chance to get off the boat and spend free time on the islands. The plan includes some walking, plus time where you can swim and snorkel, depending on conditions and what your crew allows that day.

The guided portion is around 20 minutes. That is a good amount of time if your goal is context, like how the reserve is set up and what you should notice while you’re there. But do not expect a long interpretive walk. The on-island path is typically quick, and the walk experience can feel more like a short loop than a full hiking day.

Here’s the practical consideration you should take seriously: access and comfort are not guaranteed to feel dry and easy. Some days can involve wet transfers or limited ability to fully dry off right away. That means you should bring what the day demands, not what you wish the day demanded. Pack a towel, and bring waterproof shoes if you have them, not just regular sneakers.

Swim stop and snorkeling time: how active this really is

This excursion includes a swim stop when you reach the Desertas Islands, and it lists snorkeling as part of the experience. That’s a big reason to book, because the water around the Desertas can be one of the clearest parts of a Madeira sea day.

What matters for you is readiness. This is not suitable for non-swimmers, and the tour description flags it specifically. If you are a confident swimmer, you can treat the swim stop like the fun break in the middle of a long day at sea.

If snorkeling is your goal, plan your comfort first: bring swimwear and keep your layers sensible. The trip also tells you to bring a jacket, which makes sense if wind and spray cool you down after swimming.

And yes, the boat can move. That affects how you manage your time in the water, getting on and off, and keeping your gear where you can find it. A calm day is great, but the Atlantic is not always calm.

Lunch, Madeira wine, and drinks: included value that adds up

This is one of those tours where food and drink are not an afterthought. You get a welcome drink of Madeira wine. Lunch includes one free drink per person, chosen from water, Coca Cola, beer, or wine (white or red). Lunch also includes fruit, plus you get another free drink on the return.

From a value standpoint, that matters because the tour price is not just paying for boat time. You’re also covering the meal and taxes and fees. With taxes and fees included, the overall cost feels more predictable than a cheaper trip where you pay separately for lunch and drinks.

I also like that the drink options include non-alcoholic choices like water and Coca Cola. That helps if you want to stay sharp after lunch, especially since you still have the sail back.

The only practical check is this: because the island time is short, lunch and the schedule around it need to work for everyone. If you have dietary needs beyond what’s listed, confirm in advance, since the provided details do not mention special meal options.

What to pack for a day that can go wet and windy

The packing list is solid, and it matches the reality of a sea day with swimming. You’ll want:

• Towel (mentioned as you should bring one)
• Swimsuit and snacks (snacks are suggested)
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a cap or hat
• Comfortable shoes and waterproof shoes
• Jacket, plus comfortable clothes you can move in
• Swim-ready essentials like a plan for storing wet items

Also remember what is not allowed: oversize luggage, luggage or large bags, pets (assistance dogs allowed), fishing, and glass objects. Those rules shape what you can realistically bring, so keep your bag small and simple.

The biggest comfort boost is footwear. Waterproof shoes make the day easier if there is splash, wet transfers, or uneven surfaces around landing areas.

Motion, crowds, and seasickness: the real-world comfort factors

This tour is not marketed as a gentle paddle. It is a wooden boat ride on the open Atlantic, and the day can include choppier conditions. The experience is described as difficult for people prone to seasickness, and that’s not a small warning.

A practical approach:

• If you are sensitive, consider skipping this one.
• If you are usually fine but not sure, plan for motion and keep expectations low for a perfectly smooth ride.
• Dress in layers so wind doesn’t steal your warmth after swimming.

Some departures can also feel crowded since boats have limited space. That means you may want to be strategic about where you stand or sit, especially when wildlife-spotting gets exciting and people cluster.

Price and value check for $106 per person

At $106 per person for about 8.5 hours, the price is middle-of-the-road for a Madeira sea excursion, but the inclusions help it make sense. You get:

• Madeira wine welcome drink
• Lunch with fruit
• One free drink at lunch
• Another free drink on the return
• Taxes and fees included
• A swim stop at the islands
• A live guide (English and Portuguese)

What you should weigh is what you are not buying. You are not buying a full-day hiking program, and you are not buying guaranteed dry time on land. If your main dream is a long, comfortable walk with lots of time to explore independently, this may feel short.

If your dream is a sea day with real chances for marine life, a swim moment, and included lunch and drinks, then this price can feel fair. You are paying for time on the water plus access to a protected reserve area, and the meal is genuinely included.

Should you book this Desertas wooden boat excursion?

I’d book this if you:

• Want a sea-focused day from Funchal
• Are comfortable in the water and would actually use the swim and snorkeling time
• Care about marine life chances more than a long hike
• Appreciate included drinks and a simple lunch plan

I’d skip it if you:

• Get seasick easily or the boat motion worries you
• Are not a strong swimmer
• Want lots of time on land for walking and sightseeing

If you do book, help yourself by packing like it might get wet, planning for a short guided walk, and treating the boat ride as the main event.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the excursion in Funchal?

You meet at the marina at pier 8, at the Bonita da Madeira kiosk in the middle.

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

The duration is 8.5 hours.

What food and drinks are included?

You get a welcome drink of Madeira wine. Lunch includes one free drink per person (water, Coca Cola, beer, or wine, white or red) plus fruit, and you also get one free drink on the return.

Is there a swimming stop and snorkeling time?

Yes. There is a swimming stop when you reach the Desertas Islands, and snorkeling is included as part of the activity.

Is there an island tour with a guide, and what languages are offered?

There is a live tour guide (English and Portuguese), and the guided tour is around 20 minutes.

What should I bring with me?

Bring comfortable shoes, waterproof shoes, towel, swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, cap or hat, jacket, and comfortable clothes. Snacks are also suggested.

Who should not book this excursion?

It is not suitable for non-swimmers, people with a cold, or people prone to seasickness.

What is not allowed during the tour?

Oversize luggage, luggage or large bags, pets (assistance dogs allowed), fishing, and glass objects are not allowed.

Can I cancel for free?

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