Catamaran Day Cruise to Desertas Islands from Funchal

Desertas from a catamaran feels like a front-row seat. From Funchal Marina, VMT Madeira Catamaran takes you toward a wildlife sanctuary, with live commentary so you understand what you’re seeing and why the islands matter.

I also like that the day builds in snorkeling gear and stand-up paddle time once you reach the virgin beach.

The main thing to plan around is wind, which can make the ride chilly and can affect shore time if conditions turn rough.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Wildlife in the wild: you may spot dolphins and other marine life en route, plus seabirds close to the islands
• Virgin beach time: disembark for swimming and simple land moments on a less visited coast
• Snorkeling and stand-up paddle included: you get equipment on board and options once ashore
• Madeiran buffet lunch on board: a full meal keeps the day easy when you are out at sea
• Up to 70 people: big enough for an easy vibe, not so huge that you feel lost
• Wind can change the plan: if seas are too rough, the route may shift to still look for wildlife

Why This Desertas Catamaran Day Feels Like Real Madeira

This is one of those Madeira trips where the “wow” comes from being on the water, not from standing still. You start out from Funchal Marina and head toward the Desertas, a group of islands with a strong conservation reputation, where you are meant to observe wildlife in its natural setting.

What I like most is the way the cruise turns into an education at sea. The live onboard commentary helps you connect the dots between what you see, what lives there, and why the islands are treated as a sanctuary rather than a sightseeing playground. You end up paying attention, even when the coast turns into a distant line on the horizon.

The second big win is the hands-on time. This is not just a “look from the deck” outing. You get the chance to snorkel and to try stand-up paddle, which makes the trip feel active and personal, even if you are not a big “boat person.”

Leaving Funchal Marina: Your 9-Hour Rhythm

The day starts at 9:00 am with the meeting point at Praça do Povo, Av. Do Mar 4, São Martinho (9000-900 Funchal). It ends back at the same meeting point, so you are not dealing with mystery transfers or late-night logistics.

Plan to keep your morning simple. Since there is no hotel pickup, you will want to arrive early enough to get oriented near public transport and to settle in before boarding. A mobile ticket is part of the experience, so have it ready on your phone.

The big timing thing to remember is that a full-day cruise at sea is driven by the ocean. Even when the trip runs close to its schedule, you are living on “real time” at sea, not on a classroom timetable. That matters later when you think about how long you will have ashore for swimming or activities.

On the Water: Wildlife Watching Plus the Wind Factor

This cruise is built around time at sea looking for wildlife and enjoying the islands from a catamaran viewpoint. When things go well, the water view alone is a reason to go. But the better reason is that the islands and surrounding waters attract marine life and seabirds.

In some departures, sightings have included a small pod of orcas en route, along with dolphins and seabirds. Other days can focus more on general marine life and bird activity as you approach the islands. Either way, the commentary helps you spot what matters, not just what happens to be visible for a few seconds.

Now, the practical catch: the ride can be windy and cold. More than one traveler-style account points out that you should dress for the sea, not for the sunny Madeira coastline you might see from shore. Even if Funchal feels warm in the morning, bring a layer that blocks wind and a willingness to keep some warmth on board.

Reaching the Desertas: Disembarking to a Virgin Beach

The plan is to reach the Desertas island group after leaving the marina and head out toward the horizon. Despite the name, these islands are not empty. They have wildlife, both marine and land animals, and that is part of what makes the visit feel special.

The payoff is virgin beach time. You disembark from the catamaran onto the beach and get a chance to enjoy the place beyond photos. This is where the trip becomes more than a cruise, because you can actually walk, stand in the sand, and do activities.

That said, I would set expectations carefully about how long you will be on shore and what “land time” looks like. Some people describe the shore portion as shorter than a casual read of the day might suggest, and the walk element as brief rather than a hike. The tradeoff is that you are not being rushed through a big loop. You are there long enough to do the core beach plan, plus whatever the captain and conditions allow.

Also, seasonal animals can be hit-or-miss. One account mentions that the best time for certain seal sightings might not line up with the month of travel, so you should not book the trip assuming you will definitely see a specific animal species.

Snorkeling and Stand-Up Paddle: Included, but Go Ready

One of the best value elements here is that snorkeling and stand-up paddle are part of the included package. You get snorkeling equipment use on board, and you are set up to try paddleboarding once you are at the beach area.

Snorkeling is often what people want most, and it can deliver exactly that close-up underwater look. The key is to treat it like a real sea activity, not a “quick dip.” Even if you feel confident in the water, you will still want to be comfortable getting in and out based on where the boat can safely operate.

Stand-up paddle is a great “something for everyone” activity because it mixes calm water time with active balance practice. You will not need to be an athlete, but you should be ready to fall a couple of times and laugh it off if it happens. That’s the deal with paddleboards anywhere, and the Desertas day is no exception.

One more practical point from experience-based commentary: there may be reasons you do not get a long swim time right at the island edge. One account notes that swimming conditions at the shoreline can be restricted due to wildlife presence. In those cases, you might still have opportunities for water time on the boat, so check in with the crew on where the safest and allowed swimming happens that day.

The Madeiran Buffet Lunch: Good Fuel for a Long Sea Day

A delicious Madeiran buffet lunch is served on board, and that matters because a full day at sea runs long. Lunch is one of the reasons this tour feels less stressful than trying to piece together meals while managing transport and timing on your own.

In terms of quality, the buffet has been described as tasty and a good match for the day. That means you can focus on the scenery and activities without hunting for food or worrying about whether you got something decent before heading out.

Timing can get slightly messy on days with shifting schedules. One account describes the lunch being delayed due to a later return, which meant people were still eating when they were trying to get to desserts or sweets. If you are the type who gets bothered when food service is not perfectly punctual, keep that in mind. It is still worth it because you are on the water all day, and ocean timing is the boss.

How Families and Different Fitness Levels Can Plan This Day

This trip states a moderate physical fitness level is needed. That makes sense: you are on and off a catamaran, dealing with steps or movement around the boat, and spending time in open air at sea.

It is also explicitly family-friendly, with the only hard rule being that children must be accompanied by an adult. So this can work well for families who want a day that is not just a walking tour, but a nature-focused outing with water activities.

If you are traveling with kids, build your day around the included activities. Snorkeling gear use and stand-up paddle options make it easier to keep everyone engaged. Bring the same practical mindset you would use on any boat day: layers, patience, and a willingness to let the ocean set the pace.

If your plan is mostly about animal sightings, remember that wildlife is wild. Some days you get more dramatic moments, like cetaceans closer than expected. Other days the best experience might be the scenery and the feeling of being in a protected area rather than a guaranteed big sighting.

The Wind-Driven Reality Check (What to Expect When Conditions Change)

This is the part I want you to think about before you buy any day at sea. The tour depends on good weather, and the ocean can force route changes.

One account describes a departure where the boat could not visit the Desertas due to winds. Instead, the crew initially sailed south from Funchal to observe cetaceans and seabirds, which helped turn the disappointment into a still-excellent day. Another account points out that the actual time on Desertas can be shorter than what you might assume, and that the ride back can be windy and cold.

So how do you protect your enjoyment? Start with the right mindset:

• You are paying for a Desertas-focused marine day, not a guarantee of a specific animal or a specific amount of beach time.
• You are going for snorkeling and paddleboarding opportunities, but you should be comfortable that rougher conditions can shift what gets offered.
• You should dress for wind and sea spray, even if the island views look calm in your head.

If you go in expecting some flexibility, the day becomes far more satisfying.

Price and Value: What $108.37 Buys You

At about $108.37 per person, this trip is not a budget experiment. But it is also not an expensive “pay for nothing” cruise. The value comes from how many things you do without paying extra for each component.

You get:

• A full-day catamaran outing on the water
• Live commentary included
• Snorkeling equipment use included
• Stand-up paddle included
• A Madeiran buffet lunch on board
• A small-to-mid sized group cap (up to 70)

When you add those together, you are essentially bundling transportation, food, and two water activities into one price. If you were to hire snorkeling and paddle time separately after arriving in Madeira, you would likely spend similar money anyway.

Is it worth it? For the right person, yes. If your top priority is being active in the water with guidance and context, this price can feel fair. If you hate boats, dislike cold wind, or need a fixed, predictable schedule with zero variability, it might feel expensive for the uncertainty of sea conditions.

Practical Logistics: Meeting Point, Tickets, and the Flow of the Day

You meet at Praça do Povo, Av. Do Mar 4, São Martinho, 9000-900 Funchal. Start time is 9:00 am, and the cruise returns you back to that same meeting point.

Because there is no hotel pickup, plan your route to the marina area using public transportation if needed. The meeting point is described as near public transport, which helps.

Bring your mobile ticket, because the experience uses a mobile format. Confirmation is provided at booking time unless you book close to departure, in which case it is confirmed within 48 hours subject to availability.

One more planning note: there is a maximum group size of 70 travelers, so you are not choosing between a private boat and mass tourism, you are choosing between smaller crowd management and the normal bustle of a popular full-day excursion.

Should You Book This Desertas Catamaran Cruise?

If you want a nature day that goes beyond photos, I think this is a strong choice. The combination of wildlife watching at sea, included snorkeling gear, and stand-up paddle plus lunch is exactly the kind of packed value that makes a day feel complete. The live commentary is a real bonus because it helps you enjoy the time instead of just looking.

Book it if:

• You are comfortable with some wind and possible chill on the water
• You want hands-on time at a protected island area
• You like the idea of seeing marine life, even though sightings can vary by season and sea conditions
• You are traveling as a family and want built-in activities

Skip it or choose something else if:

• You need a guaranteed, long beach stay with predictable timing
• You are sensitive to cold, or you get seasick easily
• You want a hiking-heavy day, since the land time is more about beach moments than long trails

My bottom-line advice: dress like the sea will be in charge, go for the snorkeling and the wildlife atmosphere, and treat route changes as part of the adventure rather than a failure. That mindset turns this into the kind of Madeira day you remember for a long time.

FAQ

What time does the catamaran cruise depart from Funchal?

The tour starts at 9:00 am.

Where do I meet the tour in Funchal?

You meet at Praça do Povo, Av. Do Mar 4, São Martinho, 9000-900 Funchal, Portugal.

How long is the Desertas Islands day cruise?

The duration is about 9 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What activities are included once we reach the islands?

Snorkeling equipment use is included, and stand-up paddle is included.

Is live commentary provided on board?

Yes. Live commentary is included on board, and the tour is offered in English.

Are children allowed on this cruise?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What fitness level do I need?

The tour requires a moderate physical fitness level.

Is there a group size limit?

Yes. The maximum number of travelers is 70.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.