A day out to the Desertas feels like a reset button. You’re sailing well out into the Atlantic from Funchal, aiming for serious time on the water and a rare look at a protected island reserve.

I especially like the way the trip balances sea views with time to get wet. You’ll get lunch plus a Madeira wine welcome, and you can plan on a swim and snorkeling stop when you reach the islands. The crew (on good days) keeps things friendly and moving, and that matters on a long boat day.

One key drawback to watch: this is not a casual, guaranteed “dry land and easy walk” outing. If sea conditions are rough, getting on and off can be tougher than you expect, and the island walking can be very short. If you get seasick easily or you’re not a confident swimmer, this one is a gamble.

Key takeaways before you go

• Boat time is the main event: most of your 8.5 hours happens on the water.
• Marine life sightings are the goal: you cover a lot of miles looking.
• The island walk can be brief: expect a short loop rather than a long hike.
• Plan for getting wet: bring a towel and waterproof footwear ideas.
• Lunch is simple but included: wine welcome, plus a drink with lunch and another on return.
• This is weather-sensitive: cold or seasickness can ruin the day.

Madeira to the Desertas by Wooden Boat: how the day really runs

This excursion is built around one big idea: use a wooden boat for a full Atlantic outing from Funchal, then spend just enough time at the Desertas Islands to make it count. It’s not a “busy ports and photo stops” day. It’s more like: go far, look hard for wildlife, then enjoy the calm (or not-so-calm) quiet of the islands.

The total duration is listed as 8.5 hours, which is long enough that you’ll feel the rhythm. Early on, you’re focused on the route and the water. Later, you shift to swimming, snorkeling, and whatever time ashore you actually get. The value comes from that mix—sea time plus a real break away from town.

If you love boat days, you’ll probably feel happy. If you’re expecting a long guided tour and a big walking adventure on the island, you’ll want to calibrate your expectations now.

Getting to Av. do Mar and finding Pier 8 without stress

Your meeting point is straightforward: you go to the marina at pier 8, then look for the kiosk run by Bonita da Madeira, LDA. It’s described as being in the middle, which is helpful when you arrive and the area feels busy.

The starting location is listed as Av. Do Mar 9000, and that lines up with where you’d logically find the marina area. If you’re coming on your own (since pickup and drop-off are not included), give yourself a little buffer for parking and getting to the right pier.

Practical note: the day is long and you’re dealing with water and changing conditions. Keep your stuff compact. Oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed, and that alone nudges you toward a light kit.

On the water: marine life odds and the real seasickness checklist

The big promise here is marine life sightings. The logic is simple: the more miles you cover, the more chances you have to spot dolphins and other ocean wildlife. When it’s working, the boat ride turns into a living, moving lookout—people shift posture, point, and suddenly everyone’s staring out the same side.

But there’s a flip side. This is also Atlantic sailing. Even when the weather looks calm from shore, the boat can feel rocky once you’re out. If you’re prone to seasickness, don’t just hope. Bring what helps you normally, and honestly consider skipping if you’ve had problems on boats before.

What you should do:

• Wear shoes that don’t slip on wet decks.
• Keep sunglasses on and a hat handy for sun glare.
• Assume you’ll be outside for long stretches, even when clouds come and go.
• Bring a jacket. It may be warm in Funchal, but sea air changes the mood.

Desertas Islands time: short walk, snorkeling, and the wet-landing reality

Once you reach the Desertas, the plan includes time for walk, swimming, and snorkeling, plus some free time. The island is part of a protected natural reserve, so the idea is to see a real, less-developed place—no crowds, no city distractions, just island nature and ocean views.

Here’s where you need to manage expectations. The description emphasizes a natural trail and time to explore. On the practical side, the island walking portion can be extremely short—more of a brief loop than a long hike. You may be back quickly, and the focus shifts back to water time.

Also, landing can be more physical than you expect. Some days you might need to get in the water to reach land, and it may not be a dry, step-right-off situation. That’s why the tour asks you to bring waterproof shoes and a towel—and why you should take that seriously, not as optional packing advice.

Once you’re settled, you can plan your own pace:

• If you like snorkeling, use the swim stop time and don’t wait too long.
• If you just want ocean quiet and photos, pick a spot and let the day slow down.
• If wind picks up, you’ll feel it fast. Adjust your plans early.

Guided time on site: useful context, but don’t expect a long tour

You’ll have a live tour guide, with languages listed as English and Portuguese. The guided component is described as around 20 minutes, which is perfect for orientation—enough to know what you’re seeing and how to approach the reserve respectfully.

Still, the actual walking loop can be brief, and the signs or points of interest may not take long to cover. Think of the guide time as setup and context, not as a full guided hike.

This can be good news if you get bored with lectures. You’ll learn a few things, then you’re free to focus on the scenery and the water.

Lunch, Madeira wine, and how to prep for an 8.5-hour day

Food is included, and that’s a real value on a day like this. You’ll get a welcome drink of Madeira wine at the start, then lunch with one free drink per person. Drinks listed for lunch include water, Coca Cola, beer, and wine (white or red). Fruit is listed as part of lunch, and there’s another free drink on the return.

Now the honest practical angle: lunch is included, but it may still feel like a basic setup rather than a long sit-down meal. If you get hungry easily, bring snacks, and plan to sip water between waves of activity.

Also, remember you may be wet or damp. Towel discipline helps. A dry layer you can put on afterward makes a big difference when you’re out in sea air.

Boats, space, and the little details that affect your comfort

One thing that can make or break this trip: how full the boat feels that day. The experience is often praised for a friendly crew and a good vibe, but space can get tight on busy runs. If you’re the type who needs your personal space, pack lightly so you’re not fighting with bags and gear.

A few other rules matter because they connect directly to comfort:

• No glass objects (so bring no fragile bottles).
• No fishing.
• Pets are not allowed (assistance dogs are allowed).
• No oversize luggage and no large bags.

This tour is also not suitable for non-swimmers. That’s clear, and it also explains why the swimming and snorkeling portion isn’t a “try it for fun” moment. If you can’t handle open-water conditions, this is not your day.

Price and value: is $106 a good deal?

At $106 per person for an 8.5-hour boat excursion, the value comes down to what you want from your day.

You’re paying for:

• A long outing by boat from Funchal
• Included Madeira wine and drinks
• Lunch with drink
• A swim stop tied directly to the Desertas area
• The chance—no guarantees—to spot marine life by covering lots of water

If you mainly want island hopping, long shore walks, and a big “tour” vibe, the short island portion may feel expensive. You’re really buying the sea day.

If you love boats, open ocean views, and the possibility of dolphins or whales in the right conditions, the price becomes easier to justify. You’re also getting food and drinks without needing to figure out meals once you’re out at sea.

My practical advice: treat this as a boat experience first, then a Desertas experience second. If you line up with that mindset, you’re more likely to walk away feeling satisfied.

Who should book this wooden boat to the Desertas (and who shouldn’t)

This trip makes the most sense for:

• Confident swimmers who want a swim and snorkeling stop
• People who enjoy long stretches outdoors
• Travelers who like wildlife search and ocean-time pacing
• Couples and small groups who don’t mind being out for most of the day on a boat

It’s probably not the right fit if:

• You get seasick easily (the Atlantic can be rough)
• You’re not a strong swimmer
• You’re going with cold symptoms
• You want a long guided hike or a long guided island walk

If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: can you enjoy an experience where much of the day is spent scanning the horizon instead of walking miles on land? If yes, you’ll likely have a great time.

Should you book it? My honest call

I think this is worth booking if your heart is set on the boat ride and you’ll be okay with a short island visit. The best versions of this day can feel like a perfect mix of ocean wonder, good crew energy, and time in the water—especially when conditions cooperate.

But if you’re expecting a guaranteed long, dry island tour, or if seasickness is in your personal risk list, you should look hard at alternatives. Pack for damp and choppy conditions. Bring waterproof footwear ideas, a towel, and a jacket. And if you’re not confident in open-water swimming, don’t gamble on it.

FAQ

FAQ

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

The duration is listed as 8.5 hours.

Where do I meet the tour in Funchal?

Meet at the marina at pier 8. You’ll find a kiosk in the middle for Bonita da Madeira, LDA.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Included items are a Madeira wine welcome drink, lunch with one free drink per person (water, Coca Cola, beer, or wine), fruit, plus another free drink on the return. Taxes and fees are also included, and there is a swimming stop.

Do I need private transport or parking to join the tour?

Pick up and drop off (private transport) are not included, and car park is not included either.

What language is the live guide?

The live tour guide is available in English and Portuguese.

Can I bring luggage or a large bag?

No. Oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed.

Can I bring pets?

Pets are not allowed, though assistance dogs are allowed.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?

No. It is not suitable for non-swimmers.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, snacks, sunscreen, and a jacket. Waterproof shoes are specifically suggested too, plus a cap/hat.

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