Madeira Desertas Islands Cruise

For those who like to sail and discover natural reserves. Perfect for sea birds watching such as Fea's, Bulwer's and Madeira-storm Petrels as well as Shearwaters. Reviews...


To view the photos in a larger size, click over them.

Price per person: €80.00 EUR ( 67.2 GBP | 103.2 USD | 763.2 SEK )
†Price includes all taxes and fees. No extras are added to the shown price. Payable currency Euros. Children between 4 and 11 years old pay €40.00 EUR.
         

Detailed Description

The Desertas Islands (115º SE), are said to be the ancestral lair of dangerous pirates and is currently a nature reserve as the habitat for Monk Seals and a seabird's sanctuary. These islands have recently been officially labelled by the European Union as a Biodiversity Reserve of special scientific interest.

During the 3 hours sailing cruise, you'll have plenty of time to appreciate the magnificent scenery and look for dolphins, whales, turtles or seabirds. Arriving Deserta Grande Island we will go ashore to explore it, following a path around the Nature wards dwelling observing the endemic flora and some birds. If weather conditions allow a swim on this Nature Reserve's crystalline sea water is a nice way to rest from the sea trip and to admire the brownish cliffs of this small bay. Lunch is onboard.

After lunch, the journey back to Madeira is to sunbathe and to relax or even to make a siesta, while the sea waves you and the crew provides you diverse and interesting information about the islands as well as some navigation hints.

Tour days: Monday and Thursday
Departure times: 9:30am
Typical duration: 8 hours

Space: maximum 20
Staff to Guest ratio?: 1:10
Tour Languages: English, French and Portuguese

Pick up location: Funchal Marina next to the main pier
Return details: Funchal Marina.

Friendly advices: Take appropriate footwear, warm jumper, sun protector and hat
Photography: Allowed and recommended. There is a possibility of your equipment getting wet with salt water spray.

Other Versions: Português

Customers Reviews on this Tour or Experiences for other Tours

“We anchored in the small haven on Deserta Grande for lunch and some of our shipmates took the opportunity to land, Pat and I stayed on board and watched a pair of Common Tern lazily cruise the anchorage. The return journey showed the same birds again as the outward but we added Manx Shearwater to the list. We were a little disappointed that we did not get nearer to Bugio to enable us a better chance of seeing Fea's Petrel and also a little surprised that we were the only birders on the voyage. The crew were excellent and Miguel was a super chef as well as a good captain but a greater knowledge of the birds would have been a help.”  Paul Gaffan, United Kingdom

“Sea trip to the Desertas with Wind Birds, on board Catarina, an excellent guide for birding, many thanks to you by this way.”  Wolfgang Koschel, Germany

Do you have any doubts or questions? Visit the FAQ Section or contact us.