Desertas Islands Cruises and Boat Tours
Desertas Islands cruises and boat tours take you from Madeira into one of the archipelago’s most remote Atlantic landscapes, where Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande and Bugio form a protected island chain southeast of the main island.
Most dedicated trips are substantial full-day excursions rather than short sightseeing cruises. The crossing is an important part of the experience, followed by time near Deserta Grande for protected-island scenery, possible swimming and the controlled visitor activities included on your particular departure.
The experience also changes according to boat type. Shared catamarans provide the most straightforward first trip, traditional wooden boats make the sailing itself a larger part of the day, while private charters focus more on space, privacy and group comfort.
The most important booking decision is therefore whether you want the easiest all-round shared full-day trip, a more traditional maritime experience or a private charter, and whether you are comfortable dedicating most of a day to the open-sea journey.
EuroAquaTours helps you choose the Desertas Islands boat tour that best fits your available time, preferred boat style, sea-comfort needs and whether remote nature, swimming, wildlife opportunities or a more private experience matters most.
EuroAquaTours Quick Verdict
For most first-time visitors, a full-day shared catamaran from Funchal is the clearest Desertas Islands choice. It combines the long Atlantic crossing, views of the protected islands, time near Deserta Grande and, when conditions and reserve rules permit, a guided visit or swimming stop.
Choose a wooden-boat excursion if you prefer a more traditional sailing atmosphere. Choose a private charter when comfort, space and a more personal full-day experience matter enough to justify the higher cost.
If your main goal is simply seeing dolphins or whales rather than reaching the Desertas reserve, a shorter trip from Funchal may fit your itinerary better. For the wider island picture, see our Madeira cruises and boat tours guide.
Important expectation: Desertas is a protected nature reserve, not an unrestricted beach destination. Land access, exact stops and activities depend on conservation rules, authorization and safe sea conditions. Treat wildlife sightings as a bonus rather than a guarantee.
Start Here: Find Your Desertas Islands Boat Tour
Use the live options below to review current availability, departure times, trip duration, vessel type, inclusions and cancellation terms before choosing your Desertas Islands trip.
Good tour types to explore: full-day catamaran trips, traditional wooden-boat excursions and private Desertas Islands charters.
Not Sure Which Desertas Islands Boat Tour to Book?
If this is your first Desertas trip, start with the standard full-day catamaran. It offers the simplest balance of scenery, space, a full reserve-focused itinerary and straightforward departure logistics from Funchal.
Choose the wooden boat if the character of the vessel and a slower traditional feel matter to you. Choose a private catamaran when you are traveling as a group or want more privacy, onboard comfort and flexibility.
If you only have a few hours available, Desertas is probably not the right format for that day. A shorter wildlife cruise around Madeira gives you an easier half-day plan without the long crossing.
Best Desertas Islands Boat Tours at a Glance
- Best overall: Desertas Islands Full-Day Catamaran Trip
- Best traditional experience: Desertas Islands Wooden Boat Excursion
- Best private option: Desertas Islands Private Catamaran Charter
- Best for checking all current options: Desertas Islands Boat Tours
- Best practical season: late spring through early autumn for the strongest choice of scheduled departures
Desertas Islands Route and Access Decision Guide
One Important Thing to Know Before Booking
The Desertas Islands are a protected nature reserve southeast of Madeira. A Desertas trip should therefore be treated differently from a normal beach or island-hopping cruise.
The route involves a substantial open-Atlantic crossing, and access on or immediately around the islands is controlled. Exact landing, guided-visit, swimming and snorkeling arrangements can change according to authorization, sea conditions and the operator’s approved itinerary.
Do not book only because you expect to walk freely around the islands or see a monk seal. Book for the full nature experience: the crossing, volcanic island scenery, protected environment, seabirds, possible marine-life encounters and the sense of reaching one of Madeira’s remotest areas.
Is Desertas the Right Madeira Boat Trip for Your Day?
The biggest decision is not simply which boat to choose. It is whether you want to devote most of a day to the Desertas crossing. The islands are far enough from Funchal that the journey is fundamentally different from a short Cabo Girão or whale-watching cruise.
| Experience | Best For | Typical Feel | What to Check | Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desertas full-day trip | Nature-focused travelers with a full day | Long Atlantic journey, remote volcanic scenery and reserve visit | Duration, landing arrangements, meals, swim stop and sea policy | Check availability |
| Short Madeira wildlife cruise | Travelers mainly interested in dolphins and whales | Shorter ocean outing with more time left for Madeira | Duration, boat type, wildlife policy and departure marina | Check Funchal options |
| Eastern Madeira coast | Travelers wanting rugged scenery without a full Desertas day | Cliffs, Ponta de São Lourenço scenery and shorter coastal routes | Departure point, route length and swim opportunities | See Caniçal trips |
| Porto Santo experience | Travelers prioritising beaches and an inhabited island | More conventional island-day atmosphere | Transport, crossing time and how the boat trip fits your island plan | See Porto Santo |
Simple rule: choose Desertas when the remote protected-island journey is the main event of your day. Choose a shorter Madeira coastal or wildlife cruise when time, sea comfort or itinerary flexibility matters more.
Best Desertas Islands Boat Tour Options
Best Overall: Full-Day Catamaran
The shared catamaran is the easiest starting point for most visitors. It provides more deck space than a smaller boat, a full-day itinerary and a straightforward way to experience the long journey between Funchal and the reserve.
Best for: first-time visitors, couples and travelers who want the most straightforward Desertas experience.
Check: departure time, total duration, food and drinks, landing arrangements, swimming opportunity and cancellation policy.
Best Traditional Feel: Wooden Boat Excursion
A wooden-boat trip changes the character of the journey. The destination is still Desertas, but the vessel itself becomes a larger part of the experience and can appeal to travelers who prefer a more traditional maritime atmosphere.
Best for: travelers who value the sailing experience as much as the destination.
Check: onboard facilities, seating, shade, meal details, trip length and how you normally handle longer sea journeys.
Best Premium Choice: Private Catamaran Charter
A private charter is the strongest option when privacy, onboard space and group comfort matter more than keeping the trip inexpensive. It can work particularly well for families or groups splitting the charter cost.
Best for: private groups, special occasions and travelers prioritising comfort.
Check: maximum group size, catering, included activities, route flexibility and which parts of the itinerary remain controlled by reserve rules.
Best Flexible Starting Point: Review All Desertas Trips
Availability for this remote route is much narrower than for normal Funchal sightseeing cruises. If your Madeira dates are fixed, start by checking all Desertas-specific departures before deciding on the exact vessel.
Best for: travelers with fixed dates or anyone visiting outside the main summer period.
Check: which departures actually reach Desertas rather than offering a general Madeira coastal cruise.
EuroAquaTours Desertas Islands Cruise Finder
First Time Visiting?
Start with the shared full-day catamaran. It is the simplest all-round choice and gives you the core Desertas experience without paying for a private vessel.
Want the Boat to Feel Special Too?
Choose the wooden-boat excursion when the character of the vessel and a traditional maritime atmosphere are part of what you want from the day.
Traveling as a Private Group?
Check private catamaran charters. The price is higher, but privacy, space and onboard comfort can make more sense when several people share the cost.
Mainly Want Dolphins or Whales?
Consider a shorter Funchal wildlife cruise instead. Desertas offers possible wildlife encounters, but the protected islands and the long journey are the real reasons to choose this route.
Sensitive to Motion?
Give sea comfort serious weight. Desertas requires a long open-water crossing, so a shorter Madeira coastal trip can be a more comfortable choice for travelers who struggle with prolonged ocean movement.
Only Have Half a Day?
Save Desertas for another day. Shorter options from Funchal, Caniçal or Machico fit a compressed itinerary much more naturally.
Compare Desertas Islands Cruises and Boat Tours
| Tour Type | Best For | Typical Experience | What to Check | Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared full-day catamaran | Most first-time visitors | Full-day crossing, reserve scenery and possible guided or swim stop | Duration, meal, landing arrangements, shade and weather policy | Check availability |
| Wooden-boat excursion | Traditional maritime atmosphere | Longer-feeling sailing day where the vessel is part of the experience | Comfort, seating, facilities, inclusions and sea conditions | Check availability |
| Private catamaran charter | Groups, privacy and premium comfort | Private full-day experience with more onboard space | Group limit, catering, activities, route flexibility and total charter price | Check availability |
| All current Desertas departures | Fixed travel dates | Useful when scheduled inventory is limited | Confirm that the itinerary actually reaches the Desertas reserve | Check availability |
Booking tip: do not judge these trips only by price. On a long Atlantic day, vessel type, shade, seating, toilets, included food and your own sensitivity to sea movement can matter more than a small difference in ticket cost.
Planning Tips for Desertas Islands Boat Tours
Allow a Full Day
Dedicated Desertas excursions are long experiences rather than short sightseeing cruises. Avoid placing another fixed activity immediately after your scheduled return.
Prepare for Open Atlantic Water
This route travels well beyond Madeira’s immediate coastline. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider your usual precautions and choose your vessel carefully.
Bring Sun and Wind Protection
Long hours on the water can mean strong sun as well as wind. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a light extra layer are useful even on warm days.
Check Landing Details
Do not assume that every departure includes exactly the same shore visit, walk, swim or snorkeling stop. Review the current itinerary and remember that reserve rules and sea conditions come first.
Choose for the Whole Experience
Monk seals, dolphins, whales and other wildlife live in the wider region, but sightings depend on nature. The remote islands and protected Atlantic landscape should be enough reason to enjoy the trip.
Review Cancellation Terms
Weather-sensitive ocean routes deserve extra attention to cancellation and rescheduling rules. Use the EuroAquaTours Boat Tour Booking Guide if you want a wider checklist before paying.
Best Time for Desertas Islands Cruises and Boat Tours
The strongest period for dedicated Desertas Islands boat trips runs from late spring into early autumn, when scheduled full-day departures are easiest to find. Because this is a long open-Atlantic journey, sea and wind conditions remain important even during the main season.
April and May
Late spring marks the transition into the main Desertas excursion season. May is especially useful if you want a full-day nature trip before the busiest summer period, although scheduled departures can still be less frequent than in peak season.
June to August
This is the strongest period for shared catamaran trips, swimming opportunities and the widest practical choice of Desertas departures. Summer also brings the greatest demand, so check your preferred date earlier when the islands are a priority in your Madeira itinerary.
September and October
Early autumn can still be an excellent time for Desertas, with warm-weather boat conditions and scheduled excursions continuing on selected dates. Availability usually becomes thinner as October progresses.
November to March
Dedicated leisure-trip inventory is much more limited outside the main excursion season. Check live schedules rather than assuming that the same full-day Desertas program operates throughout winter, especially when this trip is an important part of your Madeira plans.
Who Is a Desertas Islands Boat Tour Best For?
Choose Desertas when you want one of Madeira’s most nature-focused full-day sea journeys and are comfortable making the remote Atlantic crossing part of the experience.
- Nature-focused travelers
The protected islands, volcanic scenery and conservation setting are the main attraction rather than resort-style entertainment. - Travelers with a full day available
The long crossing makes more sense when you can dedicate the day to one major boat experience. - Photographers
Remote island cliffs, open Atlantic views and changing perspectives back toward Madeira create a very different visual experience from a short coastal cruise. - Couples who enjoy slower travel
A full day at sea can be a memorable shared experience when the journey itself matters as much as arriving. - Travelers interested in wildlife and conservation
The reserve protects important marine and birdlife, although no specific wildlife encounter should be expected or guaranteed. - Visitors based in Funchal
Current dedicated shared and private Desertas excursions commonly use Funchal as the practical departure base.
Which Madeira Island Boat Experience Fits Your Trip Best?
Desertas is an excellent choice when you want a remote protected-island journey. Different Madeira boat experiences make more sense when your priorities are shorter duration, wildlife, beaches or easier coastal sightseeing.
- Choose Desertas for a remote full-day nature journey.
The long crossing, reserve setting and dramatic volcanic islands are the reason to dedicate most of a day to this trip. - Choose the shared catamaran for the easiest first Desertas experience.
It offers the simplest balance of price, space and a complete full-day itinerary. - Choose the wooden boat for maritime character.
This format fits travelers who want the vessel and traditional sailing atmosphere to play a bigger role in the day. - Choose a private charter for comfort and privacy.
This is the premium choice for groups who want more personal space and onboard flexibility. - Choose a Funchal wildlife cruise for a shorter ocean trip.
This is a better schedule fit when dolphin and whale watching matter more than reaching a remote island reserve. - Choose Porto Santo when beaches and an inhabited island are the priority.
Porto Santo provides a very different Madeira-archipelago experience built more around beaches and island leisure.
If you are building a wider Madeira boat-tour itinerary, also review Machico cruises and boat tours for eastern-coast options and shorter routes around Madeira’s rugged southeast.
Related EuroAquaTours Guides
Use these guides to place Desertas within the wider Madeira archipelago and choose a different boat-tour style when your schedule or priorities change.
Frequently Asked Questions About Desertas Islands Boat Tours
Where are the Desertas Islands?
The Desertas Islands lie southeast of Madeira and form part of the Madeira archipelago. The group consists of Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande and Bugio, together with surrounding protected marine areas.
How long is a Desertas Islands boat trip?
Dedicated Desertas excursions are normally full-day trips. Current shared options are commonly around eight to nine hours, while private charters can also occupy most of the day. Check the exact duration for your departure before booking.
Where do Desertas Islands tours depart?
Funchal is the main current departure base for the most visible dedicated shared and private visitor trips. Always follow the exact marina and meeting-point instructions shown for your booking.
Can you go ashore on the Desertas Islands?
Authorized visitor trips may include controlled access and a guided visit in the reserve, commonly around Deserta Grande. However, this is a protected area, so you should never assume unrestricted land access. Exact arrangements depend on authorization, the approved itinerary and safe sea conditions.
Can you swim on a Desertas Islands tour?
Some full-day excursions include a swimming opportunity when conditions allow. Check the specific itinerary because swimming should not be assumed on every departure and conditions can change.
Can you see monk seals on Desertas?
The reserve is important for the conservation of the Mediterranean monk seal, but a boat tour should never be booked on the assumption that you will see one. Wildlife movements are natural and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Can you see dolphins or whales on the crossing?
Cetaceans can occur in Madeira’s waters and some Desertas trips mention possible encounters during the long crossing. Treat sightings as a bonus. If wildlife watching is your main objective, a dedicated Madeira whale or dolphin tour may be the clearer choice.
Are Desertas Islands trips good for children?
Suitability depends on the child and the specific boat. The full-day duration and long open-sea crossing matter more here than on a short coastal cruise. Families should check age rules, toilets, shade, seating, food and the child’s comfort with prolonged boat travel.
What should I bring on a Desertas boat trip?
Bring sun protection, sunglasses, suitable clothing, a light extra layer, comfortable footwear and any personal sea-sickness precautions you normally use. Check whether towels, lunch, drinks and snorkeling equipment are included before departure.
Is a Desertas Islands boat trip worth it?
Yes, when you specifically want a remote nature-focused day and enjoy long sea journeys. Desertas offers a very different experience from Madeira’s shorter whale-watching and coastal cruises. If you are short on time or sensitive to open-sea travel, a shorter route around Madeira may fit your trip better.
When should I book a Desertas Islands tour?
Check availability as soon as your Madeira dates are fixed because there are fewer dedicated Desertas departures than general Funchal cruises. This matters particularly when you need a specific date or are traveling outside the main warm-weather excursion period.
Final Recommendation: Which Desertas Islands Trip Should You Choose?
If you are visiting Desertas for the first time, start with a shared full-day catamaran from Funchal. It offers the clearest balance of a complete island-reserve experience, comfortable boat space and straightforward booking.
Choose a wooden boat if traditional maritime atmosphere matters more. Choose a private catamaran when privacy, group comfort and premium onboard space justify the extra cost.
Before paying, confirm the total trip duration, boat type, meal and drink inclusions, landing or guided-visit arrangements, swimming opportunity, meeting point, cancellation policy and what happens if sea conditions affect the route.
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