Desertas from Funchal is one of Madeira’s easiest ways to trade traffic for open sea. A catamaran ride means you see the islands from the water, and you get live commentary plus hands-on water time like snorkeling and stand-up paddle. The payoff is real: you’re visiting a protected island group that’s home to marine and land animals.

I especially like that the day isn’t just sightseeing from a seat. You’ll spend time off the boat on a beach, and you’re set up to explore the shallows with the provided gear. One thing to plan for: the crossing can feel windy and cold, and the exact time on the islands can shift depending on conditions.

Quick take: the Desertas cruise in 5 minutes

• Catamaran day trip from Funchal: ~9 hours with long stretches on the water
• Wildlife potential: look for seabirds and marine life en route, plus island wildlife
• Snorkeling + stand-up paddle included: equipment is provided and time is built in
• Madeira buffet lunch on board: a proper onboard meal, not a snack
• Weather can change the plan: winds may affect where you go and how long you stay

Why Desertas feels different than a typical island stop

Desertas Islands are named like they’re empty. In practice, they feel alive. From the boat, you’re aiming for a group of three islands where wildlife shows up both in the air and in the water. Once you reach land, you step onto a “virgin” beach area that’s treated like a refuge—so the focus stays on nature, not development.

This style of trip is valuable because it respects the setting. You’re not trying to cram everything into a short shore visit. Instead, you get a full day at sea with organized time for swimming and water activities, then you return with the kind of views that are hard to recreate on land.

Your day at a glance: a steady 9 hours at sea speed

This is a true full-day cruise: about 9 hours from departure to return to the same meeting point area in Funchal. The timing matters because you’re not just commuting—you’re spending enough hours offshore to make wildlife spotting realistic and to get real time in the water.

Here’s the flow you should expect:

• Morning departure from Funchal and heading out toward the islands
• A run across the sea with commentary and opportunities to spot animals
• Arrival at the island group and disembarkation onto the beach
• Activities like snorkeling and stand-up paddle during your time ashore and afloat
• On-board lunch after swimming time
• Return to Funchal, with chances for more sea-life sightings along the way

Leaving Funchal Marina: views, motion, and animal-spotting odds

The cruise starts from Funchal’s marina area (the meeting point is at Praça do Povo / Av. Do Mar). You’ll depart at 9:00 am, which is a smart move if you want a calmer feel before stronger wind builds later.

On days with decent conditions, the catamaran ride is a big part of the charm. You’re not staring at a harbor; you’re heading out toward the horizon. That puts the islands in a different frame—shapes change, cliffs and coastlines appear more dramatic, and birds can be easier to track as they wheel above the water.

Bring a realistic expectation about the ride itself. One common theme is that the sea trip can be windy and cold, especially on the journey out and back. If you feel chilly easily, pack layers. Even in warm Madeira weather, the boat speed and wind can flip the comfort level fast.

The Desertas landing: beach time, a short walk, and how conditions can affect it

Once you reach the island group, the plan includes getting off the boat onto a beach area. The islands may be called Desert, but the key idea is that wildlife lives here, and the setting is kept mostly natural.

You should also know that your on-island experience may not match a strict checklist every day. On some trips, the “hike” or walking portion can be more of a small trail than a long trek. Also, the wildlife highlights you hope for—like seals—depend on season and what the animals are doing.

A useful thing to remember from how the day is structured: this is not a beach party. Because wildlife uses the shores, swim rules can tighten. You might find that it’s not encouraged or practical to swim right off the island edge, even if swimming is available from the boat. That can actually be a good thing—less crowding, more respect for the animals, and a more controlled swim time.

Snorkeling gear and stand-up paddle: what’s included and how to use it

This cruise includes snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddle. That matters because you don’t want to waste your day shopping or negotiating gear. It also means the staff can help you get set quickly so you spend more time in the water and less time fussing.

A few practical expectations:

• Snorkel time depends on conditions. If the sea is rough or water is choppy, you might get less time or slightly different spots.
• Stand-up paddle is great if you’re comfortable staying upright and moving slowly. It’s not a race. Take your time and let the boat-to-shore rhythm work for you.
• Dress for the water and the wind. If you get splashed, chilly air can feel colder than you expect.

If you want value from this part of the day, bring your own sense of pace. The best snorkel moments tend to happen when you’re calm and watching for movement rather than rushing to cover ground.

Wildlife sightings: what you might see from boat and beach

The trip’s entire pitch is wildlife in a protected setting. You’re heading to the Desertas Islands and also sailing through waters where you can spot marine life.

Based on typical day reports, animals that may show up include:

• Seabirds and other coastal birdlife while you’re underway
• Dolphins during the sea stretches and sometimes around return segments
• Orcas on certain sailings
• Seals depending on season and current conditions

Here’s the honest angle: wildlife is never guaranteed. But the structure of the day is built around giving you multiple chances—on open water, near the islands, and during return sailing. That repeated exposure is what makes this cruise feel worth it, even on days when nature decides to stay a bit hidden.

On-board live commentary and the Madeiran buffet lunch

This is not a silent boat ride. You get live commentary on board, which is a big part of why the time doesn’t feel like dead hours in wind. The commentary helps you connect what you’re seeing—birds, island shapes, and the wildlife sanctuary vibe—to why the Desertas matter.

Then you’re fed. The day includes a Madeiran buffet lunch on board, which keeps the day from feeling like you’re burning energy for nothing. And because it’s on the boat, you’re not losing time to searching for food in town.

One detail to keep in mind: when the boat schedule shifts (often due to wind), lunch timing can also slide. If you’re sensitive to meal timing or you need strict food windows, plan for flexibility.

Windy reality checks: how route changes can still work out well

Weather is the unglamorous boss of this itinerary. The cruise requires good weather, and winds can change where the boat goes or how closely it follows the ideal plan.

On some days, the boat may not visit the Desertas Islands as planned and can instead sail south from Funchal to increase chances of seeing marine life. On other days, you might still reach the islands but the time on land can be different than expected.

The practical takeaway: this tour is best booked with an open mind. If your goal is simply to get out on the sea and see animals, a route tweak can still deliver a strong day. If your main goal is one very specific viewing moment at a very specific shore spot, you’ll want to keep your expectations grounded.

Price and value: is $108.37 a fair deal?

At about $108.37 per person for a roughly 9-hour catamaran day, the price can feel high or reasonable depending on what you compare it to.

Here’s where the value comes from:

• You get a full-day catamaran outing, not just a short harbor cruise
• Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddle are included
• You get live commentary and a Madeiran buffet lunch on board
• The group size is capped at 70 travelers, which helps keep the day from feeling chaotic

What you’re paying for isn’t just transportation. It’s the organized access to a protected island area plus the gear and food that keep the day moving.

Still, it’s not a cheap day if you only want one thing (like photos from the shore). If you’re into water time, wildlife, and spending hours offshore, this price is easier to justify.

Who should book—and who might prefer something else

This cruise is a strong fit for:

• Families who want a structured day with kid-friendly water activities (children must be with an adult)
• People who like wildlife and are comfortable with a nature-focused, not-urban, not-themed experience
• Snorkelers who want gear provided and don’t want to plan a gear hunt

It might be a tougher fit if:

• You get seasick or feel cold in wind easily
• You’re hoping for lots of shore walking or a long hiking route
• Your trip is locked to one narrow goal and you dislike schedule changes

Also, the tour calls for moderate physical fitness. That doesn’t mean you need to be an athlete. It just means you should be comfortable with boat movement, getting around, and doing the water activities safely.

Practical tips for a smoother day

These are the small choices that help you enjoy the cruise more:

• Dress in layers. Madeira sun can meet ocean wind fast.
• Bring motion-friendly comfort. If you’re prone to seasickness, plan ahead.
• Pack for water plus wind. Your wet clothes can get cold on a boat.
• Use the included gear early. Don’t wait until you’re tired or the sea is changing.
• Set expectations for nature. Wildlife is the star, but it’s not on a timetable.

Meeting starts at 9:00 am at Praça do Povo / Av. Do Mar area, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. There’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll want to get yourself there confidently.

Should you book the Catamaran Day Cruise to the Desertas Islands?

I’d book this if you want a real day at sea with snorkeling and paddle time plus wildlife potential in a protected setting. The included lunch and commentary add up to more than a simple transport service. And if you like the idea of nature taking the lead—sometimes literally with dolphins or even orcas—this cruise matches that energy.

Skip it or consider alternatives if you hate wind and cold, can’t handle sea motion, or you’re expecting a long, fully-defined hike and guaranteed seals. This is a weather-managed nature trip, and the islands can shape the day.

If you’re flexible and want one Madeira experience that feels both scenic and hands-on, this catamaran outing is a good bet.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise to the Desertas Islands?

It lasts about 9 hours.

What time does the tour start in Funchal?

It starts at 9:00 am.

Where do I meet for the cruise?

The meeting point is at Praça do Povo / Av. Do Mar 4, São Martinho, 9000-900 Funchal, Portugal.

Does the price include hotel pickup?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What activities are included during the day?

Snorkeling equipment is provided for use, and stand-up paddle is included.

Is lunch included?

The experience includes a Madeiran buffet lunch on board.

Do children need an adult to participate?

Yes. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Is there a physical fitness requirement?

Yes, the tour calls for travelers with a moderate physical fitness level.

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