Desertas Islands Full-Day Catamaran Trip From Funchal

The Desertas Islands off the coast of Funchal offer a natural wonder waiting to be explored. This full-day catamaran trip provides the perfect opportunity to take in the islands’ stunning landscapes and unique ecosystems. From scenic boat cruises to engaging activities like swimming and snorkeling, the excursion promises an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts. With a focus on conservation, the trip offers insights into the Desertas Islands’ vital role in preserving the region’s delicate marine life. What surprises might this captivating excursion hold?

Key Points

• A full-day excursion from Funchal to the Desertas Islands, a protected nature reserve, with activities like swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding.
• The tour is priced from $97.70 per person and includes a boat cruise, guided tour, lunch, and complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off.
• The Desertas Islands cover 12,586 hectares and are known for their monk seal conservation efforts and unique flora and fauna.
• The tour includes a visit to a conservation center to learn about the ecosystem, and the opportunity to appreciate the importance of conservation.
• The tour is highly rated by customers, with 48% giving it a 5-star review, and highlights include sightings of killer whales and dolphins.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Trip Overview and Pricing

The Desertas Islands Catamaran Trip offers a full-day excursion from Funchal to the stunning Desertas Islands. Priced from $97.70 per person, the 9-hour tour includes a boat cruise, guided tour, lunch, and activities like swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Travelers can conveniently book now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The trip starts at the Funchal Marina, VMT Madeira Kiosk, and features a safety briefing before exploring the Desertas Islands’ natural reserve, known for its monk seal conservation efforts and endemic wildlife.

Itinerary and Activities

Starting from the Funchal Marina’s VMT Madeira Kiosk, the full-day Desertas Islands Catamaran Trip takes guests on a boat cruise to explore the natural wonders of this protected archipelago.

After a safety briefing, the guided tour leads visitors to key sites like Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande, and Bugio.

Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding in the surrounding marine area.

Spend the day exploring the Desertas Islands’ marine area with swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding activities.

The trip also includes a visit to the conservation center, where guests can learn about the islands’ unique flora, fauna, and the ongoing efforts to protect the endangered monk seal.

Conservation and Natural Reserve

Covering an area of 12,586 hectares, the Desertas Islands have been designated as a nature reserve for over 25 years, known for their monk seal conservation efforts and endemic flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy a guided walk to the conservation center, where they’ll learn about the islands’ unique ecosystem and the ongoing efforts to protect it.

| Flora | Fauna |

| — | — |

| Rare plants | Monk seals |

| Endemic species | Seabirds |

| Unique habitats | Marine life |

The Desertas Islands offer a glimpse into a well-preserved natural environment, providing visitors with an opportunity to appreciate the beauty and importance of conservation.

Amenities and Restrictions

The catamaran trip includes a range of amenities to enhance the overall experience.

Travelers can enjoy a complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off service, as well as a delicious lunch with drinks.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments. Guests are advised to bring comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, a change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen.

Conversely, luggage, large bags, intoxication, alcohol, and drugs are strictly prohibited. These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants during the Desertas Islands excursion.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have shared their experiences and impressions of the Desertas Islands catamaran trip, providing valuable insights into the overall quality of the excursion. The tour boasts an impressive 4.2/5 rating based on 154 reviews, highlighting its popularity among travelers. The friendly crew, tasty lunch, and beautiful weather have been consistently praised. Notable highlights include sightings of killer whales and dolphins during the trip, adding to the awe-inspiring natural encounters. The table below offers a more detailed breakdown of the customer feedback:

| Rating | Percentage |

| —— | ———- |

| 5 Stars | 48% |

| 4 Stars | 32% |

| 3 Stars | 12% |

| 2 Stars | 5% |

| 1 Star | 3% |

Exploring the Desertas Islands

Although designated as a nature reserve for over 25 years, the Desertas Islands cover a vast expanse of 12,586 hectares, offering visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the archipelago’s captivating natural wonders.

The guided tour includes a visit to the conservation center, where guests can learn about the efforts to protect the endemic flora and fauna, including the endangered Madeira Monk Seal.

Visitors can also enjoy a leisurely stroll along the islands’ rugged terrain, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding marine area and the diverse wildlife that calls this remote paradise home.

Experiencing the Marine Life

What truly captivates visitors on this Desertas Islands catamaran trip is the abundance of marine life. Passengers can spot playful dolphins and mighty killer whales, often spotted during the journey.

The surrounding waters teem with vibrant schools of fish, and the chance to spot the elusive monk seal, a conservation priority, thrills guests.

The guided snorkeling experience allows travelers to enjoy this underwater wonderland, observing the diverse marine ecosystems that thrive in the protected waters.

Travelers can enjoy an underwater wonderland, observing the diverse marine ecosystems thriving in the protected waters.

This unforgettable encounter with nature’s splendor is a highlight of the Desertas Islands adventure.

Preparing for Your Adventure

To make the most of the Desertas Islands catamaran adventure, it’s essential to properly prepare. This includes:

1. Packing light – Bring only a small backpack or drawstring bag. Avoid large luggage, as storage space is limited on the boat.

2. Dressing for the weather – Wear comfortable, breathable clothing and bring a windbreaker. The islands can be quite breezy.

3. Bringing sun protection – Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to shield yourself from the strong Madeira sun.

With these simple preparations, you’ll be ready to fully learn about the natural beauty and wildlife of the Desertas Islands.

Since You Asked

Is the Boat Wheelchair Accessible?

The boat is not wheelchair accessible. The trip is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, as stated in the amenities and restrictions section of the information provided.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

The tour doesn’t allow passengers to bring their own food and drinks. However, a tasty lunch with drinks is included in the package. Bringing outside food and beverages is not permitted on this excursion.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the tour. The trip is suitable for all ages, though young children may require additional supervision. The tour is open to participants of all ages, with no minimum or maximum age limits.

Do I Need a Special Permit to Visit the Islands?

No, visitors don’t need a special permit to visit the Desertas Islands. The islands are a protected nature reserve, but the catamaran tour includes a guided visit as part of the itinerary.

Can I Extend My Stay on the Desertas Islands?

No, the catamaran trip doesn’t allow visitors to extend their stay on the Desertas Islands. The trip is a full-day excursion with set activities and a return to Funchal by the end of the day.

The Sum Up

The Desertas Islands Full-Day Catamaran Trip from Funchal offers an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts. Guests can explore stunning landscapes, engage in activities like swimming and snorkeling, and learn about the islands’ unique ecosystems and conservation efforts. With a delicious lunch included, this excursion provides a perfect way to discover the natural wonders of this remote and protected area.

You can check availability for your dates here: