Desertas Islands or South Coast Private Sailing Day Trip

A full day at sea on 4WINDS, a Dufour 325 sailing yacht, with the whole boat for your group of up to six guests. We leave Marina da Quinta do Lorde early and cross to the Desertas Islands, a protected nature reserve 25 km offshore with no ferry and no crowds, and one of the last strongholds of the Mediterranean monk seal. Quinta do Lorde sits 23 km from the islands instead of 36 from Funchal, so you spend close to three hours there rather than two. If wind or sea state makes the crossing uncomfortable, we sail the south coast instead, past terraces, banana plantations and the cliffs of Cabo Girao. Skipper Marcio decides on the morning of departure and tells you before we leave the marina. We anchor to swim and snorkel, and homemade lunch is served on board. Dolphins, turtles, seabirds and monk seals are often around on this water. Sightings are likely, never guaranteed.

1. 1

   Desertas Island

   4 hours

   Anchor in the lee of the Desertas Islands, a protected nature reserve 25 km off Madeira with no ferry and no crowds, and one of the last strongholds of the Mediterranean monk seal. Swim and snorkel in clear open-Atlantic water with nothing built on any shore in sight, and have lunch on board at anchor.

2. 2

   Cabo Girao

   4 hours

   Alternative route, used when wind or sea state makes the Desertas crossing uncomfortable. The skipper decides on the morning of departure and tells you before we leave the marina. We sail west down the south coast past terraces, banana plantations and Funchal to the cliffs of Cabo Girao, with two swim and snorkel stops and lunch on board.

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Parking is available at Quinta do Lorde Marina and is paid at the marina.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.