Desertas Islands Schooner Cruise + Snorkelling, Funchal

Excursión muy recomendable si no te mareas en barco. Se ven delfines, tortugas y ballenas en el trayecto y la isla es di...

Angel

Discover biodiversity and rugged landscapes with this Desertas Islands Schooner Cruise and snorkelling activity. Walk past the colourful rocks and, if we're lucky, meet the friendly monk seals that live on the beaches.

Details

Duration

8 hours 30 minutes.

Language

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

Included

Hotel pickup and drop–off
English–speaking guide
Schooner cruise
Lunch
Snorkel equipment

Not included

Pickup fee for hotels in Calheta or Ponta do Sol: 11EUR

When to book

You can book up to 12 hours in advance if there are any seats left. Book now and guarantee your spot.

Supporting documents

Electronic voucher. Have it on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services meet our

Pets

Not allowed.

Frequently asked questions

If you have other questions, contact us

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts. Any cancellations after this or no-shows on the day will not be refunded.

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9.0

(1,392)

Gratis

Reviews of our customers

7.6

Very good 292 Travelers·18 reviews

May 12, 2025
Alfredo Cuevas Saa
Spain
The boat we had was smaller than advertised, there were no explanations in Spanish, and we suffered from rough seas, so we couldn't go to the island o...
As a couple
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September 15, 2022
Jesus Redondo Gines
Madrid, Spain
It has been very well. We loved the outward crossing to the islands, I think the stay on the island was too short. It would be great if they took a to...
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August 13, 2022
Anónimo
España, Spain
The crew is very friendly, the food is passable, the activity? It's a bit of a bumpy ride on the boat, 3 hours there and 3 hours back, and unless you ...
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June 22, 2022
Claudia Pardo Portos
Spain
It's not worth it, it's 2/3 hours by boat to get to the island and spend 10 minutes on the island. The food was good, although it was simple (chicken ...
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May 3, 2018
Angel
Sevilla, Spain
Excursión muy recomendable si no te mareas en barco. Se ven delfines, tortugas y ballenas en el trayecto y la isla es digna de visitar. La tripulación...
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August 24, 2023
Laura Alicia
Spain
Excellent. The crew is very friendly, the trip is long, but we have seen a sperm whale, manta rays, a shark and a seal. Also some petrels. On the isla...
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August 11, 2022
Maria Teresa
Madrid, Spain
It was normal. Very crowded with people
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August 11, 2022
Silvia
Spain
A long time of navigation, we have been able to bathe only 5 minutes. Passable food. The price is not worth it for the activity that it is
As a couple
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August 31, 2019
Mª Jose Marín Salas
Valencia, Spain
Buena experiencia
As a couple
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Activity details

At the indicated time, we'll pick you up at your hotel or meet you at pier 8 of the Funchal Marina, whichever you prefer. There, we'll board the schooner that will take us to the Desertas Islands. These three islands, Bugio, Deserta Grande and Chão Island, form an important reserve of Madeira's subtropical flora and marine biodiversity. Coloured rocks, steep cliffs, and crystal clear water beaches are some of the natural surprises we'll find on these islands.

As we sail across the Atlantic in a schooner we'll enjoy the calm ocean and contemplate the silhouette of Madeira while we move away from Funchal. On board the boat we'll enjoy a delicious hot meal to get our strength back before going down to visit the main island.

We'll disembark at Deserta Grande to explore the millenary volcanic formations that give this island a spectacularly rugged landscape. Deserta Grande is famous for being a sanctuary for sea birds, which hosts, among other species, several specimens of monk seals. Hopefully we'll get to see some!

During the excursion, you'll be able to take a bath in these waters and, if the sea conditions allow it, practice snorkelling to discover the great diversity of marine life.

After walking along the beaches and cliffs of Deserta Grande we'll return to the schooner and set a course back to Funchal. We'll conclude this 8.5-hour trip back where we started.

Hotel Pickup

This tour includes pickup from hotels located in the Caniço and Garajau areas. Pickup is also available from Calheta and Ponta do Sol, but with an 11EUR supplement, which must be paid in cash on the day of the activity.

If you prefer not to use the hotel pickup service, we’ll meet at Pier 8 in Funchal Marina.

Types of activities in Funchal

Guided tours and free tours Day trips Boat tours Food and Wine Experiences Wildlife watching

Other activities in Funchal

Pico do Arieiro + Sunrise Hike Funchal Free Walking Tour Madeira 2-Day Tour Beginners Scuba Diving in Garajau Casa Portuguesa Dinner + Fado Show Levada das 25 Fontes Hiking Tour Funchal Yellowbus Sightseeing Tour Canyoning in Madeira Snorkelling in Funchal Madeira Surf Class

Activity details

During the excursion, you'll be able to take a bath in these waters and, if the sea conditions allow it, practice snorkelling to discover the great diversity of marine life.

After walking along the beaches and cliffs of Deserta Grande we'll return to the schooner and set a course back to Funchal. We'll conclude this 8.5-hour trip back where we started.

Hotel Pickup

If you prefer not to use the hotel pickup service, we’ll meet at Pier 8 in Funchal Marina.

Desertas Islands Schooner Cruise + Snorkelling