Desertas Islands Boat Trip from Madeira: Prices, Sea Conditions and What to Expect

A Desertas Islands boat trip from Madeira is one of the island’s most memorable sea days, but it is a long open-ocean excursion rather than a simple beach cruise. The reward is a dramatic protected archipelago of volcanic cliffs, clear water and rare wildlife, including the Mediterranean monk seal. In this updated guide: compare catamaran, private sailing and wildlife-led formats; understand sea conditions and landing rules; and decide whether the trip is suitable for children, swimming and anyone prone to seasickness.

Why visit the Desertas Islands?

The Desertas are three stark, uninhabited islands south-east of Madeira: Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande and Bugio. They form the Desertas Islands Nature Reserve, a strictly protected area valued for seabirds, marine habitats and one of the Atlantic’s important refuges for the Mediterranean monk seal. The scenery is strikingly different from Madeira’s greener coast: think dry ochre slopes, sheer dark cliffs and an uninterrupted Atlantic horizon.

This is not an island-hopping trip with cafés, beaches and independent exploring. It is a nature-focused day at sea. Boats normally approach the reserve carefully, spend time in the sheltered Baía da Doca area on Deserta Grande when conditions allow, and may offer time for swimming or snorkelling from the vessel.

Wildlife is a genuine possibility, not a promise. Dolphins and other cetaceans can appear during the crossing, while monk seals are elusive and must never be approached or disturbed. Book the trip for the reserve, the landscape and the experience of being offshore; regard a seal sighting as a special bonus. For a broader introduction to the animals visitors may encounter offshore, read our guide to whale and dolphin species around Madeira.

Choosing the right Desertas boat trip

Large catamaran day trips are the most practical choice for most visitors. They usually leave from Funchal Marina, have toilets, shaded seating, space to move around and a calmer feel than a small rigid-hull boat. They are especially suitable for families with confident sea travellers, couples and first-time visitors who want lunch and swimming included in one organised day.

Private sailing charters are better for small groups who want a quieter and more flexible experience. Some depart from Marina da Quinta do Lorde, near Caniçal, which is geographically closer to the Desertas than Funchal. A private charter can mean more personal attention and fewer people aboard, but it remains a full day on the water and costs considerably more than a shared boat.

Wildlife-focused or expedition-style trips place more emphasis on interpretation, seabirds, conservation and respectful viewing of the reserve than on entertainment. Ask whether there will be commentary in English, whether the crew works with reserve procedures, and whether swimming is planned or dependent on the day’s conditions.

A useful booking question is simply: “Will we land at Baía da Doca, or remain on board?” Do not assume every Desertas itinerary includes the same activities. Landing, swimming time and route can all change with wind, swell, reserve guidance and the skipper’s safety assessment.

VMT Madeira’s published shared-catamaran fare and itinerary include lunch, water activities and a 09:00–18:00 timetable in its operating season. Availability is seasonal, so visitors travelling outside May to October should check directly with the operator before planning around this excursion.

Sea conditions, crossing time and seasickness

The route to the Desertas is exposed to the Atlantic. Even on a bright Madeira day, the sea can be choppy once the boat clears the shelter of the south coast. Catamarans are generally more stable than speedboats, but they do not eliminate motion. The outward journey can feel fresh and exciting; the return can feel longer, windier and cooler, particularly after swimming.

If you are prone to seasickness, take your usual preventative medication before departure, following the product instructions or advice from a pharmacist. Do not wait until you feel unwell. Choose an outdoor seat near the middle or rear of the boat, look towards the horizon, sip water and avoid a heavy breakfast or too much alcohol the night before.

Trips may be cancelled, shortened or rerouted when the skipper considers conditions unsuitable. This is normal and should be viewed as good seamanship, not poor service. Confirm the operator’s weather cancellation and refund policy before paying.

Landing rules, monk seals and respectful wildlife watching

The reserve’s protection is the reason the Desertas remain so special. The Madeira forestry and nature authority states that access is by private or maritime-tourism vessel with authorisation, and identifies Baía da Doca as the authorised anchorage. The official visitor information also describes guided interpretive visits on Deserta Grande with a nature warden, but access and activities remain controlled.

In practical terms, do not expect to wander independently across the islands or hike to their summits. If your trip lands, follow the crew and reserve staff, stay on the permitted route and take every item back to the boat. Pets, litter, loud activity and interference with plants or animals are prohibited within the reserve.

Monk seals rest in remote coves and caves, so the best encounter is always a distant, quiet one. Never request that a skipper gets closer for photographs, and never enter the water near a seal. The reserve exists because Madeira’s monk-seal population came close to disappearing in the late twentieth century and remains under continuous monitoring.

Food, swimming stops and taking children

On a standard full-day catamaran trip, expect lunch to be served on board rather than ashore. VMT Madeira lists a Madeiran buffet meal and one drink, with further drinks available from the bar. Bring extra water, especially in summer, as the dry islands reflect heat and shade may be limited on deck.

Swimming is usually from the boat at anchor, not from a developed beach with lifeguards or changing rooms. Conditions can be wonderfully clear, but access involves a ladder and may not suit weak swimmers, very young children or anyone uneasy in deep water. Snorkelling is optional: you can simply enjoy the reserve from the deck.

Children who are comfortable on boats can enjoy the trip, particularly on a larger catamaran with toilets and shade. However, a nine-hour itinerary is a long day. It is best for school-age children who cope well with sun, wind, waiting and the possibility of a rough crossing. For younger children, consider a shorter coastal cruise or one of Madeira’s easier sea-bathing complexes first; our Madeira lidos guide can help you choose one.

• Book early in the season: shared Desertas departures are limited, rather than running every day.
• Arrive ahead of check-in: VMT Madeira asks passengers to check in 30 minutes before departure.
• Pack a windproof layer: it can feel much cooler offshore than in central Funchal.
• Use reef-safe sun protection: bring a hat, sunglasses and more water than you think you need.
• Wear shoes you can manage on a moving deck: flip-flops are fine for relaxing, but secure sandals are easier for boarding and ladders.
• Keep expectations realistic: sea conditions, swimming and wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Preguntas frecuentes

How much is a Desertas Islands boat trip from Madeira?
For the 2026 VMT Madeira shared catamaran listing, the published price is €90 per adult and €50 per child up to 12, with babies up to four travelling free. Private sailing and yacht charters are priced separately by boat rather than per passenger.

Can you walk around the Desertas Islands?
No, not freely. The islands are a protected nature reserve and access is controlled. Some authorised tours may include a guided landing at Baía da Doca on Deserta Grande, but this depends on the itinerary, permissions and sea conditions.

Will I see monk seals on a Desertas trip?
You may, but there is no guarantee. The monk seal is the reserve’s emblematic species, yet it is rare, shy and protected. A responsible trip observes any sighting from a respectful distance.

Is the Desertas boat trip suitable for children?
It can be, especially on a spacious catamaran, but it is best for children who are happy with a long day at sea. Consider their tolerance for motion, sun exposure, wind and deep-water swimming before booking.

Facts and prices verified in November 2026. Seasonal schedules, weather decisions and reserve access can change, so always reconfirm with your operator before booking. For more responsible coastal experiences, see our guide to Madeira’s marine protected areas, our overview of marine reserves visitors can explore, y nuestro Beaches & Sea category.