From Funchal: Guided Tour to Desertas Islands

Exploring the Desertas Islands via a boat tour from Funchal sounds like a fantastic way to experience Madeira’s rugged coastline and untouched landscapes. But does this popular excursion deliver on its promises? With experiences ranging from wildlife watching to snorkeling, it’s an adventure many travelers consider.

We love the idea of cruising along Madeira’s coast, capturing stunning scenery, and seeing rare species like monk seals in their natural habitat. The chance to snorkel in crystal-clear waters and spot dolphins or whales is especially appealing. However, some reviews suggest that organization and communication could be better, which might impact your overall enjoyment.

This tour tends to appeal to those who love nature and scenic boat trips, especially if wildlife and photography are high on your list. But if you’re looking for a perfectly smooth, reliably organized experience, it’s worth weighing the mixed feedback before booking. Now, let’s look at what you can expect, the pros and cons, and whether this adventure matches your Madeira bucket list.

Key Points

• Stunning Scenery: The coastline and untouched landscapes are a major highlight, perfect for photos.
• Wildlife Opportunities: You may see dolphins, whales, seabirds, and even rare monk seals.
• Snorkeling & Swimming: Crystal waters in Doca Bay make for refreshing swimming and diving experiences.
• Meal & Comfort: A hot meal on board adds value, though reviews mention variations in quality.
• Organizational Variability: Reviews point to inconsistent pickup and communication issues.
• Weather Dependence: Like many outdoor tours, weather can cause cancellations or schedule changes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Guided Tour to Desertas Islands

This day trip from Funchal promises a mix of scenic cruising, wildlife spotting, and light adventure. It’s organized by Destination Travel Solutions, with English and German-speaking guides, and typically includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal, Caniço, and Estreito.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start with Pickup and Departure:
You’ll be collected from your hotel or a nearby meeting point. Be sure to confirm your pickup details, as reviews mention some confusion or delays, including instances where travelers waited over an hour without pickup. The tour begins with a boat ride along Madeira’s coast, offering a chance to enjoy the views of cliffs, coves, and rugged terrain.

Cruising to the Desertas Islands:
The trip covers about 15 miles southeast to the Desertas group – a trio of uninhabited islands protected as a Natural Reserve. The boat’s route offers ample opportunities for photography, with many travelers noting the “stunning coastline” and “beautiful landscapes.” Expect to see seabirds soaring overhead and, depending on the day, dolphins or whales swimming nearby.

Doca Bay Stop:
Anchor in the calm, crystal-clear waters of Doca Bay, a highlight for many. Here, you can swim, snorkel, or simply relax on deck while soaking up the scenery. The water’s clarity is often praised, making it ideal for underwater photography and spotting marine life.

Guided Land Tour:
Some trips include an onshore guided tour. Guides typically share insights into the islands’ ecology and conservation efforts, especially regarding the monk seals and seabirds. Be aware that one reviewer described their experience as “not going to the islands due to weather,” which points to the unpredictability of outdoor trips.

Lunch & Wildlife Watching:
A hot meal is provided on board, generally featuring simple fare like chicken. While some might find the meal basic, it adds a nice touch to the day. The tour also offers wildlife viewing opportunities—dolphins, whales, and seabirds are commonly spotted, although sightings are never guaranteed.

Return Journey:
Most trips conclude back in Funchal in the early afternoon. Some reviews mention a lack of organization post-trip, such as unclear return arrangements or delays, so it pays to confirm the schedule and transportation details ahead.

The Realities Behind the Reviews

While the tour’s scenic potential is undeniable, recent feedback raises some questions. One traveler, Wolfgang, recounted being “not picked up” and then experiencing a cancellation—despite the weather being “excellent.” This highlights a common issue with weather-dependent outdoor tours, though it’s frustrating when communication is not clear.

Another reviewer expressed disappointment about the cancellation due to weather, only discovering the change at the port, and was offered an alternative trip that they felt was “nothing special.” The inconsistency in experiences suggests the tour may sometimes fall short of expectations, especially if logistical hiccups or weather issues arise.

A third traveler detailed a failure to be picked up at their hotel after multiple inquiries, leading to a full refund and disappointment about missing out on what was meant to be their final trip to Madeira. These stories underline the importance of confirming arrangements and being flexible.

The Pros

• Beautiful coastline and landscapes provide plenty of photo opportunities.
• Wildlife sightings, including dolphins, whales, and seabirds, make the trip exciting.
• Snorkeling in Doca Bay offers a refreshing break and a chance to see marine life up close.
• Onboard lunch adds value, especially for a full-day activity.

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The Cons

• Variable organization and communication issues, as noted by multiple reviews.
• Weather cancellations can disrupt plans, sometimes unexpectedly.
• Inconsistent quality of the onboard experience, including food and guides.
• Limited guarantees of wildlife sightings or land visits, depending on conditions.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At $141 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest option around. The value hinges on what’s most important to you. If stunning scenery, wildlife encounters, and snorkeling are your priorities, it may still appeal despite the mixed reviews.

However, given the reports of logistical hiccups and cancellations, some travelers might find better value by choosing trips with more reliable reviews or by booking directly with providers with proven track records. Remember that weather plays a significant role in outdoor excursions, and flexible plans or partial refunds are worth considering.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

Nature lovers and photographers will appreciate the chance to capture Madeira’s rugged coast and seabird colonies.
Wildlife enthusiasts keen on spotting dolphins or whales will find the trip appealing, especially if they’re okay with some unpredictability.
Snorkelers and swimmers will enjoy the calm Doca Bay, provided the weather cooperates.

On the other hand, travelers seeking a perfectly organized, no-hassle experience might want to explore other options or confirm details multiple times before committing.

Practical Tips for Booking & Participation

• Confirm your pickup details well in advance—some reviews mention receiving last-minute or unclear instructions.
• Dress in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, and don’t forget sun protection.
• Bring your camera, waterproof gear if snorkeling, and extra water.
• Be prepared for possible cancellations or delays, especially if weather is unpredictable.
• Consider travel insurance or flexible booking policies since weather can impact the trip.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are generally included in Funchal, Caniço, and Estreito, but confirm your location and pickup time to avoid issues.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, and water. Pack light but be prepared for outdoor activities.

Can I snorkel during the tour?
Yes, you have the opportunity to swim and snorkel at Doca Bay, thanks to its clear waters.

How reliable is the wildlife viewing?
Wildlife sightings like dolphins and whales are possible but not guaranteed—nature is unpredictable.

What if the weather is bad?
Weather can lead to cancellations, and one review noted a cancellation despite excellent weather. Confirm cancellation policies before booking.

Are there meals included?
Yes, a hot meal is typically served on board, though some might find it basic, such as chicken.

What language do guides speak?
Guides are available in English and German.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if plans change.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the tour’s outdoor and wildlife focus makes it suitable for families attentive to weather conditions and logistics.

Final Thoughts

For those eager to see Madeira’s pristine coastline and enjoy a day on the water, this tour offers undeniable scenery, wildlife opportunities, and a chance to snorkel in beautiful waters. However, recent reviews call attention to some organizational inconsistencies and the weather’s impact on scheduling.

If you value scenic beauty and wildlife, and are adaptable to possible changes, this trip could be a memorable highlight of your Madeira visit. Just be prepared for the unpredictability and confirm all details beforehand. For travelers who prioritize seamless arrangements and guaranteed experiences, exploring other options or reading recent reviews carefully might be the way to go.

In the end, this tour can deliver unforgettable views and wildlife encounters—if you’re flexible, patient, and prepared for the occasional hiccup. It’s a chance to see a lesser-known side of Madeira’s stunning natural environment, but do go in with realistic expectations.

Remember: Always double-check the latest reviews and policies before booking, and enjoy your adventure along Madeira’s wild coasts.

You can check availability for your dates here: