Desertas Islands Schooner Cruise + Snorkelling

Discover biodiversity and rugged landscape 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.

Desertas Islands Schooner Cruise

At the indicated time, we'll meet at pier 8 of the Funchal Marina. There, we'll board the schooner that will take us to the Desertas Islands. These three islands, Bugio, Deserta Grande, and Chão Island, form an important reserve of Madeira's subtropical flora and marine biodiversity. Coloured rocks, steep cliffs, and crystal clear water beaches are some of the natural features we'll encounter.

As we sail across the Atlantic in a schooner, we'll enjoy the calm ocean and the silhouette of Madeira while moving away from Funchal. On board the boat, we'll enjoy a hot meal before visiting the main island.

We'll disembark at Deserta Grande to explore the volcanic formations that give this island a rugged landscape. Deserta Grande is known as a sanctuary for sea birds and monk seals.

During the excursion, you'll have the opportunity to swim and, if sea conditions allow, practice snorkelling to see the marine life. After exploring the beaches and cliffs of Deserta Grande, we'll return to the schooner and set a course back to Funchal. This 8.5-hour trip concludes with disembarkation at the same dock.