From Funchal: Wooden Boat Excursion to Desertas Island

A wooden boat run from Funchal out to the Desertas Islands is a fun mix of time on the water and a protected nature stop in the middle of the Atlantic. I like that you get Madeira wine with your welcome drink and that the day includes a dedicated swim and snorkeling window once you reach the islands. The big thing to consider is that this is mostly a boat day, so if you want lots of time on land, you may feel the island portion is short.

What I like most is the potential for marine life sightings because you cover lots of miles out at sea, not just a quick coast hop. I also like that you get a simple, included lunch with a free drink, which keeps the day from turning into a constant snack hunt. The drawback is that the on-island experience can be limited and sometimes feels more wet and practical than leisurely, especially if the sea or landing conditions are rough.

Key things to know before you go

• Marine life chances rise with distance since the route covers many miles across the Atlantic.
• A swim stop is built in at the Desertas area, and snorkeling fits naturally if conditions allow.
• Lunch and drinks are included, including Madeira wine for the welcome drink.
• The island walk is brief, and the guided portion may feel short in practice.
• Bring towel and waterproof shoes, because some situations may not be dry and comfy.
• Seasickness risk is real, and this trip is not suited to non-swimmers or people prone to motion sickness.

Wooden Boat to the Desertas, a real Atlantic day trip

This is the kind of Madeira outing that feels like a day at sea first, with the Desertas Islands as your pay-off. Expect open-water sailing, Atlantic air, and that slow shift from city sounds to wind, salt, and boat engine hum. Then you get a nature reserve stop where you can walk a little, swim, and use the snorkeling time you’re given.

The “wooden boat” part matters because it sets the tone. It’s a more classic, hands-on way to see this part of the Atlantic than a smooth, generic speedboat that screams past everything. It can also feel busier inside, so plan to be flexible about comfort.

Price and what you actually get for $106

At about $106 per person, this isn’t a bargain in the usual sense, but it does include several items that add up on your own. Your ticket covers a welcome drink of Madeira wine, lunch with one free drink per person (water, Coca Cola, beer, or wine), plus fruit, and then another free drink on the return.

You’re also getting taxes and fees included, which often makes the final number feel more realistic than the ticket price alone. And you get a structured day with a guided element (around 20 minutes is listed), plus a swim stop.

Where the value question gets tricky is time. Some people want more island time than boat time. If you’re there mainly for long walks on dry land, you might feel you paid for a boat journey rather than a nature hike. If you’re happy spending most of your day at sea with the chance of marine life, the deal can feel fair.

Getting to Av. do Mar 9000 and the Pier 8 kiosk

Your starting point is Av. Do Mar 9000. For meeting, head to the marina at pier 8, where you’ll find a kiosk. Your check-in point is the Bonita da Madeira kiosk in the middle.

This matters because a day like this runs on timing. Plan to arrive early enough to find the kiosk without rushing. If you’re coming by private transport, keep in mind that pick up and drop off are not included, and car parking is not included either.

The Atlantic crossing: why the route can mean more marine life

The biggest “why this tour” claim is marine life. The trip covers so many miles that the odds of sightings improve compared with a short coastal hop. That’s exactly the kind of logic that works in real life. Out here, you’re not guaranteed dolphins or whales, but spending more time moving through water that can hold wildlife boosts your chances.

What you’ll feel during the crossing is that it’s a proper ocean experience. The tour is not marketed for people who want calm, predictable water. It’s also listed as not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

If you’re sensitive to motion, treat this as a serious warning, not a small footnote. Even if you think you’re fine with boats, rougher sea conditions can change how your stomach feels. Bring a plan for motion sickness if it’s part of your reality.

Desertas Islands stop: short walk, swimming, and snorkeling time

Once you reach the Desertas area, the main activities are walk, swimming, and snorkeling. This is a protected reserve, so it’s not a resort island with endless paths and cafés. It’s a nature stop, and it stays that way.

Here’s the practical truth. A guided overview is included and described as around 20 minutes, but the on-island experience can be brief in practice. Some people find it more like a short circular walk with informational plaques than a longer guided tour with room to linger. So set expectations early: you are not buying a full hike day.

Can you expect dry land?

You might find the landing and time on shore varies with conditions. Some reports describe limited ability to get fully dry and being in swimwear while moving around the beach area. That’s why the packing list insists on items like towel, swimsuit, jacket, and waterproof shoes.

My advice is simple: treat this stop as a wet-and-windy day. Even if you hope for a casual, dry stroll, pack for the reality that you may need to be ready to get damp.

Swimming and snorkeling: the highlight, if you’re comfortable in the water

The swim stop is a key part of the experience. If you’re confident in open water and okay getting in when it’s time, you’ll likely enjoy this portion a lot. If you’re not, the trip is simply not built for you. It’s listed as not suitable for non-swimmers.

Snorkeling is included in the activity options, but what you actually see depends on water conditions and what the crew decides is safe and worthwhile that day. Your best move is to be flexible and follow guidance.

Guided element: what “around 20 minutes” feels like

There is a live tour guide speaking English and Portuguese. The plan includes a guided tour element that’s roughly 20 minutes.

In practice, “guided” can mean different things depending on timing and the group’s pace. A short walk with plaques and quick orientation can make sense when the island time is limited. If you’re hoping for a long, story-filled trek, you may be surprised by how quickly you move from dock area to the end of the short loop.

Still, a short guide can be valuable. It helps you notice what’s worth seeing in a place that might look empty at first glance. The Desertas are remote, and a few minutes of interpretation can change how you experience the scenery.

Lunch and drinks: simple, included, and useful after water time

Lunch is included, and it’s more than just a snack. You get a lunch with fruit, plus one free drink (options include water, Coca Cola, beer, and white or red wine). Then you get another free drink on the return.

This matters because you’re spending hours on a boat. Without included food, the day can become expensive and stressful. With lunch built in, you can actually relax after the crossing.

One caution: while lunch includes fruit as part of what’s listed, some people have reported mismatch in what they expected. Since you’re paying a fixed price with meal inclusions, I still suggest keeping a small backup plan. Bring a few extra snacks if you’re the type who gets hungry easily, especially if you have a preference for what you eat.

What to bring so you are actually comfortable

The packing list is solid, and I’d follow it closely. You’ll feel better if you come prepared for water time and quick changes in weather.

Bring:

• Towel
• Swimsuit
• Jacket (yes, even in warmer months, since you’re at sea)
• Comfortable shoes
• Waterproof shoes (important if landing feels damp)
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Cap or hat
• Snacks (the list includes snacks)

Also, plan on wearing what works for a boat day: clothes that can get wet without ruining your whole evening. If you hate damp fabrics, you’ll want dry layers ready for after the swim stop.

Seasickness, non-swimmers, and cold sensitivity

This is one of the more important parts of the decision. The activity is marked as not suitable for non-swimmers. It’s also not suitable for people with a cold and for people prone to seasickness.

That combination is a sign the crew and operator are treating this as a real ocean outing, not a gentle harbor cruise. If you’re on the fence, I’d err toward skipping. If you do go, treat motion sickness prevention seriously. Even if you usually handle boats well, the Atlantic can still surprise you.

Boat comfort and the reality of a busy day

Some people reported the boat was very full. That likely affects comfort, especially if you’re hoping for space to stretch out, take photos easily, or just sit without bumping elbows.

You can still have a great day on a crowded boat, but you should go in with realistic comfort expectations. Wear layers, choose what you want to wear once you’re wet, and keep your valuables secured.

Also, avoid bringing things you don’t need. Oversize luggage is not allowed, and you can’t bring large bags.

What’s not allowed, and why it matters

A few rules shape how the day flows:

• Oversize luggage and luggage or large bags are not allowed
• Pets are not allowed (assistance dogs are allowed)
• Fishing is not allowed
• Glass objects are not allowed

These rules are common on day boats, but they matter because they influence what you can carry for comfort. Pack light, keep it simple, and bring what’s on the list so you don’t get stuck trying to borrow items mid-day.

Should you book the Bonita da Madeira Desertas excursion?

If your dream Madeira day is time on the water, chances at marine life, and a swim and snorkeling stop, this trip is a strong candidate. The included Madeira wine, lunch with drinks, and the long Atlantic mileage are all set up to make a sea-focused outing feel complete.

If you want a long, dry walk and a slower island pace, you might not love it. The island portion is likely brief, and the “guided tour” can feel short. Some conditions can also mean wet land time and limited dry comfort, so don’t show up assuming you’ll stroll around in dry shoes for hours.

My call: book it if you’re comfortable with boats and water time and you like being out on the Atlantic. Skip it if you’re seasick-prone, you cannot swim, or you want most of your day on land.

FAQ

How long is the wooden boat trip to the Desertas Islands?

The duration is 8.5 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $106 per person.

Where is the meeting point in Funchal?

Meet at the marina at pier 8. Look for the Bonita da Madeira kiosk in the middle. The trip starts at Av. Do Mar 9000.

What languages is the live guide available in?

The live tour guide offers English and Portuguese.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are a welcome drink (Madeira wine), lunch with one free drink per person (water, Coca Cola, beer, wine plus fruit), one free drink again on return, a swimming stop, and taxes and fees.

What activities happen on the Desertas Islands?

You can walk, swim, and snorkel during the island stop.

Is pick up or drop off included?

No. Private transport pick up and drop off are not included.

Is car parking included?

No. Car park is not included.

What should I bring?

Bring towel, swimsuit, jacket, comfortable shoes, waterproof shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a cap or hat. Snacks are also listed as helpful.

Who should not book this tour?

It is not suitable for non-swimmers, people with a cold, or people prone to seasickness.