During the sailing cruise, you will have plenty of time to pause and appreciate the magnificent scenery as well as be surprised by some dolphins, whales and/or turtles.
We will go ashore to explore the “Deserta Grande” Island where you will be able to hike through a short path and enjoy a guided tour through the Nature Reserve base and a visit to the Nature wards dwelling. If weather conditions allow a swim on this Nature Reserve’s crystalline sea water may also be a nice way of resting from the sea trip. Lunch is on board.
The journey back to Madeira is after lunch and so a good and relaxing siesta (nap) can be taken or if you wish to keep awake you can ask the crew to provide you with some navigation hints or any other information you wish to know about Madeira archipelago. You can also try some whale or dolphin watching!
Seawatching from Madeira to Desertas may include several species like:
- Dolphins - Common dolphin, Bridled dolphin, Striped dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphin, Risso's Dolphin and Rough-toothed Dolphin
- Whales - Short-finned Pilot Whale, Sperm whale, Fin whale, Sei whale, Bryde's whale, Killer whale, False killer whale...
- Seabirds - Cory's Shearwater, Manx Shearwaters, Fea's Petrel, Bulwer's Petrel, Little Shearwater, Madeiran Storm Petrel, Zino's Petrel, Roseate Tern, Common Tern and Yellow-legged Gulls
- Logger-head Turtles
- Monk Seal
Schedule
Days of operation : Mondays & Thurdays
Summer (May to September) 09.30 am – 06.00 pm
Winter 09.30 am – 05.30 pm
Minimum of persons to sail the trip: 6 if booked in advance
Price: €80 per adult, includes lunch, drinks and a €2 tax for Madeira’s Natural Park. If you need a birdwatching guide it will be €50 more, per group.
Children between 4 & 12 years old 50% discount
Note: No transport is provided from your hotel to the marina. The boat is at Funchal marina, next to the main (cement) pier.
Friendly advice:
Take appropriate footwear for the boat – warm jumper – sun protector - hat - shorts and sandals as disembark on Deserta Grande can wet you until your knees
