Desertas Islands Catamaran Tour: Monk Seals & Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★ 5.00 (3 reviews)

Free cancellation

1/24

Duration8h

GroupPrivate

LanguagesEN · PT

Mobile ticketAccepted

Uninhabited volcanic islands where Mediterranean monk seals surface in protected waters

A private full-day catamaran charter from Funchal to the Desertas Islands, a protected nature reserve where you sail to uninhabited volcanic islands, swim and snorkel in pristine bays, and spot endangered Mediterranean monk seals and rare seabirds. The boat carries an open bar, snorkeling gear, paddleboards and a freshwater shower; a live guide shares the islands' history and wildlife in English or Portuguese. Eight hours total; moderate fitness needed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private catamaran trip to Desertas Islands

Depart from Funchal by catamaran
Sail to Desertas Islands nature reserve
Observe Mediterranean monk seals and seabirds
Swim, snorkel, or paddleboard in clear waters
Learn about islands' history and wildlife
Visit Nature Reserve Warden’s House
Enjoy open bar, finger foods, and fruit onboard
Return to Funchal

The Experience

The catamaran leaves Funchal and crosses to the Desertas Islands, a chain of uninhabited volcanic peaks that form one of Madeira's most protected reserves. An experienced crew navigates the open water while the captain shares details about the coastline and the marine life that makes these islands significant—the endangered Mediterranean monk seal, seabirds found nowhere else, and the fish that shelter in the rocky shallows. Dolphin or whale sightings are possible but not guaranteed; the tour respects the rhythm of the ocean and what appears on any given day.

Once you arrive, the boat anchors in serene bays where the water stays clear enough to see the seabed. You can swim off the deck, snorkel with provided gear to watch the underwater life, or paddleboard across the shallows. The captain will point out the Nature Reserve Warden's House on the island, where staff live year-round protecting the monk seals and nesting birds. Between water time, the crew serves finger foods, seasonal fruit, and an open bar stocked with wine, beer, sangria, and juices. A freshwater shower and restroom are on board.

The eight-hour day means you spend most of it in and around the water or anchored in the bays. Bring a moderate level of fitness—you'll be getting in and out of the boat, swimming, and moving around the deck. Life insurance is included in the price, along with all safety equipment. Small pets can come along if you confirm their spot in advance, though they must stay on the catamaran while you're at the reserve. Infants can ride in a stroller or pram, and they sit on an adult's lap once aboard.

What’s included

Private catamaran charter with experienced crew.
life insurance and all safety equipment.
snorkeling gear and paddleboards.
open bar with wine, beer, sangria, and juices.
freshwater shower and restroom on board.
seasonal fruit and finger foods.
WiFi on board.
live guide in English or Portuguese.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by SeaYou Madeira

Is this one for you?Book this private charter if you want the islands to yourself without a shared boat—the crew adjusts the day around what you want to do, and the open bar means you're not paying separately for drinks while you're anchored in the bays. The eight-hour commitment works best if you're comfortable spending most of the day in the water or on deck, and if moderate swimming and paddling fit your fitness level.