Desertas Islands day cruises feel like you found a secret. A catamaran ride from Funchal turns the sea into your viewpoint, with live commentary and a strong chance of wildlife sightings in their natural habitat. You’ll also get time on a protected island area with activities like snorkeling and stand-up paddle.

What I like most is the mix of easy boat time plus hands-on water time, and how the crew keeps the day grounded in nature, not just sightseeing. The one drawback to plan around is weather: trips can be windy and cold, and sometimes the on-island time or route doesn’t match what you imagined from the description.

Key things to know before you go

• Wildlife first, always: You’re heading to a sanctuary where you can spot marine and land animals in their natural setting.
• Snorkeling and stand-up paddle are included: You get the gear and the chance to use it during the day.
• Sea conditions can change everything: Wind can shorten time on shore or lead to a different route.
• A short walk, not a big hike: If you’re expecting trail-walking, be ready for something more limited.
• Lunch is Madeiran buffet style, but timing can slip: If the boat returns later, your meal schedule may feel rushed.

Entering the day at Funchal Marina (and why that matters)

This is a full-day cruise built around the Funchal Marina departure. You start at Praça do Povo (near Av. Do Mar 4) and the tour runs about 9 hours, coming back to the same meeting point. Starting at 9:00 am is helpful because Madeira days can turn bright and breezy, and early light makes the sea route more enjoyable.

The tour is offered in English, and the day includes live commentary on board. That matters because the Desertas are more than scenery. The islands and surrounding waters are about habitat, protection, and species behavior, and good narration helps you understand what you’re seeing without turning it into a lecture.

One practical note: there’s no hotel pickup. You’ll want to arrive with time to get oriented at the marina area and get your bearings fast.

Price and what you’re really paying for

At $108.37 per person, this isn’t a cheap “sit on a bus and take photos” day. You’re paying for transportation on a catamaran, plus access to a protected island area, plus included activities like snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddle.

Think of the value in two parts:

• You’re buying a full sea day with live guiding.
• You’re buying access to water time—snorkeling and paddle—where you won’t have to organize gear or a second tour.

With that said, there’s a clear split in how people feel about the experience length. Some felt the time on the island was shorter than expected, and a few felt the island activity level was lighter than the description suggested. If you want a very specific “hours on shore” plan, I’d treat the day as flexible.

The catamaran ride: your main attraction starts before the island

The day begins with sailing out toward the horizon to reach a group of islands. Even before you disembark, you’re in motion with big open-water views, and the crew is scanning for wildlife.

One of the most praised parts of the day is the chance to see cetaceans and birds along the way. People have reported sightings ranging from dolphins and seabirds to more exciting surprises like orcas. Even when the stars don’t align perfectly, the sea route itself is still the point: you’re seeing the islands from the waterline, not from a viewpoint that’s miles away.

Do keep expectations realistic about comfort. On windy days, the ride can feel cold and harsh. This is where a “fun in theory” cruise can become “bracing in practice,” especially if you’re sensitive to sea spray and chill air.

Desertas Islands landing: what you do once you’re on virgin beach

When you reach the islands, the goal is simple: get you to a natural area for swimming time and activities. The Desertas Islands are described as desert-like, but that “desert” idea can be misleading. The real story is the sanctuary status and the wildlife living there.

You can expect:

• A virgin-feeling beach area for your time ashore
• Opportunities to participate in water sports while you’re there
• Time that combines nature viewing with casual recreation rather than a rigid itinerary

About walking: some people found the “hike” or trail time was more like a short walk on a small trail, not a long excursion. That’s not necessarily bad, but it matters if you’re picturing rugged inland exploring. If you want mostly beach-and-water time, you’re in the right place.

Also, swimming access can be impacted by wildlife presence and season. One person reported disembarking with guidance that it wasn’t the right season to see seals at their peak, and another described that swimming may not be offered when wildlife is in the area. In other words: you’re not in control of nature, and the crew will prioritize safety and animal respect.

Snorkeling and stand-up paddle: how the included gear plays out

Snorkeling and stand-up paddle are part of the included package, including snorkeling equipment and stand up paddle. That’s a big reason to book this instead of a more basic sightseeing cruise—you get real water time, not just looking at the sea.

How to make it work:

• Treat snorkeling as weather-dependent. Cold or choppy conditions can reduce how long you want to stay in the water.
• Use paddle time efficiently. If you’re trying to get both snorkeling and paddle in, do not wait until the last minute. Your best window can disappear if timing shifts.
• If you want to borrow extra comfort items, be ready to ask. Some people felt gear availability and offering (like help getting fins/tubes) wasn’t always proactive.

The good news is that many people describe being able to snorkel and paddleboard while there. When conditions cooperate, you’re looking at the underwater world during a day trip that’s otherwise focused on land-light and sea views.

Lunch on board: Madeiran buffet, but timing can wobble

You’ll have a delicious Madeiran buffet lunch on board. This is one of the practical comforts of the day. It also helps you recover from the sun and sea exposure if you do snorkel or paddle.

Here’s the catch: when the return to the catamaran runs late (often due to boat timing and sea conditions), the lunch schedule can feel squeezed. One account described a delayed meal after a late return from the beach area, which made dessert feel awkward to grab.

So I’d plan like this:

• Eat when food appears, not when you think you’ll have a perfect moment.
• If you’re picky about timing, bring a small snack. The data here doesn’t promise a snack window beyond the buffet.

Windy reality check: route changes and shifting schedules

This is the most important “don’t get surprised” section.

The cruise is weather-sensitive. If winds are strong, the catamaran may not be able to visit the Desertas exactly as planned. At least one account described a situation where the boat couldn’t go to the Desertas due to winds and instead sailed elsewhere, which then led to different wildlife spotting opportunities. Another report described a day where the island experience felt less compelling, partly because the expected wildlife wasn’t showing as hoped.

This is why some people rate it very highly while others feel it didn’t match the description. The boat crew can only do so much in changing conditions. Your outcome depends on:

• Wind strength and sea state
• Wildlife activity that day
• How much time conditions allow for beach landing and water sports

If you’re the kind of traveler who needs an itinerary with zero flexibility, you’ll feel the friction. If you can shift gears and enjoy the sea day even when plans adjust, you’re more likely to walk away happy.

What the group size feels like (and why it affects the day)

The tour has a maximum of 70 travelers. That’s a meaningful detail. Smaller than mass tourism, large enough that your day can move at a steady group pace.

With a group that size:

• The crew has to manage docking, disembarking, and equipment distribution.
• Timing can feel strict if the sea is rough.
• You’ll likely experience the island area in a “structured free time” way rather than a slow wandering vibe.

This is also why “we didn’t spend as long on the island as expected” shows up in the feedback. When the boat has to keep a schedule because of sea conditions, your personal “just one more lap” moment can vanish.

Who this Desertas catamaran day cruise suits best

This trip makes the most sense if you want a blend of boat views + wildlife + water activities without having to plan your own gear and logistics.

I’d especially recommend it if you:

• Want a full day outside Madeira’s main town, focused on nature
• Like snorkel-friendly experiences where the crew provides gear
• Enjoy wildlife watching and don’t mind the day being shaped by conditions
• Travel with family and want one package that includes activities

It’s less ideal if you:

• Expect a major hiking adventure once you land
• Want guaranteed long shore time no matter the weather
• Are uncomfortable with wind and cold at sea

The good news: kids are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour also asks for moderate physical fitness. That usually means you should be able to handle the movement of getting on and off the boat and being out on deck in breezy conditions.

Tips for packing like a local (so you’re not miserable mid-cruise)

Bring a “sea day kit.” You’ll thank yourself later.

• A windproof layer: the wind can chill you even when Madeira looks warm on shore.
• Swim gear, even if you’re not sure you’ll snorkel. The included equipment makes it easy to say yes once you’re there.
• Sun protection for land and deck time. Even a windy cruise can still feel intense under sun.
• Your swim confidence matters. Snorkeling and paddle are physical in real conditions, not perfect brochure conditions.

And one more tip: if you care deeply about seeing specific animals (like seals), don’t assume every day is peak. Seasonal variation is real, and the crew may adjust expectations when you land.

Should you book this Desertas Islands catamaran day cruise?

I’d book it if your priority is a real sea adventure: catamaran views, wildlife viewing, and the chance to snorkel and paddle without extra planning. The best days can feel like you’re getting access to a quiet sanctuary that most people never experience.

I’d hesitate if your priority is a tightly controlled shore schedule, long hiking time, or comfort above all else. Windy conditions can change everything, and the island portion may feel shorter or lighter than you expected.

If you do book: keep your plan flexible, dress for wind, and treat the cruise as nature-first. When the sea cooperates, this is one of the more memorable ways to spend a day around Funchal beyond the usual viewpoints.

FAQ

What time does the cruise depart from Funchal?

The tour starts at 9:00 am from the meeting point at Praça do Povo (Av. Do Mar 4 area).

How long is the catamaran day cruise?

The duration is about 9 hours (approx.), and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes live commentary on board, snorkeling equipment, and stand up paddle.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. There is no hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at Praça do Povo (Av. Do Mar 4, São Martinho, 9000-900 Funchal, Portugal). The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the tour suitable for kids?

Yes, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

What if weather is bad and the trip can’t run normally?

This experience depends on good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.