Catamaran Day Cruise to Desertas Islands from Funchal

Exploring Madeira’s Desertas Islands by Catamaran: A Practical, Authentic Adventure

Taking a boat trip to the Desertas Islands from Funchal is a popular way to enjoy Madeira’s stunning natural beauty from the water. This full-day catamaran cruise offers a mix of sightseeing, wildlife encounters, and outdoor fun, making it an appealing choice for travelers wanting more than just land-based tours. Whether you’re after scenic views, underwater exploration, or just a relaxing day at sea, this experience aims to deliver.

One feature that stands out is the opportunity to see native wildlife and marine life in their natural habitat—often a highlight for nature enthusiasts. Plus, the inclusion of snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboarding allows for some active engagement with the surroundings. However, a notable consideration is the weather-dependent nature of the trip—windy conditions may alter the planned route, impacting what sightings or activities you get to enjoy.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy outdoor maritime adventures and are comfortable with a group setting on a boat. It’s ideal if you’re keen on wildlife spotting, swimming, or simply soaking in spectacular ocean vistas. Families and solo travelers alike will find this cruise offers a blend of relaxation and active options, making it a versatile choice.

Key Points

• Duration & Flexibility: About 9 hours, with some variability depending on weather conditions.
• Wildlife & Marine Life: Regular sightings of seabirds, dolphins, and possibly whales, depending on the day.
• Activities Included: Snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, sunbathing.
• Food & Beverage: A fresh fish buffet lunch onboard, with some beverages included.
• Group Size & Comfort: Up to 70 travelers, with knowledgeable guides providing live commentary.
• Weather Sensitivity: Routes and sightings may change due to wind or sea conditions.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Departure

Your adventure begins at the Funchal Marina, a lively hub of activity where boats depart promptly at 9:00 am. The meeting point at Praça do Povo is accessible and near public transportation, which makes it convenient to reach. Once aboard your catamaran, the crew welcomes you with friendly professionalism, ready to share insights about the islands and their unique environment.

The Journey Out to Sea

The cruise kicks off with a scenic ride across the water, heading toward the group of three islands known collectively as the Desertas. Interestingly, despite their name, these islands are inhabited by various marine and land animals, making disembarking worthwhile. Reviewers mention that the boat ride can be quite windy, which might cause some discomfort but also contributes to the adventure vibe.

A reviewer noted that due to winds, the boat couldn’t always land on the islands, but the crew compensated by sailing south and enabling passengers to observe dolphins and seabirds instead. This flexibility in route seems to be a common theme, with many appreciating the opportunity to see cetaceans and seabirds up close—a real perk for animal lovers.

The Islands and Activities

Once at the Desertas Islands, you’ll have approximately three hours to enjoy activities like hiking, swimming, or sunbathing. While some guests, like one reviewer, felt the hiking was a small trail, others loved the chance to stand on Virgin beaches and take in the untouched beauty. The actual time spent on the islands might vary, especially if the weather affects the landing.

The water around the islands is crystal clear, drawing snorkelers eager to explore underwater. The tour provides snorkeling equipment—an aspect that many guests found enjoyable, giving a close-up look at marine life. Plus, some guests took advantage of stand-up paddleboarding, which adds a fun, active element to the day.

Food and Refreshments

Onboard, you’ll be treated to a Madeiran fish buffet lunch. Several reviews praise the quality and freshness of the meal, describing it as “delicious” and a highlight of the trip. Beverages are included, so you can sip on a cool drink while soaking up the sun or relaxing after a swim. The food offers good value, especially considering the length of the trip and the variety of activities.

The Return Journey

As the day winds down, the boat heads back to Funchal, with many guests reflecting on the overall experience. One reviewer appreciated the crew’s knowledgeable commentary and friendly attitude, which enhanced the experience. The group size can be up to 70 travelers, but the crew manages the atmosphere well, ensuring everyone gets attention and information.

An Honest Look at the Downsides

While the trip is generally well-received, some guests point out limitations. Notably, the duration on the islands itself is shorter than the advertised three hours, with some reviews mentioning that the time was cut due to weather or wind conditions. One reviewer noted that the ride back can be quite windy, which might lead to some discomfort.

Plus, some visitors felt that the route and activities might not match everyone’s expectations—if you’re hoping for a longer hike or more extensive wildlife sightings, you might find the experience a bit limited.

Lastly, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point. This isn’t a major issue, but it’s worth considering when planning your day.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Considering the price of approximately $106 for a full day, including lunch, snorkeling, and wildlife encounters, this tour offers good value for those interested in seeing Madeira from the water. The chance to observe dolphins, seabirds, and maybe even whales in their natural environment is a significant bonus. The friendly guides’ live commentary adds educational value, making it not just a boat ride but an informative experience.

However, if you’re seeking an extensive land-based exploration or a more secluded, less windy trip, this might not be your best fit. The experience is also weather-dependent, so flexible travelers will appreciate the crew’s adaptability.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for nature lovers, families, and those interested in marine wildlife. It’s also suitable for travelers who want a relaxing day on the water with some light activity—swimming, snorkeling, or paddleboarding. The tour’s moderate physical fitness requirement makes it accessible to most, but those with mobility issues should confirm the landing conditions beforehand.

If you’re after a well-rounded, memorable day with good food, friendly guides, and a chance to see dolphins or seabirds, this cruise delivers. It’s particularly appealing for travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures and want to experience Madeira’s natural beauty from the sea.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Book in advance (about 28 days on average) as the tour can fill up quickly.
• Arrive early at the meeting point to avoid missing the departure.
• Bring sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses—especially since the boat is open.
• If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking preventative medication, as the ride can be windy.
• Pack a light towel and swimwear for swimming or sunbathing.
• Confirm any dietary requirements at booking, especially if you have specific food preferences.
• Remember that hotel transfers are not included, so plan your transport accordingly if you’re staying outside Funchal.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
No, this tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to make your way to the meeting point at Praça do Povo in Funchal.

What time does the tour start?
The cruise departs at 9:00 am from Funchal Marina, so arriving a little before that is recommended.

How long do we spend on the islands?
Guests typically get about three hours on the Desertas Islands, but this can vary due to weather conditions. Some reviews mention shorter times due to wind or sea conditions.

Can I do water activities like snorkeling and paddleboarding?
Yes, snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards are provided, and many guests enjoy spending time in the water.

What is included in the price?
The ticket includes a 9-hour cruise, live commentary, snorkeling gear, stand-up paddleboarding, and a fish buffet lunch with some beverages.

Is the route flexible?
Yes, the crew can adapt the route based on weather. For example, if the weather is too windy to land, they may sail south and focus on wildlife sightings instead.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome when accompanied by an adult. The level of physical activity and boat ride should be considered based on the child’s comfort with water and movement.

In sum, this catamaran cruise offers a scenic, wildlife-rich day on Madeira’s waters, blending relaxation with light adventure. It’s best suited for those who appreciate good food, natural beauty, and a bit of sea breeze—an authentic way to see the Desertas Islands and beyond.