Wooden boat days in Madeira feel special. This one sends you from Funchal’s marina toward the Desertas Islands, with long Atlantic cruising time, strong wildlife chances, and a break for swimming and a quick island walk.

I love the built-in chance for marine life sightings since the route covers a lot of open water. I also like the value-friendly meal setup: Madeira wine, lunch, and drinks are part of the deal.

The trade-off is that you spend a lot of time on the boat, and the time on the island is brief. If you’re prone to seasickness or you’re not comfortable with wet shore landings, plan carefully.

Key points to know before you go

• Marine life probability is a big part of why this trip works: the boat covers plenty of miles out in the Atlantic.
• Lunch and drinks included means you’re not scrambling for food when the day gets long at sea.
• A short guided island loop keeps things efficient, but it’s not the kind of hike day you’d plan for hours.
• Swim stop at the Desertas is the main water activity, so pack like you’ll actually get wet.
• Bring your towel and swim gear—island comfort isn’t the main focus here.
• Choppy water matters: this isn’t the best pick if you run into cold weather or sea motion issues.

Meeting at Av. Do Mar and what happens before you leave

The day starts around Av. Do Mar 9000, near the marina where pier 8 is located. When you get there, look for the kiosk in the middle—Bonita da Madeira is the one you want.

From there, you’ll be set up for a full sea day. The duration is 8.5 hours, so even though the island part feels like the highlight, you should mentally budget most of your time for being on the water.

One practical tip: pack light. Oversize luggage and large bags aren’t allowed, and there are rules like no glass objects. That matters because you don’t want to fight for space on a boat that can feel crowded once everyone boards.

Why the sea crossing is the main event for wildlife

This excursion is built around movement: you cover lots of ocean miles on the way toward the Desertas. That travel style tends to increase your odds of spotting wildlife, and it’s exactly the thing the highlights emphasize.

What you’re hoping to see is marine life like dolphins and whales. I like this approach because it doesn’t pretend you’ll get a guarantee. Instead, the trip is designed to put you in the right water, for long enough to make sightings realistic.

A couple ways to make the most of the cruising time:

• Sit where you have a clear view and enjoy the ride instead of staring at the horizon only when someone yells.
• Have your sunscreen and sunglasses ready early, because once you’re underway, you don’t want to start rummaging.

If the sea is active, staying comfortable becomes part of your wildlife strategy too. Comfort affects attention, and attention is what catches the first sign of a dolphin pod.

Wooden boat pace: cruising, guide talk, and the rhythm of the day

You’ll have a live guide, and the tour runs in English and Portuguese. The guide time is part of what gives structure to an otherwise open-water day.

The “guided” portion on the island is around 20 minutes. That’s short by hiking standards, but it’s useful because it gives you a sense of what you’re looking at and why the area is protected.

The rest of the time is flexible. On the island, you get time to walk, swim, and snorkel, while the boat holds the base. On paper, that sounds relaxed because you aren’t forced into a rigid itinerary.

In practice, it can feel like two different experiences: a long, scenic boat ride, then a fast island reset. If you’re the type who wants more land time, you’ll need to adjust your expectations before you go.

Lunch, Madeira wine, and what the $106 really buys

At $106 per person, the best value here is that you’re not paying extra for food and drinks during the day. It’s one of the strongest reasons to choose this specific outing rather than trying to piece together a DIY plan.

Here’s what’s included:

• A welcome drink of Madeira wine
• Lunch with one free drink per person (choices include water, Coca Cola, beer, and white or red wine)
• Fruit with lunch
• One more free drink on the return

That drink rhythm matters. It keeps the day from feeling like a bring-your-own survival mission, especially since you’re out for 8.5 hours and much of it is on the boat.

A small reality check: the lunch option is described as a pre-established choice. If you have dietary needs, the data you have here doesn’t spell out customization. I’d treat this as “standard included lunch,” and if you’re a picky eater or have allergies, you’ll want to confirm details in advance.

Also pack a few personal snacks if you know you get hungry. You do get lunch, but a sea day can make you feel hungrier than usual.

The Desertas Islands stop: walking loop, swimming options, and the short guide time

Once you reach the Desertas, you’ll have time on the island for a mix of walking and water time. The highlight mentions a natural trail and seeing unique fauna and flora in a protected reserve.

The guided piece is short—around 20 minutes—and the walk itself is described as a very compact route. Think quick orientation more than a full exploration day. Even the name Desertas can mislead people into expecting big desert landscapes, but the setting is more about the protected island environment and small paths.

One key point for planning: you might not be stepping directly onto dry land. Some experiences describe needing to go in water to disembark and then staying in wet swimwear, depending on how operations go that day.

Because of that, I’d plan like this:

• Bring a towel you can use right away.
• Wear waterproof shoes if you have them. Wet, gravelly surfaces can be less comfortable than you expect.
• Keep your jacket and spare layers accessible so you can warm up after swimming.

If you want a long, comfortable dry-walk day, this isn’t the format. If you want a nature break plus a swim in a remote setting, it fits better.

Swim stop and snorkeling: how to prepare for real water time

This trip includes a swimming stop when you reach the Desertas. That’s the moment most people remember because it’s the clearest “activity payoff” after hours at sea.

The “know before you go” list is very direct about what helps:

• swimwear
• towel
• sunscreen
• sunglasses
• cap or hat
• comfortable shoes (ideally waterproof)
• jacket (wind can be a factor once you’re moving)

If you’re thinking about snorkeling, the trip info says it’s an option during island time. But since you’re also dealing with walking and possibly wet shore access, your best snorkeling plan is to be ready fast. Don’t count on time for long setup.

Also, don’t assume you’ll have a comfortable post-swim reset. Bring what makes you feel good: towel, dry socks if you have them, and a layer you can throw on quickly.

If the sea is choppy: seasickness and cold-weather reality

The trip is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and it’s also not a good pick if you have a cold. Those warnings aren’t there for drama; they’re there because this is a full day on open water.

If you’re even somewhat sensitive to motion, think twice. I’d also consider how wind and temperature can affect you during the sailing portions. The packing list includes a jacket, which tells you the operators expect conditions to change.

Comfort on a boat is not just about your body. It affects how much you can actually enjoy the wildlife watch and the island time after.

If you go anyway, your best defense is planning:

• don’t eat too heavy right before departure
• have your jacket and sunglasses ready
• choose where you sit so you feel less tossed around

Boat comfort and space: what crowded can mean on this day

You’re traveling on a wooden boat, and a wooden boat often means charm plus close quarters. The rules help keep things from getting chaotic: oversize luggage is out, large bags are out, and there are restrictions like no glass objects.

Some experiences mention that the boat can be very full. When that happens, you’ll want to be extra intentional about your space:

• keep essentials on you, not buried
• avoid bringing gear you won’t use
• be ready for less room to spread out between activities

This is also why the included lunch and drinks are valuable. If you’re squeezed for space, at least you’re not also managing the hassle of where to eat.

Who should book this Desertas wooden boat excursion

This is a great match if you:

• love boats and want a day where sailing is a feature, not a chore
• want strong odds of marine life sightings by covering a lot of water
• like having lunch and drinks handled for you
• are comfortable with a swim stop as part of the plan

It’s not the best match if you:

• don’t swim or aren’t comfortable getting in water for disembarkation
• get seasick easily
• are traveling with a cold or feeling unwell
• want lots of hours walking on land with a long guided program

If you fall into the “I just want pretty scenery” category, you’ll likely still enjoy the day. But set your expectation: the scenery is mostly from the sea.

Price and value check: is $106 a fair deal?

For $106, the value is in the package. You get a welcome Madeira wine, lunch with a free drink, fruit, another drink on the return, and taxes and fees are included.

You’re also paying for a full sea day that uses time efficiently. The operator’s format is clear: get you out far, make wildlife encounters more likely, then give you a short island break with swimming.

Where the value can feel weaker is if you want more time on the island or more detailed land exploring. The guided island component is brief, and some descriptions mention the walk is basically a short circular path. If your dream is a long hiking loop, you might feel the time on shore is too short.

Another cost factor: pick-up/drop-off by private transport isn’t included, and car parking isn’t included. That may affect your final math depending on how you’re getting to Av. Do Mar 9000 and pier 8.

Still, for many people, the inclusive meal and drink setup plus the swim stop make the price easier to justify.

What I’d pack (and what I’d skip)

Pack like you’re going to the water and then returning to boat conditions.

Bring:

• towel
• swimsuit
• sunglasses
• sunscreen
• cap or hat
• comfortable shoes, ideally waterproof
• waterproof shoes if you have them
• jacket (wind can cool things fast)
• snacks (optional but smart for a long day)
• sunscreen and a bit of extra readiness for bright sun

Skip:

• oversize luggage and large bags
• anything fragile like glass containers
• fishing items
• pets (assistance dogs allowed)

If you’re tempted to rely on buying anything on-site, don’t. Plan as if you’ll handle your own comfort gear.

FAQ

How long is the Wooden Boat Excursion to the Desertas Islands?

The total duration is 8.5 hours.

Where do we meet for the tour in Funchal?

Meet at the marina at pier 8. Look for the kiosk for Bonita da Madeira in the middle.

What’s included in the price?

It includes a welcome drink (Madeira Wine), lunch with one free drink per person (plus fruit) and one more free drink on the return, a swimming stop, and taxes and fees.

Is lunch included, and what drinks are offered?

Yes, lunch is included. One free drink per person is included with lunch, with options such as water, Coca Cola, beer, and white or red wine, plus fruit. One more free drink is included on the return.

Is there an island tour or guided time on the Desertas?

Yes. There is a guided tour on the island that is about 20 minutes.

Can I swim or snorkel on this trip?

Yes. There is a swim stop, and during island time you have the option to walk, swim, or snorkel.

Do I need to be a swimmer?

No-swimmer conditions are not suitable for this activity, and the trip is not recommended if you are not comfortable in the water.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a jacket, and comfortable clothes. Waterproof shoes and a cap/hat are also recommended.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The live tour guide speaks English and Portuguese.

Should you book this wooden boat trip to the Desertas?

Book it if you want an 8.5-hour sea day with wildlife odds, a swim stop, and a simple included meal setup with Madeira wine. The value is strong if you like boats, don’t mind that the island time is short, and you’re ready for Atlantic conditions.

Skip it if you’re prone to seasickness, you don’t swim, or you’re hoping for a long, leisurely land hike with lots of dry comfort. This is about moving water, quick island access, and then getting back aboard.