Ilhas Desertas
A full-day private sailing expedition to the Desertas Islands, one of the Atlantic's most protected nature reserves.
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Based on 42 verified reviews
"The Atlantic's last sanctuary, an hour by sail from where you stand."
Márcio, your skipper
About this tour
We leave from where Madeira ends. The Desertas lie 23 km from Quinta do Lorde and 36 km from Funchal, where every other operator departs. The crossing takes about two and a half hours each way, which leaves you close to three hours at the islands instead of two.
Whenever the weather allows, we sail there and back with the engine off.
The route crosses waters where dolphins, whales, pilot whales, turtles, seabirds and the Mediterranean monk seal all live. Sightings are frequent and we watch for them all day, but these are wild animals in open ocean: likely, never guaranteed.
The Desertas are a strict nature reserve and landing is not permitted. We anchor in Deserta Grande bay for about an hour and, if the sea allows, that is where you swim in the clearest water you will ever see.
On board: water, soft drinks, light snacks and snorkelling gear.
Highlights
23 km from Quinta do Lorde, not 36 from Funchal, the closest departure
Close to 3 hours at the islands instead of 2
Sailed there and back whenever the weather allows
Dolphins, whales, pilot whales, turtles, seabirds, monk seals, likely, never guaranteed
Private sailboat, up to 6 guests, no strangers
Anchor in Deserta Grande bay, swim if the sea allows
What's included
- Full day private sailing with professional skipper
- Water, soft drinks and light snacks on board
- Snorkeling equipment
- Safety equipment and all taxes
Availability
Available daily
Departures: 09:30 - 17:30
Meeting point
Address
Marina da Quinta do Lorde
Caniçal, Madeira
Arrival
15 min before
of departure time
Parking
Available
at the marina
€900.00
For dates more than 7 days away, pay 50% today and the rest on board.
For your group · up to 6 guests
No strangers on board
Flexible cancellation · see terms