From Funchal: Wooden Boat Excursion to Desertas Island

The main attraction here is not a long island walk. It is the full-day Atlantic crossing to one of Madeira’s most remote outposts, with cliffs, open water, and a real chance of seeing dolphins or whales along the way. I like the wide-ranging boat route, which covers enough miles to make marine life sightings possible, and I like the simple lunch setup with Madeira wine, fruit, and a choice of drink. The catch is important: getting onto the island may require swimming, and the time on land can be much shorter than you expect.

I also like the quiet sense of distance. You leave Funchal’s marina behind and spend most of the day with the sea around you, rather than squeezing several crowded sights into a few rushed stops. Still, this is a boat day first and an island visit second. If you get seasick, cannot swim, or expect a substantial nature hike, this trip may not fit.

Key points to know before booking

• Most of the day is on the boat: The journey lasts 8.5 hours, and roughly 6.5 hours may be spent sailing.
• Wildlife sightings are possible, not guaranteed: Covering many miles improves your chances of seeing dolphins and whales.
• Island access can be wet: Recent operating conditions have meant swimming from the boat to reach the shore.
• The walk may be very short: The available path has been described as a roughly 200-meter loop with information plaques.
• Lunch and drinks are included: You receive a set lunch, one included drink, fruit, and a welcome glass of Madeira wine.
• The boat ride is the main event: Choose this for ocean scenery and a remote setting, not for a long guided visit ashore.

What the day is really about

The Desertas Islands sit southeast of Madeira in the Atlantic. The appeal is their isolation: you are heading toward a protected natural reserve rather than a developed resort island with cafés, shops, and a full menu of activities.

From Funchal, you meet at Pier 8, at the Bonita da Madeira kiosk in the middle of the marina. The advertised meeting point is easy to identify, but you will need to arrange your own way there. Private pickup and drop-off are not included, and parking costs extra if you drive.

The boat is a traditional-style wooden vessel, and the crossing takes up most of the day. That matters when you compare this trip with a shorter coastal cruise. You are not simply popping around the corner for a photo stop. You are spending hours at sea to reach a remote place, so the quality of the boat ride, the weather, and your comfort on open water will shape the whole experience.

I would think of it as a marine wildlife and scenery excursion with a swim stop, not as a standard sightseeing tour.

Leaving Funchal and watching the Atlantic

Once the boat leaves the marina, the city gradually gives way to open ocean. The long route is useful for wildlife spotting because the boat covers a large area. Dolphins and whales are possible, though no operator can promise a sighting. You should enjoy the crossing even if the water remains empty.

The scenery changes as you approach the Desertas. Expect steep coastal cliffs, bare rock, and a stark Atlantic setting. This is not the lush side of Madeira. The islands can look rugged and spare, with gravelly ground rather than the green slopes you may associate with the main island.

The ocean can also be rough. One of the most useful pieces of practical advice is to prepare for motion even on a fine day. The trip is specifically not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and it is a poor choice if you currently have a cold or feel uncomfortable on boats.

Sit where you can keep your eyes on the horizon if the crew allows it. Bring a jacket even in warm weather, since wind on the water can make the crossing feel cool. Sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing are not decoration here. You will use them.

Reaching the Desertas and the swim question

The description of the stop suggests time for walking, swimming, snorkeling, and a short guided visit. In practice, the exact way you reach shore deserves careful attention.

Recent conditions have meant that you may need to swim from the boat to the island. That is a major detail, especially for anyone expecting a normal dock or a dry landing. You may be able to return to the boat after swimming, but you should not count on stepping ashore in dry clothes for a long walk.

Bring a towel and waterproof shoes. A swimsuit is essential, and a dry change of clothes would be sensible even though it is not specifically listed among the required items. Large bags and oversized luggage are not allowed, so pack light and keep your belongings manageable.

The swim stop can be the best part of the day if you are comfortable in open water. It gives you a direct connection with the remote setting, rather than viewing the islands only from the deck. It can also be the least pleasant part if the wind rises, the sun disappears, or you have to sit around in wet swimwear afterward.

Non-swimmers should not book this experience. The same applies if you want a dry, easy landing with no uncertainty about shore access.

The island walk may take only a few minutes

The protected status of the Desertas gives the stop its value. You are seeing a place with limited development and distinctive natural surroundings, not a commercial attraction built around a long list of facilities.

But keep your expectations modest. The walk available on the island has been described as a short circular route of about 200 meters, marked by a few information plaques. That is closer to a quick orientation path than a full hike. The guided portion is advertised at around 20 minutes, yet the actual time and format may depend on conditions and how the landing is handled.

You may find that the practical visit consists of swimming to shore, looking around the small accessible area, and returning to the boat. On some departures, a proper dry walk or formal island guiding may not be possible. This is the biggest gap between the romantic idea of exploring a remote island and the experience you should realistically plan for.

I would not book this trip mainly for hiking. If the island path opens and you get a short guided explanation of the reserve, consider that a bonus. The sure thing is the boat ride, the approach to the cliffs, and the swim stop.

Lunch, Madeira wine, and what is included

The food arrangement is straightforward. You receive a welcome drink of Madeira wine, then a set lunch with one included drink per person. The listed choices are water, Coca-Cola, beer, or white or red wine. Fruit is also included, and a further drink is supposed to be available on the return journey.

The lunch is a pre-established option rather than a menu where you choose among several dishes. That keeps service simple on a moving boat, but it also means you should not expect a customized meal. Bring snacks, as advised, especially if you have dietary needs that are not covered by the set option.

There has been some inconsistency in how the drinks and fruit are provided. The safest approach is to treat the welcome wine and main meal drink as the reliable inclusions, then ask the crew about the return drink when you board. If fruit matters to you, confirm it at the start of the day.

The meal adds value to an 8.5-hour outing, but it does not transform the trip into a luxury cruise. At $106 per person, you are paying mainly for the lengthy boat journey, fuel, crew, access to a remote area, and the chance of seeing marine life. Lunch and drinks soften the cost, but they are not the main reason to choose it.

How the price measures up

At $106, this is a serious day-trip price. I think it can be fair if you enjoy being on the water and want a rare chance to sail toward the Desertas. The distance is the point. You are not paying for a short harbor cruise with a quick swim.

The value drops if you expect several hours on land. If your ideal day includes a clear trail, a dry landing, and a guided walk through the reserve, the price may feel high, particularly when the accessible island route can be only a few minutes long.

I would compare it with your own priorities:

• If you love traditional boats, open ocean, and wildlife watching, the cost may feel reasonable.
• If you mainly want to see the island itself, you should ask for the current landing arrangements before paying.
• If you dislike long crossings, the included meal will not make the day feel shorter.
• If you value a remote setting more than a packed schedule, the time at sea is part of the reward.

The overall experience has received a mixed score of 3.6 from 61 ratings. That fits the central issue: the boat day can be excellent, but the result depends heavily on sea conditions and what kind of landing is possible.

What to pack for a boat that may get wet

Pack for sun, wind, and spray. You need comfortable shoes, preferably waterproof shoes, plus swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cap or hat.

A jacket is important even if Funchal feels warm when you leave. The open Atlantic can feel much cooler, and wet clothing makes that worse. Snacks are also a good idea because lunch is a fixed option and the day is long.

Avoid large bags, oversized luggage, glass objects, and fishing equipment. Pets are not allowed, except for assistance dogs. Keep your phone and camera in a waterproof pouch, since swimming from the boat may be part of the stop.

There is no need to pack formal clothing. Wear things that dry quickly and let you move easily around a boat. Shoes with a secure sole are more useful than sandals that slide around.

Who will enjoy this Desertas outing

This trip suits you if you:

• Like long boat rides and want the crossing to be a major part of the day.
• Are comfortable swimming in the sea.
• Enjoy searching for dolphins and whales without a guaranteed sighting.
• Prefer remote, rugged scenery to developed attractions.
• Can handle changing weather and a moving deck.
• Are happy with a short walk rather than a full island hike.

It is less suitable if you:

• Get seasick easily.
• Cannot swim or do not want to enter the water.
• Need a dry landing and predictable shore access.
• Want a detailed guided tour of the island.
• Expect a large choice of lunch dishes.
• Prefer an activity with more time on land than at sea.

The English and Portuguese guide service helps with basic explanations and the day’s coordination, but do not expect a long lecture about every part of the reserve. The advertised guided section is short, and conditions may change what can be done.

Practical booking advice from Funchal

Allow the whole day. The stated duration is 8.5 hours, returning to the same Pier 8 meeting area at Av. do Mar. Since no private transport is included, build in time to reach the marina on your own.

Check the start time before booking, since departure times vary by availability. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps payment flexible. Those policies are useful when Atlantic weather may affect plans.

I would also ask one direct question before confirming: Will I be able to reach the island without swimming, and how much time will I have on land? The answer may depend on the day, but it tells you how closely the current operation matches your expectations.

The listed activities include walking, swimming, and snorkeling. Equipment details are not provided, so bring your own basic swim items and do not assume that specialized snorkeling gear will be available.

Should you book the wooden boat trip?

Book it if you want a full day at sea, a chance to spot marine life, and the unusual experience of reaching the Desertas from Madeira. The cliffs, open-water crossing, traditional wooden boat, lunch, and swim stop give the day a clear sense of adventure.

Skip it if your priority is a substantial island walk or a guaranteed dry landing. The short accessible path and possible swim-only arrival can leave you with far less time ashore than the name of the trip suggests.

My advice is simple: choose the ocean journey, not the island hike. Go with a jacket, towel, waterproof shoes, snacks, and realistic expectations. If the crew can provide a dry landing and calm conditions, you may get a memorable remote-island visit. If not, the day is still a long scenic cruise with lunch and swimming, but that is what you should be paying for in your mind.

FAQ

Where does the excursion start?

You meet at Av. do Mar, at Pier 8 in Funchal marina. The Bonita da Madeira kiosk is in the middle of the pier area.

How long does the experience last?

The full excursion lasts about 8.5 hours and returns to Av. do Mar in Funchal.

Which languages are available?

Live guiding is available in English and Portuguese.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A pre-established lunch option is included, along with one drink per person, fruit, and a listed additional drink on the return journey.

Which drinks can I choose with lunch?

The listed choices are water, Coca-Cola, beer, white wine, or red wine. A welcome glass of Madeira wine is also included.

Is swimming part of the trip?

Yes. A swimming stop is included. The Desertas stop may require you to swim from the boat to reach the island.

Can non-swimmers join?

No. The experience is not suitable for non-swimmers.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable and waterproof shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat or cap, snacks, a jacket, and comfortable clothing.

Are large bags allowed?

No. Oversized luggage, large bags, and glass objects are not allowed.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.