Desert Island Cruise

Sail away on this delightful all-day cruise to discover some genuine desert islands and the rare animals that are their only residents. The Desertas Islands (literally 'Desert Islands') are a group of three uninhabited islands about 15 miles south-east of Madeira and this excursion is the ideal way to explore their unspoilt charms.

Setting off at 10 am the boat sails slowly along the coast, affording ample opportunity to take in the marvellous scenery of the multi-coloured rocks as well as dramatic sea cliffs and caves. Weighing anchor at Doca, the vessel pauses to allow for swimming, diving or simply relaxing in this delightful bay of crystalline blue water. After a hot meal, prepared and served on board, it's time to go ashore for a guided tour. All three islands in the group have been declared a protected nature reserve, not least because they provide a home to the extremely rare Mediterranean monk seal, one of the most endangered mammals in the world, with fewer than 600 remaining individuals thought to exist in the wild. The islands are also an important bird sanctuary and home to several native species of reptile.