Located about 25 kilometers southeast of Madeira, the Desertas Islands emerge from the Atlantic Ocean as a dramatic group of three uninhabited, rocky islets: Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande, and Bugio. Declared a protected Nature Reserve in 1995, these volcanic islands offer one of the most pristine marine sanctuaries in Europe.
Because access to the archipelago is strictly controlled to protect its fragile ecosystem, visiting the Desertas Islands requires joining an authorized boat expedition.
Whether you join a shared group tour or book an exclusive private charter, a journey here combines open-ocean sailing, marine life spotting, a guided walk on the main island, and swimming in crystal-clear waters.
Why Visit the Desertas Islands Nature Reserve?
The Desertas Islands feel like an untouched natural sanctuary. With steep volcanic cliffs, red-hued soil, and zero permanent human inhabitants, the archipelago is a critical refuge for endemic species and rare marine wildlife.
The sanctuary was created primarily to protect the Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus), one of the rarest seals on earth. Thanks to decades of dedicated conservation efforts, the colony on Desertas has grown from near extinction to a stable population inhabiting the sea caves around Deserta Grande.
In addition to monk seals, the islands are a globally recognized breeding site for protected seabirds, including Cory’s Shearwater, Bulwer’s Petrel, and the rare Desertas Petrel.
Choosing Your Expedition
Visiting the Desertas Islands is a full-day commitment, usually taking around 7 hours from Funchal harbor. Depending on your travel style and budget, you can choose between two main ways to explore the reserve.
Shared Boat Trips (Budget & Social)
For solo travelers, couples, or small families looking for a social and cost-effective way to explore the reserve, joining a shared boat trip is the classic choice.
Scheduled group trips to the Desertas run from Madeira. You share the boat with other visitors and follow a fixed timetable, which is what keeps the price down. What each trip includes differs from one operator to the next, so before you book, check how long the crossing takes, whether you land on Deserta Grande, and whether food is served on board.
Eversoul does not sell a shared Desertas departure. We offer the reserve as a private charter, described below.
Private Luxury Yacht Charters
If you prefer complete privacy, flexible timing, and high-end comfort for your group, booking an exclusive yacht charter turns the long ocean voyage into a luxury day at sea.
For a dedicated full-day expedition heading straight to the natural reserve, the Luxury Yacht Charter Desertas Island – 7 Hours takes your group directly to Deserta Grande with a dedicated skipper, private crew, and custom onboard catering.
Alternatively, if you want full control over your itinerary with the option to combine the Desertas with Madeira’s scenic southern coastline, the Luxury Madeira Yacht Charter Rental – 4 or 7 hours allows you to customize your private sailing experience down to the finest detail.
What Happens on a Desertas Day Trip?
A day trip to the Desertas Islands follows a memorable ocean itinerary designed to give you a true taste of Madeira’s marine wilderness.
The Ocean Passage & Wildlife Spotting
The trip begins with a 2 to 2.5-hour sailing crossing from Funchal across the open Atlantic. Because the deep waters between Madeira and the Desertas are rich feeding grounds, the passage doubles as an exciting marine wildlife tour.
It is very common to spot short-beaked common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and even pilot whales along the way.
Guided Walk at Deserta Grande
Upon reaching the sheltered bay of Doca da Tendeira on Deserta Grande, guests step ashore to explore the research station.
A resident Nature Warden leads a short guided walk across the island, sharing fascinating insights about the reserve’s geology, native flora, and seal protection programs.
Onboard Lunch & Swimming in the Bay
After exploring the island, you return to your boat for a traditional meal and cold drinks. The afternoon offers plenty of time to swim, paddleboard, or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the bay, where underwater visibility is exceptional.
FAQ
A private yacht charter provides total privacy for your group, dedicated crew service, upgraded food and drink options, and a flexible schedule without following a large group crowd.
Because daily visitor numbers to the Desertas Islands Nature Reserve are strictly capped by government conservation rules, tours operate with limited spots and often sell out days in advance during high season.
Monk seals are wild, protected animals and remain very shy. While they live in the sea caves around the islands and are occasionally spotted swimming near the anchorage, sightings cannot be guaranteed. The sanctuary exists to protect their natural habitat without human disruption.
