From Funchal: Wooden Boat Excursion to Desertas Island

The main event here is the long Atlantic crossing, not a long island walk. You cover many miles between Funchal and the Desertas Islands, with good chances of seeing dolphins or whales and fine open-water views. I like the remote setting and the fact that lunch, drinks, and a swim stop are included.

I also like the simple, old-fashioned feel of a wooden boat excursion and the chance to see a protected island reserve that is far removed from Madeira’s city streets. The catch is important: landing may require you to swim from the boat, and the island visit can be very short. If you dislike rough seas or expected a proper shore hike, this may not be your best day out.

Key points

• About 6.5 hours can be spent on the boat, so choose this for the sea journey as much as the island.
• Dolphins and whales are possible sightings, but no wildlife encounter is guaranteed.
• The Desertas landing may require a swim, with no dry route to shore under some conditions.
• Lunch includes one drink, fruit, and a second drink on the return, although the exact service can vary.
• The island walk is short, despite the protected reserve setting and advertised guided visit.
• Sea conditions matter greatly, especially if you are prone to seasickness or are not a confident swimmer.

The real attraction is the crossing from Funchal

This trip begins at Av. do Mar in Funchal, at pier 8. Look for the Bonita da Madeira kiosk in the middle of the marina. You meet the crew there before setting out across the Atlantic toward the Desertas Islands, a remote group southeast of Madeira.

The distance is what shapes the whole day. The crossing takes up most of the 8.5-hour schedule, with one recent account estimating about 6.5 hours on the boat. That is not a flaw by itself, but it changes the way I would judge the excursion. You are not buying a quick transfer followed by hours of exploration. You are buying a full day at sea, with the islands as the destination and the voyage as a major part of the experience.

I like this format for people who enjoy watching the water, scanning the horizon, and feeling the boat move beneath them. The long route also gives you a better chance of spotting marine life than a short coastal cruise simply because you cover so much more ocean. Keep your eyes open for dolphins and whales, but treat sightings as a possibility rather than a promise.

The wooden boat adds character, though it does not make the ride calmer. Atlantic conditions can change, and the boat may move sharply in wind or swell. Bring a jacket even on a warm Funchal morning, and sit where you feel most comfortable. If you know you get seasick, this is one of the excursions to approach with caution.

Leaving Funchal for the Desertas Islands

The views change gradually as Funchal recedes. Madeira’s built-up waterfront gives way to open ocean, then to the dry, rugged forms of the Desertas Islands. Their cliffs and bare slopes are striking, but do not expect a tropical beach destination. One disappointed description compared the shore to piles of gravel, which is a useful warning about the setting.

The Desertas are protected islands with distinctive plant and animal life. Their appeal is their isolation and severe Atlantic character, not polished facilities or a long list of attractions. You get a look at a small protected reserve in a part of the ocean that most Madeira visitors never reach.

The boat journey can be peaceful when the sea is calm. It can also feel long when the water is rough or the weather turns gray. I would bring snacks even though lunch is provided, as the hours are substantial and the schedule leaves little room for buying anything along the way. Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed, so pack a small day bag only.

Wildlife watching across open water

The excursion advertises a high possibility of marine life sightings because of the number of miles covered. This is one of its strongest points. Dolphins may appear near the boat, and whales are possible farther out. You might see nothing, however, and the crew cannot control the animals or the conditions.

For the best chance, keep sunglasses and a hat handy, and spend time watching different parts of the horizon. The open sea can look empty for long stretches before a fin or splash changes the mood. That waiting is part of the experience, though it will test anyone who needs constant activity.

I especially like that the wildlife search is tied to a genuine journey rather than a short loop near the harbor. You are going somewhere remote, and the route itself gives the day a sense of purpose. Still, I would not book this solely for a whale sighting. Book it because you enjoy a day on the ocean, then treat any animals as a welcome bonus.

What happens when you reach the islands

The plan allows time for walking, swimming, and snorkeling near the Desertas. The advertised guided visit lasts around 20 minutes, but the actual walk may feel much shorter. A path of roughly 200 meters has been described, with a few information plaques. You will not spend hours hiking across the island.

This is where expectations matter most. If you picture a broad natural trail, a long shore walk, or a full island tour, you may feel short-changed. The visit is better understood as a brief look at the reserve, followed by time around the boat and water.

The biggest practical issue is getting ashore. Under some conditions, you may need to swim from the boat to the island. That means you could arrive in wet swimwear, with no simple dry landing and possibly no place to change or dry off before sitting on the shore. One account specifically noted the lack of a dry way onto land, while another found this a serious mismatch with the expected walk.

Bring your own towel, and consider waterproof shoes rather than ordinary sneakers. A jacket is also useful because wet clothing, wind, and cloud can make the stop chilly. If swimming from the boat is not comfortable for you, ask the crew what the landing arrangement will be before you commit to the day. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers.

Swimming and snorkeling at the stop

The swim stop is one of the clearer pleasures of the trip when the weather cooperates. After hours on the boat, getting into the Atlantic can be refreshing. The water around the islands gives you a chance to swim or snorkel, and you can also remain on the boat if you prefer.

The wording of the experience makes swimming sound like an optional part of free time, but the island landing may also involve swimming. That distinction matters. You are not only choosing whether to take a leisurely swim; in some conditions, swimming may be the only way to reach shore.

Take a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, a cap, and waterproof footwear. Pack your sunscreen where you can reach it, since the long ride exposes you to sun even when the air feels cool. Glass objects, fishing equipment, pets other than assistance dogs, and large bags are not allowed.

The water stop is less appealing in poor weather. A cold, windy day can make wet clothing uncomfortable, especially if you had hoped to walk around afterward. The trip can still be worthwhile for the sea views, but the swimming portion should not be your only reason for booking.

Lunch, drinks, and the pace of the day

Lunch is included, along with a pre-set meal option. You receive one free drink with lunch, choosing from water, Coca-Cola, beer, or white or red wine, plus fruit. A further free drink is intended to be available on the return journey.

The food has been described as good, and the meal breaks up the long crossing. Madeira wine is served as a welcome drink, which gives the outing a local touch before the boat settles into its long run toward the islands.

There is one small point to keep in mind: the meal is not presented as a menu with several choices. It is a set lunch. If you have dietary needs, the supplied information does not explain what alternatives are available, so ask before booking rather than assuming a special meal can be arranged.

Service may not always match the stated plan. Some accounts found that the fruit or return drink was not provided. I would treat the included meal and drinks as a useful part of the price, but not the main reason to choose the tour. The scenery, wildlife search, and remote destination carry more weight.

How the $106 price compares with the day you receive

At $106 per person, this is not a cheap harbor cruise. You are paying for a full 8.5-hour outing, a long boat route, lunch, drinks, the welcome Madeira wine, taxes, and the chance to reach the Desertas Islands. For someone who values a remote destination and a full day on the Atlantic, that can be fair.

The value becomes weaker if you expect a substantial island tour. The walking area is very short, and access may involve swimming. Much of your time is spent getting there and back, so the boat ride has to be enjoyable in its own right.

I would compare this price with your other Madeira options by asking one simple question: do you want to spend most of a day at sea? If yes, the included meal and distant island setting make the cost easier to justify. If you mainly want a short nature walk, a beach stop, or guaranteed wildlife, there are better ways to spend your money.

The rating of 3.6 out of 5 reflects that split. The best experiences center on a beautiful day, friendly and helpful crew, a good meal, and the crossing itself. The weaker experiences center on rough water, a crowded boat, a short island visit, and details that did not match expectations.

Who will enjoy this wooden boat trip

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Confident swimmers who are comfortable entering the sea from a boat
• People who enjoy long boat journeys and open Atlantic views
• Visitors who want to see dolphins or whales but accept that sightings are not guaranteed
• Anyone interested in remote, protected natural areas rather than developed beaches
• Couples and friends looking for a full-day sea adventure
• Visitors who can handle changing conditions and a flexible schedule

I would be cautious if you are prone to seasickness, have a cold, dislike wind, or want dry land and a substantial walk. The activity is also a poor fit for non-swimmers, particularly if the boat cannot reach the shore directly.

Families should think about the length of the crossing and the limited island facilities. The supplied information does not give an age limit or boat capacity, but one account described the boat as very full. If personal space matters to you, ask about group size before paying.

What to pack for comfort

Keep your packing light, since large luggage is not allowed. A small waterproof bag is practical for your phone, sunscreen, and spare clothing.

Bring:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Comfortable and waterproof shoes
• Jacket and comfortable clothes
• Sunglasses and a hat or cap
• Sunscreen
• Snacks
• A waterproof cover for valuables

The jacket is not optional in my view. Even if Funchal feels warm, the ride can be cooler, and wet swimwear becomes uncomfortable fast. Snacks are sensible because lunch comes later in the day and the boat ride is long.

Private transport and parking are not included. You make your own way to the marina, and the meeting point is the Bonita da Madeira kiosk at pier 8. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if the forecast is uncertain.

Should you book the Desertas Islands excursion?

Book this if the journey matters as much as the destination. You get a rare chance to sail far from Madeira, search for marine life, see rugged protected islands, eat lunch at sea, and swim in a remote setting. The crew has been praised for being friendly and helpful, and calm conditions can produce a memorable day.

Think twice if you expect a long guided walk. The island visit may amount to a short path and information plaques, and you may have to swim to shore. The boat can be crowded, the sea can be rough, and some included details may not always be delivered exactly as planned.

My practical verdict: choose it for the Atlantic crossing, wildlife search, and isolation. Skip it if your priority is dry access to land, extensive hiking, or a gentle cruise. Check the weather, pack for wet and cool conditions, and confirm the landing method before you go. That small bit of preparation will give you the clearest idea of whether this unusual day is worth $106.

FAQ

Where does the excursion begin and end?

It begins and ends at Av. do Mar in Funchal. At pier 8, look for the Bonita da Madeira kiosk in the middle of the marina.

How long does the trip last?

The full activity lasts about 8.5 hours. A large part of that time is spent sailing between Funchal and the Desertas Islands.

Which languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and Portuguese.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is a pre-set option and includes one free drink per person, fruit, and a further free drink intended for the return journey.

What drinks are included?

The lunch drink choices are water, Coca-Cola, beer, white wine, or red wine. A Madeira wine welcome drink is also included.

Can I swim at the Desertas Islands?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling are part of the planned free time. In some conditions, you may also need to swim from the boat to reach the island.

Is the activity suitable for non-swimmers?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for non-swimmers. It is also not recommended for people prone to seasickness or people with a cold.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, swimsuit, jacket, comfortable and waterproof shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a cap or hat, comfortable clothes, and snacks. Oversize luggage, large bags, fishing equipment, and glass objects are not allowed.