Part of our complete guide: Activities and tours on Madeira
From about €90, nine hours, by catamaran from Funchal. Only a handful of operators run it regularly.
What is there
Monk seals. The Desertas are one of the last Atlantic refuges of the Mediterranean monk seal — a species that came close to extinction and has slowly recovered here under protection. Sightings are possible but not guaranteed; the animals are shy and access to their coves is restricted.
Seabirds, and a bare, almost lunar landscape. No village, no harbour, no kiosk. There is a warden station on Deserta Grande.
On the way: the crossing runs through deep water, so the odds of dolphins and whales en route are high. For a lot of people that is the actual highlight.
How the day runs
Morning departure from the Funchal marina, roughly two and a half hours out, anchoring in a bay, swim stop and snorkelling, lunch on board (usually included), back in the afternoon. Nine hours all told.
What to watch for
- This is a sea passage, not an outing. Five hours on open water; if you get seasick, it is not for you.
- Weather dependent. Trips are cancelled in swell — schedule it early in your stay, not on the last day.
- Going ashore is restricted or not possible at all because of the reserve status. If you are expecting an island walk, you are booking the wrong thing.
- Sun and wind for nine hours. Hat, long sleeves, water.
- The 4.4 rating sits below the coastal trips — not on quality, but because expectations diverge.
Who it suits
People who have already done a whale and dolphin trip and want more; anyone with a naturalist streak; anyone who finds a full day on the water restful rather than gruelling.
If you only want to see dolphins, a three-hour trip at €35 serves you better.
Common questions
How much does a trip to the Desertas Islands cost?
From about €90 for nine hours, by catamaran from Funchal. Only a handful of operators run it regularly. The three uninhabited rock islands lie about 25 km south-east of Madeira and have been a nature reserve since 1990.
What do you see on a Desertas trip?
Monk seals are possible but not guaranteed — the Desertas are one of the last Atlantic refuges of the Mediterranean monk seal, the animals are shy, and access to their coves is restricted. Plus seabirds and a bare, almost lunar landscape. Because the crossing runs through deep water, the odds of dolphins and whales en route are high.
How does a day out to the Desertas run?
Morning departure from the Funchal marina, roughly two and a half hours out, anchoring in a bay, a swim stop and snorkelling, lunch on board — usually included — and back in the afternoon. Nine hours all told.
Who is the Desertas trip not for?
Anyone prone to seasickness: it is five hours on open water, a sea passage rather than an outing. Nor for anyone expecting an island walk — going ashore is restricted or not possible at all because of the reserve status. If you only want to see dolphins, a three-hour trip at €35 serves you better.
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Next: Whale and dolphin watching · Catamaran and boat trips · Trips on Porto Santo
