From Funchal: Wooden Boat Excursion to Desertas Island

Desertas by boat means Atlantic life on deck. This 8.5-hour wooden-boat trip from Funchal pairs marine life watching with lunch and Madeira Wine, and the day is built for people who like time on the water. The main drawback to plan for is that time on land can be limited, and depending on conditions you may need to deal with a wet, not-so-dry shore situation.

I like that you get a live guide in English and Portuguese, plus a short guided nature visit, then you choose how active you want to be. There is also a swim stop at the Desertas, and you can bring snorkeling gear if you want to make the water time count.

Price is $106 per person, so it is not a budget impulse buy. Still, the trip includes welcome wine, lunch with drinks, taxes and fees, and the whole point is the boat miles, not a long bus-and-museum day.

Key Things You’ll Notice on This Desertas Boat Day

• Marine-life focus on open water: You cover lots of miles, so sightings are a real possibility.
• Short guided island time: Expect a brief orientation and then time to walk or swim on your own.
• Swim stop matters: The water break is part of the core experience, not an optional add-on.
• Lunch plus drinks included: You get Madeira Wine at the start and a lunch drink, then another drink on return.
• Pack for getting wet: Bring a towel and swim-ready shoes, because you may not step onto a perfectly dry dock every time.
• Seasickness is the deal-breaker: This is not a good fit if you get motion sick.

A Wooden-Boat Day to the Desertas Islands From Funchal

This is a Madeira day that feels like it was designed for people who enjoy the Atlantic, not just people who want an island photo. You start at the marina area in Funchal, then spend most of your time out on the water heading toward the protected Desertas area.

The vibe is simple. Sail. Look for wildlife. Eat. Swim. Then sail back. If you like steady motion and the sense of being out where the ocean does the talking, you will probably have a great time.

If you prefer lots of strolling on solid ground, keep your expectations realistic. The island portion is not a long hiking day. It is more like a short nature circuit and a chance to enjoy the setting, with the water time doing most of the heavy lifting.

Price and Value: What $106 Buys You (and What It Does Not)

At $106 per person, you are paying for a full day on a boat plus included food and drink, not just a short sightseeing loop. The trip includes welcome Madeira Wine, lunch, taxes and fees, and one drink with lunch plus another drink on the return.

That matters because you would otherwise pay separately for lunch, drinks, and a big-ticket boat portion. The trade-off is that a chunk of your day is on the water, and the island time is comparatively brief.

What is not included is also worth knowing up front. There is no private transport pick-up or drop-off, and car parking is not included. So your real cost is partly how you get yourself to the meeting point.

Where You Meet: Pier 8 and Bonita da Madeira Kiosk

You will meet at the marina at pier 8. When you get there, look for a kiosk in the middle called Bonita da Madeira, which is the one used for this excursion.

This is one of those details that can make or break your morning. If you are arriving by taxi or on foot, give yourself extra time to find the kiosk and settle in before boarding.

Sailing Out: The Boat Miles and Your Marine-Life Odds

The most attractive part of this day is the open-ocean sailing. Because you cover a lot of distance, the odds of marine life sightings are better than on shorter hops.

What you might see depends on the day and the sea conditions, but the general expectation is wildlife spotting, including things like dolphins. The bigger takeaway is not to promise yourself a perfect whale sighting. The point is that the trip is structured around giving you time and miles for those chances.

Also, this is where your comfort planning counts. You should consider yourself warned if you get seasick easily. A sailing day where you spend roughly most of the time on the boat can feel fine on a calm day and tough on a choppy one.

If you are one of those people who gets nauseous fast, it is worth taking that seriously. For this type of excursion, motion can be the difference between a perfect day and a miserable one.

The Short Guided Stop on the Desertas: Walk Time Without the Long Trek

Once you reach the Desertas area, you get a guided portion that is brief, around 20 minutes. Then you have free time to walk and enjoy the natural reserve environment at your own pace.

In practice, that guided time is meant to help you get oriented quickly. You will find a short loop walking option and informational stops along the way, so you can learn a bit without needing a full hike schedule.

It is also where the day can differ from person to person. The plan centers on disembarking and walking, but there are cases where conditions make getting to shore tricky. In that scenario, you may end up needing to reach the island access by swimming, and you might find that the shore experience is not as dry and comfortable as you pictured from a brochure-style description.

That is why I recommend preparing like you might get wet even if your plan says walk and relax. Pack your towel. Use shoes meant for splashy ground. And avoid thinking this will feel like a tidy dock-to-trail start every single time.

Lunch, Madeira Wine, and the Drinks That Keep the Day Rolling

One of the best ways to judge value on a boat trip is food. Here, lunch and drinks are part of the deal, not a sad snack-on-your-own situation.

You get a welcome drink of Madeira Wine right at the start. During lunch, you get fruit and a free drink per person, with options listed as water, Coca Cola, beer, or white or red wine. Then you get another free drink on the return.

The lunch itself is described as an established option, meaning it is not a build-your-own menu. That can be fine, as long as you show up hungry and ready to eat what is offered.

I also like that the drinks structure keeps things straightforward on a shared boat day. You do not have to negotiate for a late afternoon refill, and it helps you stay focused on the real draw, which is the sea and the islands.

Swim Stop and Snorkeling Time: How to Make the Water Break Work

A swim stop is included when you reach the Desertas. The day is built around the idea that you will actually get in the water, not just watch from above.

You can bring swimwear, a towel, and comfortable clothes for after. Snorkeling is also part of the experience setup, so if you enjoy looking at what is beneath the surface, this is your chance.

Here is the practical reality. If conditions are windy or the weather turns cool, being wet can quickly stop being fun. A jacket is on the recommended list for a reason. Pack it, even if the morning looks sunny.

Also, do not rely on the boat to solve your comfort problems on shore. Bring your own towel and assume you might need to change where you can. That one habit, more than anything else, will make the swim stop feel like a highlight instead of an afterthought.

Seas, Crowds, and Small Comfort Choices That Matter

This trip can be crowded. The boat being full is not a theoretical risk, so plan for it.

That means:

• You might want to bring a jacket and wear layers you can handle.
• You should keep your bag small. Oversize luggage is not allowed, and you cannot bring large bags.
• If you want a good view, consider getting settled early when boarding starts.

A little planning can also help if the water is bumpy. Wear waterproof shoes if you have them. Bring sunglasses that stay put. And use sunscreen, because you are spending hours outside.

If you are traveling with anyone who is sensitive to motion, keep an eye on them during sailing. If seasickness hits, it can ruin the day fast.

Who This Trip Fits (and Who Should Skip It)

This is not a one-size-fits-all outing. It is best for people who enjoy being out on the ocean and do not need nonstop land activities.

You will likely love it if you:

• Like wildlife spotting and want more time on the water
• Are comfortable doing a short walk plus swim time
• Enjoy included meals and prefer a day with clear, simple scheduling

It is not suitable for:

• Non-swimmers
• People prone to seasickness
• People with a cold

Also, think about what kind of day you want. If your perfect Madeira day is mostly winding streets and long views from land, this may feel too water-heavy. If your dream day is Atlantic air, boat time, and a quick nature stop, this fits well.

What to Bring, What Not to Bring, and the Rules That Shape Your Day

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes (and ideally waterproof shoes)
• Sunglasses
• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Jacket
• Comfortable clothes
• Snacks (snacks are recommended)
• A cap or hat
• Waterproof shoes are specifically suggested for added comfort

Not allowed:

• Oversize luggage or large bags
• Pets (assistance dogs allowed)
• Fishing
• Glass objects

That list tells you something important about the day. You will be moving around on a boat and possibly around wet or uneven shore access. Keeping your stuff minimal helps you stay relaxed. And skipping glass items is about safety and onboard handling.

Also, the fact that fishing is not allowed hints that this is a conservation-focused area experience. The point is swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the setting, not turning it into a gear-heavy activity.

Should You Book This Wooden Boat Excursion to the Desertas?

Book it if you want a Madeira day that is built around time on the Atlantic, with marine-life odds, an included lunch, and an actual swim break at the Desertas.

Skip it if you:

• Get seasick easily
• Are a non-swimmer
• Want a long, dry, hike-style island experience

If you do book, treat it like a water-based outing. Bring your towel and swim-ready shoes. Pack a jacket even if it looks warm. Arrive early enough to find the Bonita da Madeira kiosk at pier 8, and you will start the day calmer.

This is a good value when you factor in the boat time plus wine, lunch, and drinks. The key is matching your expectations to the reality, the day spends a lot of time on the water, and island time is short.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the Wooden Boat Excursion to Desertas Islands?

You meet at the marina at pier 8. Look for the Bonita da Madeira kiosk located in the middle.

How long is the excursion?

The duration is 8.5 hours.

What is included in the ticket price?

The trip includes a welcome drink (Madeira Wine), lunch with one free drink per person, swimming stop, taxes and fees included, plus another free drink on the return.

Is lunch included, and what drinks come with it?

Yes. Lunch is included, and you get fruit plus one free drink per person with lunch. You also get one more free drink on the return.

Is there time to swim or snorkel?

Yes. The itinerary includes a swim stop, and the island time is listed as walk, swimming, and snorkeling.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?

No. It is not suitable for non-swimmers.

What languages does the live guide speak?

The live guide speaks English and Portuguese.

Is pick-up or drop-off included?

No. Pick up and drop off via private transport is not included.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a jacket, and comfortable clothes. Not allowed items include oversize luggage or large bags, pets (assistance dogs allowed), fishing, and glass objects.