From Funchal: Wooden Boat Excursion to Desertas Island

The main event here is not a long island walk. It is the Atlantic crossing. You spend most of the day on the boat, covering many miles between Funchal and the remote Desertas Islands, with good chances of seeing dolphins or whales along the way. I like the wide-open sea views and the chance to visit a protected island that feels far removed from Madeira’s busy south coast.

I also like the simple shape of the day: a welcome glass of Madeira wine, lunch, a swim stop, and time to look at the cliffs and dry island scenery. The big caution is the shore landing. The advertised nature walk may be very short, and recent reports describe some departures where you had to swim from the boat to reach the island. If you expect a proper land excursion, ask for clear details before booking.

Key points to know before booking

• Most of the 8.5 hours are spent on the boat, so choose this for the sea journey as much as for the island.
• Marine-life sightings are possible, especially because the boat covers a great distance, but dolphins and whales cannot be guaranteed.
• The island landing needs clarification, as some departures may require you to swim ashore.
• Lunch, drinks, fruit, and a Madeira wine welcome drink are included, though the exact lunch setup is fixed.
• Swimming and snorkeling are central parts of the day, making this a poor fit for non-swimmers or anyone prone to seasickness.
• The remote scenery is the strongest reward, while the short visit ashore may disappoint hikers.

A long Atlantic crossing from Funchal

You meet the Bonita da Madeira team at the marina on Pier 8. Look for the Bonita da Madeira kiosk in the middle of the pier area, at Avenida do Mar 9000. There is no private pickup included, and parking is also your responsibility, so allow time to reach the marina.

The boat heads out from Funchal into open Atlantic water. This is not a quick coastal cruise. The trip lasts about 8.5 hours, and one recent account estimated that around 6.5 hours were spent underway. That gives you a useful picture of the day: the crossing is the main attraction, not a short transfer to a long island tour.

I like that arrangement if you enjoy being at sea. You have time to watch the water, scan the horizon, and take in the changing view of Madeira from offshore. The boat covers enough distance to create a real possibility of spotting marine life, including dolphins and whales. Still, keep your expectations sensible. Wildlife is never guaranteed, and long stretches may pass with nothing but sea and sky.

Bring a jacket even on a warm day. Wind can make the open water feel much cooler than Funchal, and the trip can become uncomfortable if you are dressed only for sunshine. Sunglasses, sunscreen, a cap, comfortable clothes, and shoes that can get wet all make sense.

What the Desertas Islands add to the day

The Desertas Islands are a protected natural reserve southeast of Madeira. Their appeal is their isolation. You are not visiting a developed resort or a port town. Instead, you see steep coastal cliffs, dry ground, open views, and a quieter setting shaped by the Atlantic.

The islands offer a different visual mood from Madeira. Funchal has gardens, houses, roads, and terraces. The Desertas are spare and exposed. That contrast is one of the best reasons to make the trip.

The shore visit is described as a chance to follow a natural route and see local plants and animals. In practice, you should not expect a full day of walking. The route may be around 200 metres in a loop, with information plaques, and can take only a few minutes to complete. That is enough to get a close look at the protected setting, but not enough for a serious hike.

This matters because the tour description can sound more land-based than the day may actually be. If you picture walking across a large island, set that idea aside. You are mainly buying a boat trip with a brief island stop.

The landing question you need to settle first

The most important practical point is how you get from the boat to the island. Some departures have reportedly offered no dry landing. Instead, passengers had to swim from the boat to shore and then sit on the beach or move around in wet swimwear.

That can be enjoyable in warm, calm weather. It can also be awkward in wind, cloud, or cooler conditions. A jacket does not help much if you have just swum ashore and do not have a dry towel. The supplied information says to bring your own towel, but you should still confirm the current landing arrangement before you pay.

The wording also refers to a guided tour of about 20 minutes. Other information describes only a short route with signs and no formal island guide. These details do not line up neatly, so ask the operator two direct questions:

• Can I step onto dry land without swimming?
• Is the 20-minute tour led by a guide, or is it a self-guided walk?

Those answers may vary with sea conditions and the boat’s exact landing method. They also affect who should book. A confident swimmer who is happy to stay in wet clothes may see this as part of the fun. Someone expecting a dry nature walk may feel let down.

Lunch, drinks, and the fixed meal plan

Food is included, which helps justify part of the $106 price. You receive a welcome Madeira wine, then lunch with one included drink. The listed choices are water, Coca-Cola, beer, or white or red wine. Fruit is also meant to be included, and another free drink is listed for the return journey.

The lunch is a pre-set option rather than a meal chosen from a menu. That keeps service simple on a boat, but it also means you should not expect much flexibility. Bring snacks, especially if you have a large appetite, dietary restrictions, or a long wait between meals.

There have been reports of only one drink being provided and no fruit, as well as the return drink not being offered. I would treat the listed food and drinks as part of the intended package, but bring water and snacks as backup. That is good practice on any full-day boat trip.

The meal is also tied to the setting. Eating lunch offshore, with the Desertas nearby, is a pleasant part of the day even if the menu itself is basic. Just remember that conditions on the water can affect comfort. A rough sea can make a hot meal less appealing, especially if you are already feeling unwell.

Swimming and snorkeling in open Atlantic water

The swim stop is not a small extra. It is one of the central activities. You can swim, snorkel, or return to the boat during free time, depending on the conditions and the arrangements that day.

You need to be comfortable in the water. The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, and the landing issue makes swimming ability even more important. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and waterproof shoes. The request for waterproof footwear is useful because wet rocks and rough ground can be unpleasant under bare feet.

The experience may be wonderful in calm, sunny weather. It may feel much less inviting in wind or cloud. The trip operates in the Atlantic, not a sheltered hotel pool, so conditions can affect both the swim and the boat ride.

Snorkeling equipment is not listed among the included items. Bring your own only if the operator confirms that it is allowed and practical. Glass objects are prohibited, and large bags or oversize luggage are not allowed.

Marine life is possible, not promised

The boat covers many miles, which improves your chances of seeing marine life compared with a short harbor cruise. Dolphins and whales are the main hoped-for sightings, and even a brief appearance can become the day’s highlight.

Keep your eyes on the water during the crossing. It is worth taking turns if you are with family or friends, since watching continuously for hours can be tiring. A phone or camera should be secured carefully, and a waterproof pouch is sensible around the swim stop.

There is no guarantee of a sighting, so do not book this as a dedicated whale-watching trip. Book it for the full combination of sea time, remote scenery, swimming, and the possibility of wildlife. That way, the day still has value if the horizon stays empty.

How the boat ride feels in real conditions

The sea can be rough. That is not a minor footnote here. A recent account described the crossing as difficult for anyone who gets seasick, while another called the day beautiful but noted strong movement from the boat.

If you are prone to seasickness, this is one of the clearest reasons to skip the tour. The trip is long, and you cannot simply get off after an hour. People with a cold are also advised not to take part, which makes sense when you add wind, spray, and a full day at sea.

Even if you usually manage boats well, prepare sensibly. Eat lightly before departure, avoid arriving dehydrated, and bring any personal motion-sickness treatment you normally use. Choose practical clothing rather than your best holiday outfit. You may sit in spray, get wet during the swim, or need extra layers on the return ride.

The boat can also feel full. One account specifically described it as crowded. Since no group size is provided, you should not assume a small private cruise. If personal space matters to you, ask the operator about the boat’s capacity before booking.

What is included, and what is not

The package includes:

• Madeira wine on arrival
• A fixed lunch
• One lunch drink per person
• Fruit
• A listed drink on the return journey
• A swimming stop
• Taxes and fees
• Live guidance in English and Portuguese

You need to arrange your own way to the marina. Private transport, pickup, drop-off, and car parking are not included. Large luggage, large bags, fishing, pets other than assistance dogs, and glass items are not allowed.

The language choice is straightforward. Live guidance is available in English and Portuguese. No guide names are provided, so you cannot choose a particular guide in advance.

Cancellation is flexible enough for a weather-sensitive plan: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. The activity page says to check availability for the exact starting time.

Is $106 a fair price?

At $106 per person, this is not a cheap half-day outing. It is an all-day boat trip with lunch, drinks, a welcome glass of Madeira wine, taxes, and a remote-island stop.

The value depends on what you want from the day. If you enjoy long sea crossings, open views, wildlife watching, and swimming, the price can make sense. A boat trip to a protected island is a more unusual Madeira outing than a short coastal sail.

The value drops if your main goal is hiking. The land portion may be very short, and some departures may not provide a dry landing at all. In that case, you are paying mostly for time on the water and the chance of marine-life sightings.

I would also factor in the possible cost of getting to the marina and parking. Those expenses are not included, though they are separate from the tour price.

Who should book this wooden boat excursion?

I would recommend it to you if:

• You enjoy being on a boat for most of a day.
• You are a confident swimmer.
• You like remote scenery more than structured sightseeing.
• You are happy with a short island visit.
• You can handle wind, spray, and possible rough water.
• You see whale or dolphin sightings as a bonus rather than a promise.

I would look for another activity if:

• You are prone to seasickness.
• You cannot swim.
• You need a dry landing and a proper walk.
• You want a small, quiet boat with plenty of space.
• You expect a long guided tour on the island.
• You dislike fixed meals or uncertain weather conditions.

Families should think carefully about the age and swimming ability of every person in the group. The long crossing may also feel tedious for anyone who needs frequent activity. The trip is better suited to people who are content to watch the sea for long periods.

My booking advice

Before booking, contact Bonita da Madeira and ask about the exact landing method, the current island route, the boat’s capacity, and what happens if the sea is too rough for swimming. Also confirm that the return drink and fruit are included on your departure.

If the answer is a boat-heavy day with a short or swim-only island stop, book only if that sounds enjoyable. If you want a substantial walk on the Desertas, this is probably not the right match.

I would book this for the remote Atlantic setting and the crossing itself, not for a long island tour. The strongest moments should come from the open water, the cliffs, the chance of dolphins or whales, and the feeling of reaching a protected island far from Funchal. Just bring the right gear, keep expectations clear, and do not underestimate the sea.

FAQ

Where does the Desertas Islands boat trip start?

It starts at Avenida do Mar 9000, at the Funchal marina. At Pier 8, look for the Bonita da Madeira kiosk in the middle.

How long does the activity last?

The full activity lasts about 8.5 hours, including the boat journey, island time, lunch, and return to Funchal.

What languages are available?

Live guidance is available in English and Portuguese.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A pre-established lunch option is included, along with one drink per person. The listed choices are water, Coca-Cola, beer, white wine, or red wine. Fruit and a drink on the return journey are also listed as included.

Do I need to be able to swim?

Yes. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers, and some departures may require you to swim from the boat to the island.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable and waterproof shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, a jacket, comfortable clothes, a cap or hat, and snacks.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.