Sea days in Madeira come with real surprises. This wooden boat excursion to the Desertas Islands is a long stretch of Atlantic time, built for people who want real sea views and a strong shot at marine life sightings. The day also includes a live guide and a short time ashore, so it feels like more than just sitting on a boat.

What I like most is the simple rhythm: cruise, possible dolphins or whales, swim when you reach the islands, then food and drinks to keep you comfortable. One thing to weigh up, though, is that the island portion can feel short, and if conditions are a bit rough you may be dealing with a moving boat and some wet landing logistics rather than a tidy shore walk.

Key highlights you should know

• Marine-life odds rise with distance: you cover plenty of miles out on the Atlantic.
• Short guided island time: expect a brief walk with a guide and on-the-spot interpretation.
• Swim stop when you reach the Desertas: water time is part of the plan, not an optional add-on.
• Lunch plus Madeira wine: welcome drink, lunch with a drink, and another drink on the return.
• Bring the right footwear and gear: waterproof shoes and a towel are smart, not fussy.

The wooden boat ride out of Funchal, and why it matters

You start at Av. Do Mar 9000, then head to the marina. The meeting point is at pier 8, where you’ll find a kiosk, and this one is the Bonita da Madeira kiosk in the middle. From there, the day quickly becomes a sea-focused experience.

What makes this trip work is the trade you’re making. This is not a quick hop with lots of land exploring. You’re spending the majority of the 8.5 hours on the water, and that’s exactly why the marine-life chances are a selling point here. More time moving through the water means more chances for the ocean to show off.

If you’re the type who loves the feeling of being out at sea, this format is great. If you want constant stops and long walks, you might feel a bit under-satisfied.

Marine life: how the route boosts your chances

The biggest promise is the high possibility of spotting marine life, and the reason is straightforward: the boat covers many miles. That gives you more opportunities to see what’s passing through these waters, from smaller sightings to bigger, attention-grabbing moments.

A practical note: marine life spotting is never guaranteed, and sea conditions can affect viewing. But when the schedule is built around covering distance, you’re not just sitting still hoping for luck. You’re moving through the area, and that matters for both comfort and the odds.

Also, this is a full day at sea, so your best viewing happens when you’re settled and watching from the right angles. If you’re someone who gets easily distracted, plan to stay present for the first hours. The first chance you get to scan the horizon is usually the most rewarding.

The Desertas Islands stop: short walk, real nature reserve vibes

When you dock, you get time on the Desertas with options like walking and swimming. The islands are treated as a protected natural reserve, and the experience leans toward quiet observation instead of theme-park sightseeing.

Here’s the thing to set your expectations. The guide portion is around 20 minutes and the on-island walking time is brief. You’re not signing up for a multi-hour hike with big elevation gains and a long trail system. Think more along the lines of a short loop, a few information points, and then free time.

That short format has a benefit. It keeps the day flexible, so you can spend your energy on what you actually want: a few good photos, a closer look at what’s growing in the reserve, and time to get back into the water if that’s your priority.

If you hoped for a long, dry wander with a guaranteed shoreline landing, it’s wise to be ready for conditions. Some people find it doesn’t always feel like a simple step onto the island in perfect comfort. Bring a towel and waterproof shoes so you’re not stuck improvising.

Swim stop and snorkeling timing, what to plan for

The swim stop happens as part of reaching the islands, and swimming and snorkeling are clearly part of the experience. This is the moment many people remember because it turns the day from a sightseeing cruise into something more physical.

What to bring really matters here. The essentials are your towel and swimwear, plus sunscreen, sunglasses, and a jacket for when you’re back on the boat. The tour guidance specifically encourages comfortable shoes and also waterproof shoes, which is a big deal if you end up on wet ground or have to wade a bit.

If you want snorkeling, you’ll be thinking about comfort and safety more than gear. The most important choice you can make is packing for movement and sudden stops: secure things, use sunscreen early, and plan for wind and spray.

If you’re a confident swimmer, you’ll likely feel at ease during the water time. If you’re not, this isn’t the right outing. The trip is explicitly not suitable for non-swimmers, and that’s for a good reason in open water.

Lunch and drinks on the day, and the real value of what’s included

This trip makes a point of feeding you. You get a welcome drink of Madeira wine, and lunch includes one free drink per person. The included drink choices are listed as water, Coca Cola, beer, or wine (white or red). Lunch also includes fruit, and there’s another free drink on the return.

That matters more than it sounds. A long day on a boat can turn into a snack-only situation, which quickly feels overpriced. Here, at least the basics are covered: hydration, lunch, and a drink rhythm so you’re not rationing your budget while you wait for the next meal back in Funchal.

One practical tip: don’t assume the lunch will solve all your hunger needs if you’re the sort of person who eats big on trips. The tour includes fruit, but you may still want your own snacks, especially since the packing list suggests bringing snacks.

Also, remember this is a sea day. Even with lunch, you might not feel like eating much if you’re prone to motion sickness. Which brings us to the next big reality check.

Seasickness reality check: who should skip this boat day

You should take motion seriously here. The tour is listed as not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and it’s also not recommended for people with a cold.

That’s not just fine print. The trip includes plenty of boat time, and sea conditions can change. If you’re even a little unsure about how you handle waves, this kind of day is exactly where doubt becomes regret.

A simple decision rule:

• If you get queasy on ferries, skip this.
• If you have never felt okay on open water, skip this.
• If you handle boats well, then pack for comfort and you should be fine.

And if you do go, the packing list includes a jacket and waterproof shoes. Those are partly about comfort, partly about staying steady. Wind and spray can be tiring, even when the sun is out.

Meeting point and timing: how to avoid start-of-day stress

This is one of those tours where being early is worth it. You meet at the marina at pier 8, and you’re looking for the Bonita da Madeira kiosk in the middle. Since the tour has a 8.5-hour duration and you’re going out on scheduled boat time, arriving late can mess up your day faster than you’d expect.

There’s no mention of private transport as part of the price, so you’ll want to plan your own way to the meeting point. The tour also notes that car parking isn’t included, which is a gentle reminder that you should check the easiest parking or drop-off plan before you go.

One more small but important detail: you’re not allowed oversize luggage, large bags, or fishing gear. Leave bulky stuff behind so you’re not delayed by last-minute squeezing and rearranging.

What’s allowed, what’s not, and what to pack

You’ll be happier if you travel light and smart. The rules are clear: no pets (assistance dogs are allowed), no fishing, and no glass objects. Oversize luggage and large bags are also out.

For your personal comfort, the tour lists what to bring:

• Comfortable shoes, plus waterproof shoes
• Towel
• Swimwear
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cap or hat
• Jacket
• Comfortable clothes
• Snacks
• Waterproof-ready items for a wet sea day

If you only remember one thing, remember the towel plus waterproof footwear. Those two help you enjoy the experience instead of managing discomfort.

Price and value: does $106 make sense for the time you get?

The price is listed as $106 per person for an 8.5-hour outing, and it includes a lot more than just the boat ride. You’re getting taxes and fees, a welcome drink of Madeira wine, lunch with one drink, fruit, another drink on the return, a swim stop, and a guided component.

Here’s how I’d judge value:

• If you want a mostly on-water day with a chance for marine life and a swim stop, the structure fits the price.
• If you’re expecting a long island hike or lots of time ashore, the time on land may feel too short for what you’re paying.

The key is matching your expectations to the experience style. This is a sea-first day. You’re paying for ocean time, water time, and basic food and drink support while you’re out there.

Who this tour suits best in Madeira

This is best for people who:

• Like boat days and can handle motion
• Want a swim stop and some snorkeling time
• Enjoy short, guided nature interpretation rather than long hikes
• Appreciate getting food and drinks handled during a long outing

It’s less ideal for people who:

• Don’t swim comfortably
• Have strong seasickness issues
• Want a long, dry walk on the island

If you’re traveling with kids, it’s not framed as a family-focused adventure. And because swimming is central and non-swimmers are not suitable, keep that in mind when planning.

Should you book the Wooden Boat Excursion to Desertas Islands?

If your idea of a great Madeira day is open water, possible marine life, and a swim stop, I’d say yes, with clear expectations. The trip earns its cost by bundling a full day at sea with lunch and drinks, instead of making you spend extra the moment you’re hungry.

But book only if you’re comfortable with the reality that this is mostly a boat experience, and the island time is short. Add your towel and waterproof shoes, and skip it if seasickness is in your history. If you do those two things, you’re set up for a very satisfying day out of Funchal.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Wooden Boat Excursion to Desertas Islands?

The tour duration is listed as 8.5 hours.

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, or wine white or red), fruit, and another free drink on the return. It also includes the swim stop, taxes, and fees.

Where do I meet the tour in Funchal?

You meet at the marina at pier 8. There is a kiosk, and the one for this tour is the Bonita da Madeira kiosk in the middle.

Is swimming or snorkeling part of the tour?

Yes. A swim stop is included, and the island time options include walking, swimming, and snorkeling.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, waterproof shoes, a towel, swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, cap or hat, a jacket, comfortable clothes, and snacks.

Who should avoid this tour?

It is listed as not suitable for non-swimmers and for people prone to seasickness. It is also noted as not suitable for people with a cold.