3 hours Funchal Marina
Sunset Catamaran Cruise
Sail the south coast at golden hour from Funchal marina — a relaxed catamaran cruise with a swim stop and the chance of dolphins along the way.
from €40
Check availabilityDesertas Islands
Three uninhabited islands on the horizon, and a nature reserve since 1990.
The long grey silhouette visible south east of Funchal is the Desertas: a strict nature reserve protecting one of the last colonies of Mediterranean monk seals, reachable only by boat with a licensed operator.
Getting there
Day trips run from Funchal marina in settled weather, taking around three hours each way, usually with a swim stop and time ashore at Deserta Grande where a warden station stands. Landing is controlled and numbers limited.
Trips are cancelled readily for sea state — build flexibility into your week if this matters to you.
Wildlife
Monk seals, Bulwer's petrels, Cory's shearwaters and a large endemic wolf spider found nowhere else. Dolphins are commonly seen on the crossing.
Local tips
- — Take motion sickness tablets an hour before boarding — the crossing is exposed.
Guided trips here
Bookable tours that include or focus on this spot.
2.5 hours Calheta MarinaWhale & Dolphin Watching Tour
A marine-biologist-led catamaran trip into the deep Atlantic, where pilot whales and three dolphin species are resident year round. Rated 4.9 from over 1,200 reviews.
from €74
Check availability
4.5 hours Madeira 4.9(132)Arieiro Peak, Santo Serra, Cristo Rei in Open Roof 4x4 Experience
Step into the wonderful world of Madeira as our journey starts at Largo do Miranda, where you have beautiful views over Funchal and Desertas islands.
from €45
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4 hours Madeira 4.9(22)Cristo Rei, Arieiro Peak and Santo da Serra 4x4 Experience
Step into the wonderful world of Madeira as our journey starts at Largo do Miranda, where you have beautiful views over Funchal and Desertas islands.
from €45
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9 hours Madeira 4.8(13)Arieiro Peak and Cristo Rei 4x4 Experience + Dolphins Watching
With a beautiful and panoramic view over Funchal and Desertas Islands , we start our tour at Largo do Miranda . After this viewpoint we go uphill to Pico do Arieiro at 1818 mts.
from €89
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8 hours Santana 5.0(54)Full Day East Tour at Pico do Arieiro and Santana with Pickup
Why explore the East of Madeira in a noisy, polluting car when you can experience it in silence, comfort, and style? We don't just show you places– we help you feel the heart of Madeira’s wild side.
from €75
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Stay nearby
Where to base yourself for this part of the island.
Avenida do Infante, Funchal
Palace Vista · Luxury 2BR opposite Savoy Palace
Three private balconies, steps from the seafront
4 guests 2 bedrooms
€275 / night
View stay
Santa Luzia, Funchal
Funchal modern 3 bedroom bay view apartment
Large balcony with a full Funchal bay view
6 guests 3 bedrooms
€125 / night
View stayNearby
Within a short drive, so they combine into one day.
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