The Desertas Islands are an uninhabited archipelago located south-east of Madeira. Composed of 3 main islands – Deserta Grande, Bugio and Chão. Recognized for their exceptional biodiversity and wild beauty, they have been classified as a nature reserve since 1990. Accessible only by boat from Funchal, a trip there for the duration of an expedition is a unique opportunity to discover an unspoilt environment and volcanic landscapes surrounded by crystal-clear waters. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of endangered species such as the Mediterranean monk seal or the endemic tarantula.
Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for your trip to the Desertas Islands and have a wonderful time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Why visit the Desertas Islands
Are the Desertas Islands worth a visit? Our opinion:
This unspoilt archipelago, off the coast of Madeira, is well worth a visit if you enjoy sailing, geology and biodiversity! An excursion to these islands will take your breath away: breathtaking cliffs, sea caves and crystal-clear waters where we strongly recommend snorkeling. Once you arrive, you’ll discover mesmerizing volcanic landscapes.
Comprising three main islands – Deserta Grande, Bugio and Chão – this uninhabited archipelago is classified as a nature reserve. We learned that it is home to rare and endangered species, such as the Mediterranean monk seal and an endemic tarantula. The Desertas are also home to many species of seabirds, playing a crucial role in the conservation of both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Access to these islands is strictly regulated, a measure we believe is essential to protect their unique biodiversity and preserve their wild beauty.
A trip to this archipelago is one of Madeira’s best expeditions!
To sum up, there are a few things to bear in mind if you’re planning to visit:
- You’ll spend most of the day on the boat: the crossing from Madeira takes 6 hours round trip.
- given the protected nature of the islands, you’ll only be able to visit a small part of them
- Contrary to what is sometimes written in expedition descriptions, the probability of spotting a seal is extremely low. Indeed, we’ve learned that they tend to live in a zone off-limits to humans.
However, we think that if you don’t mind all the above, an expedition to discover this protected archipelago will be a real eye-opener! Here you can admire spectacular scenery, with sheer cliffs and caves. Swim in the crystal-clear waters, where we strongly recommend snorkeling. You can also visit part of the archipelago on foot. The volcanic landscapes are spellbinding!
Our favorite moments
We enjoyed our tour of the Desertas Islands! It was an opportunity for us to discover this magnificent, unspoilt archipelago. Here are our favorite moments:
- Approaching the islands by boat. We discovered the island’s arid volcanic landscapes and were enchanted by the beauty of the cliffs.
- The discovery of the educational trail, which gave us a better understanding of life on the archipelago.
- Swimming in the clear waters of the ocean, in a magnificent, unspoilt setting.
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How to get to the Desertas Islands: access and map
Where are the Desertas Islands?
- Southeast Madeira
- 3 hours by boat from Funchal
Here is a map to help you find your way:
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How to get there? Access road
The only way to get to the Deserta Islands is by boat. Numerous expeditions are offered throughout the year, departing from Funchal. Find out more and reserve yours now!
The round trip takes about 6 hours. From the boat, you can observe the sumptuous volcanic landscapes typical of the Madeira region.
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Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Best time to visit, opening hours and prices
Thanks to Madeira’s year-round temperate climate, these islands are accessible at all times. However, if you want to have a small chance of observing the monk seal in its natural habitat, the ideal time is between September and October. We’ve learned that this is the time when these animals come closest to the coast.
A day trip to the Desertas Islands costs between €90 and €100. Departure in the morning and return to Funchal at the end of the day. Find out more and book.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Plan a full-day excursion to the Desertas Islands. The boat trip takes 6 hours round trip, so it takes up a good part of the day. We do not recommend visiting the archipelago if you suffer from seasickness.
This type of expedition is not accessible to people with reduced mobility, either on the boat or on the archipelago.
Catering, Toilets and Facilities
We didn’t see any toilets or restaurants on the islands. However, the boats that take you to the archipelago are generally equipped with toilets and offer drinks and meals on board.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
A breathtaking volcanic coastline
During the crossing from Madeira to the Desertas archipelago, you’ll have the opportunity (and time) to observe the rugged volcanic coastline. Some are over 400m high. Keep your eyes peeled! You may even spot caves nestling in the high cliffs. We were captivated by the beauty of the red and orange rocks and the archipelago’s protected and preserved geological heritage. Enthusiasts will be delighted!
Arid, craggy landscapes
On your expedition to the Desertas archipelago, you’ll moor on Deserta Grande, the largest of the three islands. Here you’ll find a small fajã (farmland) from which a signposted path leads off to explore part of the island. You’ll also find vantage points for spotting Mediterranean monk seals in the surrounding waters and colonies of seabirds, including the largest colony of Bulwer’s Petrels in the Atlantic. We enjoyed discovering the rather arid and sparse vegetation, adapted to the dry climate of these islands.
An educational trail dedicated to the archipelago’s flora and fauna
The trail that leads to the archipelago and its features is dotted with information panels that guided us. They provided us with details of the island’s unique fauna, flora and geology. The trail offers panoramic views of the arid, craggy landscapes characteristic of the archipelago.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the cliffs and ocean, traces of human occupation and the Castanheira Valley, home to the endemic tarantula Hogna ingens. The trail and information panels helped us understand this unique ecosystem while respecting the fragility of the environment. We remind you that it’s important to stay on the marked path and follow the guides’ instructions to preserve this exceptional nature reserve.
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A swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic
As you approach Deserta Grande, you’ll discover the wild beauty of the archipelago, with its majestic cliffs jutting out into the turquoise sea. So when the time came for us to take up residence in this idyllic setting, we relished the moment. The absence of crowds makes swimming all the more enjoyable, allowing you to take full advantage of this unspoilt natural setting. It was a relaxing moment, perfect for reconnecting with nature while discovering the marine biodiversity that surrounds these islands. Don’t forget to bring a mask and snorkel for a chance to observe the marine biodiversity!
Frequently asked questions
Which islands make up the Desertas archipelago?
The archipelago comprises three main islands: Deserta Grande, Bugio and Ilhéu Chão. These islands are part of a protected nature reserve.
Why are the Desertas Islands uninhabited?
Their inhospitality is due to an arid climate, steep terrain and lack of drinking water, which has prevented any permanent settlement.
What can you do in the archipelago?
Activities include hiking on marked trails, birdwatching and swimming in the crystal-clear waters.
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