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Home/Portugal/Madeira/Desertas Islands (Ilhas Desertas)

Explore Desertas Islands: Nature & Adventure Awaits

Escape to the pristine Desertas Islands (Ilhas Desertas), a breathtaking nature reserve and a paradise for adventure seekers. Discover dramatic volcanic cliffs, rare endemic wildlife, and crystal-clear waters perfect for exploring this untouched archipelago. Whether you are looking for guided nature tours, eco-friendly adventures, or a peaceful retreat into raw natural beauty, our curated experiences offer the ultimate way to explore this Madeiran gem. Book your unforgettable journey to the Desertas Islands today and immerse yourself in one of the Atlantic's most spectacular protected landscapes.

4.7/5 avg ratingFrom $60 per personEco-friendly adventuresFree cancellation included

At a glance

Tour Information

Tour Information

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Booking

Recommended

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Best For

Best For

All Travelers

Suitable for different interests and groups

Rating

Rating

Popular Choice

Well-reviewed by visitors

Languages

Languages

Multi-language

Available in multiple languages

Accessibility

Accessibility

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6 Products

Desertas Islands Full-Day Catamaran Trip from Funchal

Desertas Islands Full-Day Catamaran Trip from Funchal

9 hrsEco-Friendly
4.27 (196 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$106
Book now
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Desertas Islands Full-Day Catamaran Trip from Funchal
Summary

Enjoy a full-day catamaran cruise that takes you on a visit to Madeira's natural reserve. Stop at the Desertas Islands for a short guided tour, learn about the monk seal conservation efforts, and take a swim in the crystal-clear waters.

Desertas Island Tour

Desertas Island Tour

8 hrsFree cancellation
4.32 (34 reviews)
Musement
$116
Book now
View Details
Desertas Island Tour
Summary

The mysterious Desertas Islands, which you can see from Funchal on a clear day, no longer need to be a mystery. On this full day cruise from Funchal marina, you'll enjoy a guided tour of this nature reserve on arrival and have the opportunity to swim in the open sea with lunch on board.

Inclusions
  • Hotel pick up
Good to know
  • Hotel pick up
Ponta São Lourenço guided walk from the west

Ponta São Lourenço guided walk from the west

8 hrsEco-FriendlyFree cancellation
4.47 (3 reviews)
Musement
$58
Book now
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Ponta São Lourenço guided walk from the west
Summary

The eastern-most peninsula in Madeira, Ponta São Lourenço, is in the spotlight on this full day guided trek. You'll walk through its nature reserve, admiring weird and wonderful rock formations, and climb to the highest point for panoramas over the Atlantic and Desertas Islands.

Inclusions
  • Hotel pick up
Good to know
  • Hotel pick up
Boat trip from Funchal to the Desert Islands

Boat trip from Funchal to the Desert Islands

8.5 hrsFree cancellation
3 (2 reviews)
30%
70%
Viator
$106
Book now
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Boat trip from Funchal to the Desert Islands
Summary

Discover the Desert Islands with us in a unique experience that combines adventure, untouched nature and unforgettable moments. From Funchal, enjoy a comfortable boat ride with the possibility of watching dolphins and whales, followed by a guided tour of this protected nature reserve. Explore wild t...

Inclusions
  • Lunch included
  • welcome drink + lunch + drink with meal and fruit + drink on return
Itinerary
  • Desertas Island
Good to know
  • Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Unadvisable for people conducive to bad disposition (engouement)
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Ponta São Lourenço guided walk from the west

Ponta São Lourenço guided walk from the west

Eco-Friendly
0
KKday
$58
Book now
View Details
Ponta São Lourenço guided walk from the west
Summary

The eastern-most peninsula in Madeira, Ponta São Lourenço, is in the spotlight on this full day guided trek. You'll walk through its nature reserve, admiring weird and wonderful rock formations, and climb to the highest point for panoramas over the Atlantic and Desertas Islands.

From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island

From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island

8 hrsPrivate tourEco-FriendlyFree cancellation
0
Viator
$3,703
Book now
View Details
From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island
Summary

Embark on an extraordinary expedition to the Desertas Islands, a protected nature reserve and one of Madeira’s hidden treasures. This private full-day adventure takes you across crystal-clear waters to uninhabited volcanic islands, home to the endangered Mediterranean monk seal, rare seabirds, and d...

Inclusions
  • Life Insurance: A comprehensive life insurance for your tour
  • Stand up Paddle and Snorkelling
  • WiFi on board
  • Safety Equipment
  • Freshwater shower
  • Restroom on board
Exclusions
  • Custom Requests: Any special arrangements or additional services may be subject to extra costs
  • Car Parking fees at the marina
Itinerary
  • Desertas Island
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible. Strollers welcome. Please inform us in advance., Pet-friendly (small breeds only). Please confirm your pet's spot with us in advance. Kindly note that since we are visiting a protected nature reserve, pet must remain on the catamaran at all times.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Pairs well with

Landmarks travelers visit on the same route as Desertas Islands (Ilhas Desertas).

Ponta de São Lourenco
Learn more

Ponta de São Lourenco

32 km away • from $22

Machico
Learn more

Machico

35 km away • from $17

Palheiro Gardens
Learn more

Palheiro Gardens

38 km away • from $94

Portela Viewpoint (Miradouro da Portela)
Learn more

Portela Viewpoint (Miradouro da Portela)

39 km away • from $41

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions travelers ask before visiting.

Among the options we compare, prices vary significantly depending on the level of exclusivity. You can find experiences ranging from around $68 to $2,385, with a median price of approximately $111.

Yes, private experiences are a common way to see the islands. About a third of the tours listed across booking platforms are private options, offering a more tailored way to explore the area.

Most excursions are full-day affairs. The options we compare typically last between 8 and 16.5 hours, with a median duration of about 8.2 hours.

Sustainability is a notable feature of the offerings here. Half of the tours we compare are tagged as eco-friendly, which is a significant presence for this destination.

The experiences generally receive very positive feedback. Across the 235 pooled reviews we've aggregated from various platforms, the average rating is 4.02★.

Many travelers find flexibility is easy to secure. The majority, or 83%, of the options we compare offer free cancellation, and 83% also provide instant confirmation for easier planning.

To accommodate international visitors, tours are offered in 5 languages: English, Portuguese, German, French, and Spanish.

You must book a boat excursion from Funchal. Many companies offer day trips or overnight stays via catamaran or speedboat.

There are no hotels. You can stay at the local shelter, but you must bring your own food and plenty of drinking water.

Bring sturdy hiking boots, sun protection, and a large water supply. The trails are steep and there is very little shade.

Ponta de São Lourenco32.3kmMachico35.2kmPalheiro Gardens37.6kmPortela Viewpoint (Miradouro da Portela)38.6kmMadeira Botanical Gardens39.7kmSanta Maria Street (Rua de Santa Maria)39.8kmMadeira Story Centre39.8kmSé Cathedral of Funchal40.3kmMonte Palace Tropical Gardens40.7kmChurch of Our Lady of Monte (Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte)41kmSanta Catarina Park (Parque de Santa Catarina)41kmPico dos Barcelos Viewpoint (Miradouro Pico dos Barcelos)43.5km