THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Set off from Funchal for a full-day cruise to the Ilhas Desertas—rugged, protected islands where cliffs meet clear Atlantic water. Expect wildlife encounters, a guided shore visit, swimming and a picnic-style lunch on board.
Set off from Funchal for a full-day cruise to the Ilhas Desertas—rugged, protected islands where cliffs meet clear Atlantic water. Expect wildlife encounters, a guided shore visit, swimming and a picnic-style lunch on board.
The boat slips away from Funchal’s marina, wake lacing the Atlantic as the city’s tiled roofs shrink behind you. Sea air sharpens the senses: gulls wheel, and if you’re lucky a pod of dolphins will cut through the glassy blue, daring you to keep pace. The Desert Islands—Ilhas Desertas—rise ahead as raw, wind-sculpted ridges, their cliffs dropping vertically into deep water.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Bonita da Madeira · Funchal, Madeira
The boat slips away from Funchal’s marina, wake lacing the Atlantic as the city’s tiled roofs shrink behind you. Sea air sharpens the senses: gulls wheel, and if you’re lucky a pod of dolphins will cut through the glassy blue, daring you to keep pace. The Desert Islands—Ilhas Desertas—rise ahead as raw, wind-sculpted ridges, their cliffs dropping vertically into deep water.
These islands are a protected reserve with a hard, recent geology: volcanic rock shaped by waves and wind into steep escarpments and sparse, salt-tolerant vegetation. Historically they served as navigational markers for Madeira’s sailors and, in harsher centuries, as remote outposts. Today the islands are quiet, managed for conservation and for the seabirds and monk seals that find rare shelter here.
Onshore, trails are short and rugged—expect uneven volcanic scree, basalt steps and minimal shade. Snorkeling shows clearer water than you’d expect in the open Atlantic; currents can be perceptible but reveal rocky reefs and schools of small fish.
Practical guidance: the full trip runs most of the day (about 8–9 hours) and includes lunch and drinks. Wear layered clothes for wind and sun, sturdy deck or water shoes for landings, and bring reef-safe sunscreen and a refillable water bottle. If you plan to snorkel, bring a mask and towel; guided time on the island is limited, so prioritize a short coastal walk and a swim.
Timing, respect for protected areas and basic sea-safety awareness will make this a memorable, low-impact day at sea.
easy.
8–9 hours.
Suitable for people in average fitness; walking on rocky trails requires steady balance and low-impact mobility.
Yes—lunch, a welcome drink, and additional drinks with the meal and on return are included in the tour price.
Yes—there is free time to swim or snorkel from the boat or shore; bring your own mask and be aware of local currents and guide instructions.
Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; the operator notes the trip is suitable for all fitness levels but children should be supervised during landings and onboard.
Common sightings include dolphins and migrating whales offshore, and seabirds such as Cory’s shearwaters around the cliffs.
The Desertas were historically used as navigational markers and sporadic shelter; they became a formal nature reserve to protect breeding seabirds and monk seals.
Access is regulated to minimize disturbance—stick to marked paths, carry out all waste, and follow guide instructions to protect fragile habitats.
Bonita da Madeira operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The boat slips away from Funchal’s marina, wake lacing the Atlantic as the city’s tiled roofs shrink behind you. Sea air sharpens the senses: gulls wheel, and if you’re lucky a pod of dolphins will cut through the glassy blue, daring you to keep pace. The Desert Islands—Ilhas Desertas—rise ahead as raw, wind-sculpted ridges, their cliffs dropping vertically into deep water.
The boat slips away from Funchal’s marina, wake lacing the Atlantic as the city’s tiled roofs shrink behind you. Sea air sharpens the senses: gulls wheel, and if you’re lucky a pod of dolphins will cut through the glassy blue, daring you to keep pace. The Desert Islands—Ilhas Desertas—rise ahead as raw, wind-sculpted ridges, their cliffs dropping vertically into deep water.
These islands are a protected reserve with a hard, recent geology: volcanic rock shaped by waves and wind into steep escarpments and sparse, salt-tolerant vegetation. Historically they served as navigational markers for Madeira’s sailors and, in harsher centuries, as remote outposts. Today the islands are quiet, managed for conservation and for the seabirds and monk seals that find rare shelter here.
Onshore, trails are short and rugged—expect uneven volcanic scree, basalt steps and minimal shade. Snorkeling shows clearer water than you’d expect in the open Atlantic; currents can be perceptible but reveal rocky reefs and schools of small fish.
Practical guidance: the full trip runs most of the day (about 8–9 hours) and includes lunch and drinks. Wear layered clothes for wind and sun, sturdy deck or water shoes for landings, and bring reef-safe sunscreen and a refillable water bottle. If you plan to snorkel, bring a mask and towel; guided time on the island is limited, so prioritize a short coastal walk and a swim.
Timing, respect for protected areas and basic sea-safety awareness will make this a memorable, low-impact day at sea.