Desertas Islands Schooner Cruise + Snorkelling

Discover biodiversity and rugged landscapes with this Desertas Islands Schooner Cruise and snorkelling activity. Walk past the colourful rocks and, if we're lucky, meet the friendly monk seals that live on the beaches.

Activity details

At the indicated time, pickup will be at your hotel or at pier 8 of the Funchal Marina. You will board the schooner to the Desertas Islands: Bugio, Deserta Grande, and Chão Island, which form an important reserve of Madeira's subtropical flora and marine biodiversity. Expect to see coloured rocks, steep cliffs, and crystal clear water beaches.

As we sail across the Atlantic in a schooner, enjoy the calm ocean and the silhouette of Madeira. Onboard, a hot meal will be provided before we disembark at Deserta Grande to explore its rugged volcanic landscape known for hosting various sea birds and monk seals.

During the excursion, there will be opportunities for swimming, and snorkelling may be available depending on sea conditions to discover marine life.

After beach walks and cliff explorations at Deserta Grande, we'll return to the schooner and head back to Funchal, concluding this 8.5-hour trip.

Hotel Pickup

This tour includes pickup from hotels in the Caniço and Garajau areas. For pickup from Calheta and Ponta do Sol, an 11EUR supplement is required, payable in cash on the day of the activity. Alternatively, meet at Pier 8 in Funchal Marina.