Catamaran Day Cruise to Desertas Islands from Funchal

Madeira, Portugal

9 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Take in the fresh sea air on this full-day catamaran cruise to the Desertas Islands, from Funchal. Meet your crew at the Funchal Marina and board your catamaran. Then set sail toward the Madeira’s natural reserves, where sea life is frequently spotted. You’ll stop at the Desertas Islands, known for its stunning natural beauty and crystal clear waters. Enjoy three hours of hiking, swimming or sun bathing and indulge in a fresh fish buffet lunch with select beverages before sailing back to the marina.

A full-day catamaran cruise to the Desertas Islands, from the Funchal Marina
Travel by catamaran and see the sights from the water
See native wildlife in their natural environment
Snorkel for an up-close look underwater
Bring the whole family

What's Included

Live commentary on board
Use of Snorkeling equipment

Use of Snorkelling equipment
Stand Up Paddle

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Praça do Povo
J3WR+9P, Av. Do Mar 4, São Martinho, 9000-900 Funchal, Portugal
Kiosk VMT Madeira Catamaran Trips. Check-In: 30 minutes before departure

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Operating hours
.9:00 am

Itinerary

VMT Madeira (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 2 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible

Near public transportation
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 70 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

3.4

based on 44 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Not as described

Rachel_J, Jul 2024

I believe the description should be changed to better reflect the actual tour. It was fine, we did not spend a full 3 hours on the Desertas. The ‘hiking’ was a small trail. You can do water sports if you wish, but the ride to and from is very windy and cold so you should keep that in mind. The staff was great but it wasn’t what I was expecting based on the description which is disappointing.

An amazing day

Helen_C, May 2024

It is a privilege to travel to the Desertas islands that is afforded to only a few at a time. These islands, because of their desert nature, have defied colonisation and are now a sanctuary. The trip also had the added bonus of seeing a small pod of orcas en route to the islands. We were able to snorkel and paddleboard whilst there. A magical day and well worth doing.

Problem solved, leading to an excellent day

Peter_A, Jul 2023

Boat could not visit Desertas due to winds. Instead initially sailed south from Funchal which enabled us to observe cetaceans and seabirds. This fully offset the initial disappointment at the change of route. It was an excellent plan.

Hell day

Kelian_A, Aug 2021

Nothing interesting ;we disemabark you on the island and we tell you it isn't the right season to see the seals at their peak lol.We tell you the story that you find on the internet.The rest of the day pebbe beach.Returns 30mn stopping at sea to observe dophins and try to see whales in 30 mn?

Great experience! The oceasn all...

Alexandra N, Oct 2017

Great experience! The oceasn all around, playful dolphines and wonderful mysterious islands. I highly recommend the tour to everybody

Ocas gesichtet :)

Lucas_K, May 2024

Sehr nette und angergierte Crew. Sehr viele Informationen über die Desertas Islands. Sehr gute Englischkenntnisse der Motarbeiter. Leckere Verpflegung. Würden wir immer wieder machen.

Un très belle journée, un très beau souvenir.

Marisol_B, Aug 2022

Positif : On a adoré le catamaran, le paysage, l'équipage s'est détourné de son chemin quelques minutes pour pouvoir voir des cétacés, ils étaient fort amables, une bonne navigation et un repas tout à fait correcte. Pas trop de soleil quand nous avons fait la courte promenade avec explications sur la isla deserta, du coup on n'a pas insisté pour nous faire prêter des palmes ou un tuba, mais il n'a pas non plus été proposé. Pas de baignade sur le bord de l'île donc, mais non plus sur le bateau à cause de la présence de phoques (qu'on comprend). Point négatif : Le repas s'est retardé à cause du retour tardif au catamaran (alors qu'on attendait au bord de la plage et que le membre de l'équipage se reposait dans son zodiac), du coup on est repartis alors qu'on mangeait encore, pas facile d'aller chercher le dessert alors que le catamaran vogue dans l'océan. Mais ça reste quand même une super expérience.

No dejes de hacer otras excursiones por hacer esta

VIOLETA_G, Aug 2021

Llevamos una semana y todos los días hemos hecho excursiones... y con diferencia ha sido la peor. ... muchísimo tiempo de viaje en el catamaran... 2:40 horas de ida ... dos horas en la isla y 2:40 horas de vuelta.... encima nos cuadro muchísimo viento en la mar... muy desapacible el trayecto...la isla en si no tiene absolutamente nada.... una roca sin vegetación y una playa q es un suplicio bañarse porque se trata de una calita llena de callaos....sin embargo el equipo del barco fue muy amigable y la comida buffet muy rica...