From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island
Funchal, Portugal

From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island

Outty Ranking 52 5.0 · 3 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $3,605
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Outty Ranking

52/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island worth booking?

From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island is a 8-hour experience in Funchal, Portugal, from $3,605 per person. It scores 52 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
52 / 100
Rating
5/5 (3)
Duration
8 hours
From
$3,605 per person

Embark on an extraordinary expedition to the Desertas Islands, a protected nature reserve and one of Madeira’s hidden treasures. This private full-day adventure takes you across crystal-clear waters to uninhabited volcanic islands, home to the endangered Mediterranean monk seal, rare seabirds, and diverse marine life. Dolphin or whale sightings are possible but not guaranteed, as we respect nature and its rhythm. An experienced crew ensures a safe, comfortable journey while sharing insights about the coastline and marine environment. Sail through endless blue horizons and explore serene, untouched bays of the Desertas Islands, with opportunities to swim, snorkel, or paddleboard. During the visit, the captain will share the islands’ history, wildlife, and past colonization attempts. You’ll also see the Nature Reserve Warden’s House, where wardens protect rare monk seals and seabirds. On board, enjoy an open bar, a selection of finger foods and fruit.

What you get

    About this experience

    Embark on an extraordinary expedition to the Desertas Islands, a protected nature reserve and one of Madeira’s hidden treasures. This private full-day adventure takes you across crystal-clear waters to uninhabited volcanic islands, home to the endangered Mediterranean monk seal, rare seabirds, and diverse marine life. Dolphin or whale sightings are possible but not guaranteed, as we respect nature and its rhythm. An experienced crew ensures a safe, comfortable journey while sharing insights about the coastline and marine environment. Sail through endless blue horizons and explore serene, untouched bays of the Desertas Islands, with opportunities to swim, snorkel, or paddleboard. During the visit, the captain will share the islands’ history, wildlife, and past colonization attempts. You’ll also see the Nature Reserve Warden’s House, where wardens protect rare monk seals and seabirds. On board, enjoy an open bar, a selection of finger foods and fruit.

    What's included

    Included

    • Life Insurance: A comprehensive life insurance for your tour
    • Stand up Paddle and Snorkelling
    • WiFi on board
    • Safety Equipment
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Freshwater shower
    • Restroom on board
    • Snacks

    Not included

    • Custom Requests: Any special arrangements or additional services may be subject to extra costs
    • Car Parking fees at the marina
    • Tea and coffee

    What you'll see and do

    1. Desertas Island

      Embark on a private full-day adventure from Funchal to the Desertas Islands, a protected nature reserve and one of Madeira's hidden treasures. Sail across crystal-clear waters to uninhabited volcanic islands, home to endangered Mediterranean monk seals, rare seabirds, and fish. Swim, snorkel, or paddleboard in pristine waters while discovering the islands' history and wildlife. Enjoy finger food, fresh fruit, and an open bar on board.

      360 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Funchal

    Meeting point: Funchal Marina, "SeaYou Madeira" kiosk № 1, 9000-055, Funchal. To find our kiosk at Funchal Marina, please cross the road near McDonald’s and take the stairs down to our kiosk. One of our colleagues will meet you there and accompany you to the catamaran.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Meeting point: Funchal Marina, "SeaYou Madeira" kiosk № 1, 9000-055, Funchal. To find our kiosk at Funchal Marina, please cross the road near McDonald’s and take the stairs down to our kiosk. One of our colleagues will meet you there and accompany you to the catamaran.

    Options you can book

    • Desertas Islands Trips 2026

      Private Desertas Islands Trip: A truly unique experience: journey by sea to the pristine Desertas Islands, home to rare and some endangered species. Duration: 8 hours: Timing includes catamaran travel time and time to explore the island. Open bar & Catering: An open bar, snacks, fresh fruit, traditional Portuguese pastries and finger food.

    • Desertas Islands Trips 2027

      Private Desertas Islands Trip: A truly unique experience: journey by sea to the pristine Desertas Islands, home to rare and some endangered species. Duration: 8 hours: Timing includes catamaran travel time and time to explore the island. Open bar & Catering: An open bar, snacks, fresh fruit, traditional Portuguese pastries and finger food.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    pt, en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    SeaYou Madeira

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible. Strollers welcome. Please inform us in advance.
    • Pet-friendly (small breeds only). Please confirm your pet's spot with us in advance. Kindly note that since we are visiting a protected nature reserve, pet must remain on the catamaran at all times.

    Photos

    From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island, photo 2From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island, photo 3From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island, photo 4From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island, photo 5From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island, photo 6From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Food and drink

    3 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Good for families

    1 mention

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Small groups

    1 mention

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    3 verified traveler reviews for From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    3
    4 star
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    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
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    Sort
    F7507BYisabels · July 2025

    Walk the Deserts

    Beautiful landscapes. All the south coast of the island of Madeira viewed by the sea. Good Mood excellent food and drinks. Excellent crew

    Response from the operator: Muito obrigado pelo seu comentário! 😊 É um privilégio poder partilhar as paisagens deslumbrantes da costa sul da Madeira e das Ilhas Desertas com os nossos passageiros. Saber que apreciou o ambiente a bordo, a comida, as bebidas e o trabalho da nossa tripulação enche-nos de alegria. Ficamos muito felizes por ter feito parte desta experiência e esperamos voltar a recebê-la em breve para mais aventuras no mar da Madeira! 🌊⛵ Com carinho, A equipa SeaYou Madeira

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    kislyakveronikakv · October 2024

    Incredible boat trip with friends

    The boat trip with you was a great opportunity to see the island from different angles, in the company of friends. I want to mention the delicious finger food and it’s presentation! I look forward to the next trip and wish you success! Thank you guys 👍

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience! 🙌 We’re glad you enjoyed the unique views of the island and had a great time with your friends – that’s exactly the vibe we aim for! 🏝️🍹 We’re thrilled to hear the finger food and presentation hit the mark – our crew loves putting that extra touch to make it special. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another unforgettable trip! Wishing you all the best, and thank you for the good vibes! 👍✨ Sea You Soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    decia82 · October 2024

    Thank you, Seayou, for an unforgettable sunset boat trip!

    Thank you, Seayou, for an unforgettable sunset boat trip! The whole team was so welcoming and friendly; it felt like one big family evening. The boat is exceptionally comfortable and perfect for private events and special occasions. The delicious finger food added an extra touch, making the experience even more enjoyable. Wishing you all great success with this exciting new venture! We can’t wait to join you on another journey soon. Thank you again!

    Response from the operator: Hi Decia! Thank you for such a heartfelt review! We’re thrilled to hear that the sunset trip left a lasting impression and that you enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere. It’s wonderful to know that the team’s hospitality, the boat’s comfort, and the finger food all came together to make the evening feel special. Your kind words and support mean so much to us as we embark on this journey. We’re looking forward to welcoming you back on board for another memorable experience soon! Warm regards and Sea You Soon! 🌊

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 52

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)87
    Review evidence (18% weight)20
    Booking momentum (14% weight)12
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)53
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Funchal.

    How much does From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island cost?

    +

    Prices start at $3,605 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Funchal usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island take?

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    Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Funchal is not rushed.

    Is From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 52 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Funchal, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island?

    +

    Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Funchal can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Funchal and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Funchal within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Funchal?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Funchal experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Jeep Tour Amazing West to Natural Pools -Full-Day, Porto Moniz, Seixal, Fanal Forest, Cliff Skywalk in Open Roof 4X4, Madeira 4x4 Jeep Safari : Porto Moniz, Lava Pools & Fanal Forest. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Funchal?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Funchal?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island?

    +

    Included: Life Insurance: A comprehensive life insurance for your tour; Stand up Paddle and Snorkelling; WiFi on board; Safety Equipment; and Alcoholic beverages. Not included: Custom Requests: Any special arrangements or additional services may be subject to extra c; Car Parking fees at the marina; and Tea and coffee. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island?

    +

    Meeting point: Funchal Marina, "SeaYou Madeira" kiosk № 1, 9000-055, Funchal. To find our kiosk at Funchal Marina, please cross the road near McDonald’s and take the stairs down to our kiosk. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island offered in?

    +

    It is offered in Portuguese and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible. Strollers welcome. Please inform us in advance. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island?

    +

    Across 3 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, good for families, small groups. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    What booking options are available for From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including Desertas Islands Trips 2026, Desertas Islands Trips 2027. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for From Funchal: Private Catamaran Charter to Desertas Island.

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