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Discover the wild allure of Portugal’s Desertas Islands on a day trip from Funchal with Madeira Happy Tours. Swim, snorkel, and spot rare monk seals in this unique natural reserve.
Discover the wild allure of Portugal’s Desertas Islands on a day trip from Funchal with Madeira Happy Tours. Swim, snorkel, and spot rare monk seals in this unique natural reserve.
Book with Madeira Happy Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Madeira Happy Tours · Funchal, Madeira
Off the southern coast of Madeira, Portugal, the Desertas Islands rise sharply from the Atlantic, offering a rugged, raw natural realm largely untouched by human habitats. Madeira Happy Tours invites travelers from Funchal for a full-day, 9.5-hour journey aboard the Bonita da Madeira, navigating these volcanic islets that serve as a protected marine reserve. The Desertas Islands are best known for their thriving population of rare Mediterranean monk seals and an abundance of seabirds, creating an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
The tour begins with a scenic boat transfer through the deep blue Atlantic, where jagged cliffs and escarpments define the islands’ dramatic silhouette. Passengers relish panoramic views of sheer volcanic rock faces and crystal-clear waters that characterize this UNESCO-protected zone. Upon arrival at Doca, a sheltered cove, travelers have the opportunity to swim and dive into cool, invigorating waters. Snorkeling reveals volcanic underwater landscapes and vibrant marine life.
Following water activities, guests enjoy a flavorful local meal infused with fresh island ingredients, grounding the experience in Madeira’s rich culinary heritage. The guided walk along marked paths highlights the unique geology and resilient plant species adapted to the arid, salt-sprayed environment. This immersive experience balances active adventure with moments of reflection and relaxation.
In the broader context of Madeira’s outdoor offerings, Madeira Happy Tours stands out for its combination of accessibility and ecological focus, bringing visitors close to an imperiled ecosystem without compromising conservation goals. The Desertas Islands are a jewel of island wilderness, and this tour showcases the best of Madeira’s natural charm, wildlife, and seascapes in an authentic and engaging way.
moderate.
9–10 hours.
Participants should have a moderate level of fitness to comfortably participate in swimming, snorkeling, and walking on uneven terrain.
Yes, Madeira Happy Tours provides snorkeling equipment, but you’re welcome to bring your own for comfort.
Children over the age of 8 with basic swimming skills can participate, but the tour pace and duration may be challenging for very young kids.
The tour highlights sightings of Mediterranean monk seals, various seabirds, and marine life in surrounding waters.
It’s a moderate tour requiring swimming and walking on rocky terrain, so a reasonable fitness level is recommended.
Yes, a locally inspired meal is served during the visit, showcasing fresh regional ingredients.
Yes, due to the remote island location and open sea conditions, trips may be rescheduled or canceled for safety if weather is unfavorable.
The Desertas Islands have been protected as a nature reserve since 1990 to preserve their unique ecosystems and endangered species.
Tour operators emphasize minimal disturbance to wildlife, maintaining strict guidelines to safeguard monk seals and nesting birds during visits.
Madeira Happy Tours operates guided excursions across Madeira, offering a wide selection of tuk‑tuk rides, jeep safaris, levada walks and boat trips. The company runs short urban routes in Funchal and historic Old Town tours, panoramic skywalk visits at Cabo Girão, and coastal stops in Câmara de Lobos. Outdoor options include levada walks such as Levada da Referta, Levada do Rabaçal (Risco and 25 Fontes), Levada dos Prazeres and long coastal hikes like Ponta São Lourenço. Full‑day and half‑day jeep safaris explore island peaks, valleys, vineyards and the Nordeste, with tastings of local wines and poncha where listed. Evening experiences showcase Madeiran culture with folk dancing, live entertainment and traditional meals on the Night Island Tour. Guided options use a variety of vehicles — tuk‑tuks for compact city routes, jeeps for rugged terrain, catamarans for sunset and whale watching trips, and guided walking on levadas. Several tours combine activities, for example jeep safaris paired with levada walks or vineyard visits with lunches. Knowledgeable local guides provide route context, historical notes and safety briefings appropriate to each itinerary. Booking choices include half‑day, full‑day and multi‑activity packages. Images and descriptions for each trip outline duration and highlights. Madeira Happy Tours focuses on showcasing Madeira’s landscapes, culture and culinary specialties while providing accessible itineraries suitable for a range of fitness levels. Reservations can be made for individual tours or bundled packages to cover multiple island highlights. Detailed itineraries and booking information are available for each trip on the official tour listings and seasonal schedules.
Book with Madeira Happy Tours