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Catamaran Day Cruise to Desertas Islands from Funchal

3.8 (27)

Funchal, PT

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Embark on a captivating catamaran day cruise from Funchal to the stunning Desertas Islands. As you set sail from Funchal Marina, you'll be immersed in the awe-inspiring beauty of this natural reserve. Discover the uninhabited islands and their diverse wildlife, both on land and in the crystal-clear waters. Dive in for a swim, try stand-up paddleboarding, and explore the underwater world with snorkeling. Indulge in a delicious Madeiran buffet lunch on board, making this 9-hour excursion even more memorable. With plenty of time for relaxation and adventure, this is the perfect opportunity to experience paradise firsthand. Don't miss out on this extraordinary journey – book your spot now!

About this experience

Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
9 hours
Suitable for 1-15 Participants
Private Tour, Small Group Tour
Self Guided Experience

Highlights

Visit a natural paradise
Participate in standup paddle and snorkeling
Enjoy a delicious Madeiran buffet lunch onboard
Swim in the crystalline waters
Observe numerous wildlife species

Included

Use of snorkelling equipment
Stand up paddle
Live commentary on board

Not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

Catamaran Day Cruise to Desertas Islands from Funchal gives you the opportunity to embark on a breathtaking adventure in the stunning archipelago of Madeira. This tour takes you on a journey to the Desertas Islands, a group of three pristine and uninhabited islands, teeming with diverse wildlife both on land and in the crystal-clear waters that surround them.

What to expect?

During this 9-hour excursion, you'll experience the beauty of the Desertas Islands up close and personal. Departing from Funchal Marina, the catamaran sets sail towards the horizon, taking you on an unforgettable voyage. Upon arrival, you'll have the chance to disembark onto the untouched beaches of the islands. Dive into the turquoise waters, engage in exciting activities like stand-up paddleboarding and snorkeling, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of this natural paradise.

Who is this for?

This Catamaran Day Cruise is designed for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers of all ages. Whether you're a wildlife lover, a water sports enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful day surrounded by breathtaking scenery, this tour is perfect for you. The experience caters to individuals, couples, and families alike, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this unique and exciting journey.

Why book this?

By booking this Catamaran Day Cruise, you'll have the opportunity to explore the untouched wonders of the Desertas Islands. From swimming in the crystal-clear waters to discovering the diverse marine and land wildlife, this experience promises to be both thrilling and educational. Additionally, you'll be treated to a delicious Madeiran buffet lunch on board, adding a culinary delight to your day of adventure. With its stunning landscapes, engaging activities, and mouth-watering cuisine, this tour offers an unforgettable experience that will create lasting memories.

Good to know

When embarking on this catamaran cruise, it's important to check in 30 minutes before departure at the Kiosk VMT Madeira Catamaran Trips in Funchal Marina. The total duration of the tour is 540 minutes, ensuring plenty of time to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the Desertas Islands. Don't forget to bring your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure for this incredible day filled with exploration and relaxation.

Reviews

Those who have experienced the Catamaran Day Cruise to Desertas Islands from Funchal have been captivated by the untouched beauty of the islands. Travelers highly praise the opportunity to engage in water sports activities and encounter the diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. The delicious Madeiran buffet lunch served on board is also commonly mentioned as a highlight of the tour. Overall, visitors are impressed by the combination of adventure, relaxation, and scenic landscapes that this tour offers.

About this product

How long before the event do I need to book?

You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

At least one adult or senior required per booking

Meeting point & End point

Kiosk VMT Madeira Catamaran Trips. Check-In: 30 minutes before departure

People’s Square, Av. Do Mar 4, 9000-900 Funchal, PT

Your Itinerary

VMT Madeira

(Pass by)

Leaving from the Funchal Marina and heading out to sea towards the horizon, we reach a group of 3 islands, that although they are called Desert islands, are inhabited by numerous wildlife species both marine and land animals. This is only one reason that makes it worth the effort to disembark from the catamaran onto the virgin beach. Come and see this natural paradise for yourself and participate in activities such as standup paddle and snorkeling. All this as part of a memorable 9-hour excursion, with plenty of swimming and a delicious Madeiran buffet lunch on board. Reserve now!

Additional information

Not recommended for participants with poor cardiovascular health
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for participants with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant participants
Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

Reviews

(27)

3.8 (27)

Helen_C

It is a privilege to travel to the Desertas islands that is afforded to only a few at a time. These islands, because of their desert nature, have defied colonisation and are now a sanctuary. The trip also had the added bonus of seeing a small pod of orcas en route to the islands. We were able to snorkel and paddleboard whilst there. A magical day and well worth doing.

Peter_A

Boat could not visit Desertas due to winds. Instead initially sailed south from Funchal which enabled us to observe cetaceans and seabirds. This fully offset the initial disappointment at the change of route. It was an excellent plan.

Dennis_from_Canada

The islands themselves are unique experience but there are just about 200 m to walk, so basically it is one-time experience. And it was totally ruined by VMT. I live on Madeira for about 4 months now and my windows are overlooking Desertas Islands - so I see that most of the time its beautiful weather there. And trip in such weather should be amazing. However we were stupid enough to prepay the trip and on the day the weather was terrible. The cruise should have been cancelled but VMT would lose money. So when the crew put on heavy wind breakers I realized we are in trouble. (they tell you to bring warm clothes but I would never had SO warm clothes on Madeira). On catamaran there are no place to hide from the rain, wind and splashes of waves and crew was lazy to put down covers. I was literally hiding in a tiny cabin near washrooms otherwise I would be completely wet. And with the wind it was cold enough to get sick if you are wet. But the crew was bold enough to put a can with a huge black letters TIPS and directly requested tips after the trip. We paid 80 EURO each so I would expect the crew is paid well enough. Again – Islands are worth visiting, but do not do prepayment – just walk in on the day (they have enough spots). Also – choose Bonita (another ship) – there you would have closed cabin to hide from bad weather.

559morganec

We spent a really good time on board and on the island, with good weather conditions. The crew is great ! Excellent day !

Tricia P

We did a block of 3 cruises...this one, a sunset cruise and a daytime dolphin cruise. The catamaran was clean, staff were polite and informative and there was a small bar selling a few drinks and snacks reasonably priced. The only downside to the Desertas cruise is the 2½ hours it takes to get there and the large, rocky beach area. They should warn you that you will get wet feet and possibly up to your knees when they put you in a dinghy to land you on the beach. We felt with the daytime dolphin cruise they out too many passengers on and it's hard to watch the dolphins and whales. Overall a wonderful experience watching the pilot whales, spotted dolphins and, on the island cruise, the endangered monk seals.

nicholas M

I have been twice on this day trip in June and July 2022. First of all, this trip is not for you if you do not appreciate wilderness and nature, in my opinion at least. If you like cheap and cheerful, take one of the dolphin cruises to see them and then along the coast to swim. This is a 3-hour trip each way, and the catamaran handles the rougher seas near Desertas perfectly. Admittedly, there is not that much to do at Desertas, and there are restrictions as to where you can wander, which isn't far. You can swim, surf-board, or snorkel in the bay, looking out for fish or even a Monk Seal. The staff are excellent and cannot do enough for you, and a drink (fresh beer on tap) and a meal is provided (meat, fish, veg, salad). There are w.c's on board, always a bonus. Again some may find the 3-hour trip boring, if so this trip is not for you. But I enjoy nature watching and saw several rare Desertas Petrels, lots of Bulwer's Petrels and Cory's Shearwaters, as well as a Loggerhead turtle, Flying Fish, Portuguese Man of War, and on the first trip Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, though if you just like to see Dolphins just take one of the 3 hour round trips around the Bay of Funchal. Either way, it was thoroughly enjoyable just to be out on the sea. For me it was excellent value for money despite there not being much at the destination, in the hands of an excellent hard-working and dedicated crew. But be aware what you are booking and what your expectations of the trip are.

Claire O

This trip was not worth €80 euros each or €320 for a family of 4! The journey to the island took 3 hours. Once at the island, what we had been told by the rep selling us the trip, would be a hike around the island was actually a 10 minute walk around 5/6 information boards with the guide explaining what they said. You could not hike/walk around the island and the photographs on their promotional leaflet are very misleading as it shows people setting off on a walk. We then had about an hour for lunch/paddle boarding and snorkelling. Then it was another 3 hours to return back to Funchal. The staff were lovely and very helpful, and the buffet lunch was good. However, I would not recommend this trip as it is overpriced and we have just been on the jeep safari today which was half the price and so much better!

Bobcat320330

I took this trip yesterday and it was a lovely, lovely day - enhanced by a wonderful crew and pleasant fellow passengers. It did not go as planned, but that was fine. Read on! There was too little wind to sail to the schedule but this catamaran is a joy whatever. The distances are huge for a day trip so it's unlikely that sails are going to do it. There had been a landslip close to the landing beach, triggered by the recent volcanic activity on La Palma. This would have restricted access to a small patch surrounding the huts, hardly fulfilling. Luckily we never got there. The first beach party had to return because the waves on the beach were too much of a risk, most passengers wearing clothes and not swimware. Hence we enjoyed the swimming, paddleboards and kayaks (informal instruction and encouragement provided) and lunch was brought forward - a really excellent meal that included fabulous espada and unlimited drinks. To make up for the lack of a shore visit, we left our mooring early and followed the cliffs for miles northwards of the landing spot. The colours and shapes of the cliffs are extraordinary and I was mesmerised. Eventually, right up abeam the northern-most island of Chãu, we headed back towards Funchal. It wasn't long before we encountered our first pod of pilot whales. Three times we diverted, slowed and spent lots of time quietly and safely shadowing these whales and we all got some great pics. So how so I account for a full nine hours aboard? It was sunny and warm even in October (usually in a shirt but I did need a fleece and jacket at rare times). I watched the world go by, snoozed, read, ate, chatted. Bored? Cold? Never. It really was a lovely day. Thank you so much, Antonio and crew. Robert(o!)

989daviniac

It was the worst trip in catamaran of my life. Three hours to get to the islands. When we got there they said that it was not possible to do the proper visit as there was risk of land spades, then they basically had us three hours stuck in the boat , and another three hours to go back. The worst was that they said they just received a call alerting them about the risk when we got to the island, but one of them said that this was happening for weeks so they knew and they took us there besides the risk and knowing since the beginning that they can’t give us what we paid for. So disappointed and a day wasted.

Kelian_A

Nothing interesting ;we disemabark you on the island and we tell you it isn't the right season to see the seals at their peak lol.We tell you the story that you find on the internet.The rest of the day pebbe beach.Returns 30mn stopping at sea to observe dophins and try to see whales in 30 mn?

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2024-07-02 17:11