Desertas Islands Catamaran Cruise: Snorkel & Paddle from Funchal

Swim and paddle in a marine reserve 9 hours from the Funchal Marina

A 9-hour catamaran cruise from Funchal to the Desertas Islands, a protected natural reserve off Madeira, includes snorkeling equipment, stand-up paddle boards and a hot Madeiran buffet lunch on board; a live guide in English or Portuguese narrates the wildlife and the islands' ecology as you stop to swim and paddle in the crystalline water. Children from age 1 are welcome, though the itinerary involves water activities and a moderate level of physical fitness is needed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran cruise to Desertas Islands

• Depart from Funchal Marina
• Sail towards Desertas Islands
• Disembark on the island beach
• Take a short island tour
• Swim in crystalline waters
• Enjoy standup paddle and snorkeling
• Have Madeiran buffet lunch onboard
• Return to Funchal Marina

The Experience

The catamaran leaves Funchal Marina heading toward a chain of three islands that, despite their name, teem with marine and land wildlife. The crossing takes you out to open water where the reserve's ecology becomes visible—seabirds, fish and the occasional dolphin or sea turtle. Once you reach the islands, you disembark onto a virgin beach for a short guided walk that orients you to what lives there and why the reserve matters.

The water activities make up the heart of the day. You get snorkeling equipment and a stand-up paddle board to use at your own pace; the guide stays on board and offers live commentary on what you are seeing underwater and what the islands support. Swimming happens in multiple sessions across the 9 hours, so there is time to rest between. A hot Madeiran buffet lunch is served on board, and you can eat on deck or inside depending on the weather.

The guide speaks English or Portuguese and is there to answer questions about the wildlife and the reserve's protection status, not to lead you through a choreographed itinerary. This means the day has rhythm but not a rigid schedule—you swim when the water is calmest and the visibility is best, and you paddle when you want to. The return to Funchal takes the same route back, arriving mid-afternoon.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddle boards.
• a Madeiran buffet lunch on board.
• live guide commentary in English or Portuguese.
• access to the Desertas Islands natural reserve and a short guided walk on the island.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by VMT Madeira Catamaran

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a guided group experience with set stops and timing, and you're comfortable swimming and paddling alongside other passengers.

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Top questions

What wildlife might I see on the Desertas Islands?

The Desertas Islands are a natural reserve inhabited by numerous marine and land species. The guide will point out what lives there during the short island walk and the on-board commentary, though sightings depend on the season and the day's conditions.

Is the snorkeling equipment provided, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment is included in the cruise. You also get a stand-up paddle board to use during the water stops, so you can choose how you want to spend your time in the water.

How long does the catamaran journey take from Funchal to the islands?

The full excursion is 9 hours from departure at Funchal Marina. This includes the crossing out, time on and around the islands, swimming and paddling sessions, and the return journey.

Is lunch included, and can I request a specific diet?

A Madeiran buffet lunch is served on board. You should advise any specific dietary requirements when you book so the crew can prepare accordingly.

Can children go on this cruise?

Children are welcome from age 1. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, though you will need to manage them during the water activities and the island walk. An adult must accompany children at all times.

What fitness level do I need for this tour?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The cruise is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, spinal injuries or pregnancy, as the boat movement and water activities carry physical demands.