Desertas days are made for the water. This wooden boat trip from Funchal runs far out into the Atlantic, so you get serious time on the waves and a real chance at marine life sightings. You’re also traded a chunk of your day for wild coast views, cliffs, and the feel of a protected natural reserve that stays very far from city life.

I like the combo of included meals and the down-to-earth pacing. The lunch comes with a free drink, plus fruit, and you’ll start with a Madeira wine welcome drink. I also like the short live guided moment on the island, then you’re free to decide if you want to walk, swim, or snorkel.

One thing to think about before you book: this is not a long, dry-land sightseeing day. Between the long stretches afloat and the way landing can work at the island, you should expect a trip where swimming and getting wet are part of the plan.

Key things to know before you go

• A full chunk of your day is on the boat, which increases your odds of seeing wildlife
• Madeira wine and lunch are included, with water, soft drinks, beer, or wine options
• An on-island guided orientation is short (about 20 minutes), followed by free time
• Swim and snorkel time is built in, so bring real swim gear
• Landing can be tricky in wind or rougher water, so non-swimmers should skip this
• Pack for getting wet and cold-ish wind, including a jacket and waterproof shoes

From Av. do Mar to Pier 8: how the day starts in Funchal

Your day begins at Av. do Mar 9000. That’s your home base to start, and it’s also where you return. The meeting point is at the marina at pier 8, at the kiosk for Bonita da Madeira, LDA, which is described as being in the middle.

If you’re the kind of person who likes to show up early, do it. This trip is long (8.5 hours), and you don’t want to spend your first hour stressed about where the right kiosk is. Also remember: pick-up and drop-off by private transport are not included. In practice, that means you’ll want to plan your own way to the marina with enough buffer for parking (or whatever method you’re using).

The practical vibe here is simple. You meet, you get settled, and then you’re out past the harbor. Think less sightseeing traffic and more “day on the sea,” from the moment you leave.

The wooden boat ride: why the miles matter (and how to manage seasickness)

This excursion is set up as a sea-focused outing. The highlight isn’t just the destination; it’s the time spent traveling across Atlantic water. That matters because your chance at marine life goes up when you cover a lot of miles. The boat journey is long enough that wildlife spotting becomes more than wishful thinking.

That said, there’s a reason the activity isn’t suitable for everyone. If you’re prone to seasickness, you’ll feel it here. The route covers open water, and it’s described as potentially difficult for people who get sick on boats. Bring a strategy: sit where you’ll feel the least motion possible, keep your head steady, and don’t go in with a full plate if your stomach is sensitive.

One more reality check: the boat can feel crowded. Some past experiences describe the boat as full, so if you’re picky about personal space, you’ll want to accept that this is a group day. The upside is that the crew tends to be friendly and helpful, and you’ll be well taken care of once you’re underway.

Desertas Islands time: the short walk, the wet reality, and your swim/snorkel window

The Desertas Islands are the point of the day, but you won’t experience them like a classic land-based tour. Your time there includes a walk, plus opportunities to swim and snorkel.

There’s also a guided component: you’ll get a live tour guide, and there’s mention of an island guided tour of around 20 minutes. That’s useful for getting oriented—what you’re seeing, what the reserve protects, and what areas you’re meant to pay attention to. After that, you’re on your own schedule for walking, swimming, or getting back to the boat.

Now for the key practical consideration: dry-land time isn’t guaranteed in every condition. Some descriptions emphasize that landing might require you to get in the water to reach the island area. That’s a big deal if you’re not prepared for wet clothes, and it’s also why non-swimmers are listed as not suitable.

So your best approach is to treat the island stop like part nature walk, part water break:

• If you want the scenery and a short walk, great.
• If you want swimming or snorkel time, even better.
• If you want guaranteed comfort on shore with a long dry hike, this isn’t the right match.

Also note the “desert” part of the name can be misleading. One reality you should expect: you’re looking at an island environment with a mostly practical walking loop and informational signage, not a dramatic movie-set panorama of sand dunes.

Lunch and drinks: does $106 feel fair?

At $106 per person for an 8.5-hour day, this price is really about the full sea day plus the included food and taxes/fees. You get a welcome Madeira wine, and lunch is included with one free drink per person. Options listed include water, Coca Cola, beer, and white or red wine, plus fruit.

There’s also another free drink on the return. That means the day isn’t just “buy your own lunch while you’re out at sea.” It’s built to keep you fueled so you can actually enjoy the swim stop and the time afloat.

Is it always worth it? It depends on what you want most:

• If you’re paying for the boat miles, the sea time, and the chance of wildlife, the value can make sense.
• If you’re paying expecting a long guided island experience with lots of dry walking time, you may feel shorted—because a lot of the day is simply sailing.

One more tip: plan as if you’ll want snacks during a long day, even though snacks can be brought along. The activity lists what to bring, including snacks, which tells you the pacing can be steady. If you’re easily hungry, pack a little extra.

What to pack: your must-haves for a wet, windy Atlantic day

This isn’t a day-trip where you show up in sneakers and hope for the best. The provided checklist is solid, and I’d follow it closely.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• A jacket (the wind can be real even when the sun is out)
• Comfortable shoes, plus waterproof shoes (this matters if landing involves water)
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a cap/hat
• Snacks and sunscreen
• A practical change of clothes if you can manage it within the baggage limits

Also note what’s not allowed: oversize luggage and large bags. There’s also no fishing, no glass objects, and pets aren’t allowed (assistance dogs are allowed). So pack light.

If you take only one packing lesson from the mixed experiences: bring what you need for getting wet and staying comfortable after. A towel is not a “nice to have” item on a day like this.

Timing and the flow: why the day feels long (and how to enjoy it anyway)

The structure is straightforward:

1. Depart from Funchal.
2. Travel out across the Atlantic with ongoing wildlife-spotting potential.
3. Reach the Desertas area.
4. Enjoy island time and a swim/snorkel stop.
5. Return to Av. do Mar 9000.

The biggest “feel” issue for some people is that the boat portion can dominate the schedule. If you want your day to be mostly on land, you might find it slow—because the magic is happening on the water and around the shore access. But if you actually like being out at sea, this format can feel perfect: settle in, look around, and let the coastline and cliffs do the work.

A good mindset shift: stop thinking of the boat as the connector between two attractions. Think of it as the main event.

Who this tour suits best (and who should pass)

This works best if you:

• Enjoy boats and open water
• Can handle a long day afloat
• Want a swim/snorkel break with scenery rather than a long guided hike
• Are happy with a short orientation and then free time

It’s not suitable for:

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

If you’re unsure about seasickness, don’t ignore the warning. Open Atlantic water can turn a relaxing day into a grim one fast.

If you want a relaxed island stroll with guaranteed dry land time and easy shore comfort, look for a different Madeira activity that is designed more like a land-based excursion.

Price, value, and the operational reality on a full boat

A lot of your experience will come down to conditions and how many people are on board. The trip can be full, and that can affect comfort, especially on a wooden boat with shared space.

In terms of service, the included meals and drinks help smooth the experience. The day also includes a welcome Madeira wine, and the crew is described as friendly and helpful in positive accounts. But if you’re expecting a perfect, never-changing schedule regardless of sea conditions, temper that expectation.

The key operational reality: island access can become wet or limited depending on how conditions are running. That’s not something you can fully control, so the best move is to prepare for it—especially with waterproof shoes and a towel.

Should you book the Wooden Boat Excursion to the Desertas?

Book it if you want a sea-day with real time on the water, a decent chance at marine life sightings, and an included lunch that keeps you comfortable for the swim stop. It’s also a good choice if you like the idea of a short guided orientation and then flexibility on what you do next—walk a bit, swim, snorkel, or just enjoy the Atlantic.

Skip it if you need lots of dry-land time, if you’re a non-swimmer, or if seasickness is a known issue for you. This tour’s format puts the boat and water first, and the island portion is comparatively short and can involve getting wet.

If you’re on the fence, go back to your priorities: do you want the boat miles and water experience, or do you want an extended island hike? This one is built for the former.

FAQ

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

The duration is about 8.5 hours.

How much does it cost?

It’s listed at $106 per person.

What’s included in the price?

You get a welcome drink (Madeira wine), lunch with one free drink per person (water, Coca Cola, beer, or wine) plus fruit, and another free drink on the return. Taxes and fees are also included, along with a swimming stop.

Is lunch included or do I need to bring food?

Lunch is included. Fruit is included with lunch, and you receive one free drink with your meal.

Is pick-up or drop-off included from hotels?

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

Where do I meet the tour?

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

Is there a guided tour on the island?

Yes. There is a live tour guide, and the island tour is described as being around 20 minutes.

Can I bring a large bag, luggage, or glass items?

No. Oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed. Glass objects are also not allowed.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers or people who get seasick?

No. It’s not suitable for non-swimmers, people with a cold, or people prone to seasickness.