Port information & tips for Ilha Deserta Grande
Ilha Deserta Grande is the largest of the uninhabited Desertas Islands and a spectacular nature reserve in the middle of the deep blue Atlantic off Madeira. This pristine archipelago impresses with its dramatic volcanic landscapes and, thanks to its strict protection status, serves as an important refuge for rare animal species. Highlights include sightings of the rare Mediterranean monk seals, observing the endemic Desertas wolf spider, and discovery tours along the rugged rocky coasts. As the island has no traditional harbor, landing is by Zodiac at the research station's landing site in Fajã Grande. From there, an exclusive natural paradise opens up to visitors, offering an authentic expedition experience without any urban infrastructure due to its remoteness.
Ilha Deserta Grande is not a traditional cruise port for embarkation, but part of the protected Ilhas Desertas, an uninhabited nature reserve southeast of Madeira. Cruises usually visit the Desertas Islands as part of excursions from the main port of Funchal on Madeira to introduce visitors to the unique flora and fauna.
Flight to Funchal
The nearest airport is Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (FNC) near Santa Cruz, approximately 16 to 22 kilometers northeast of Funchal. This airport is served by direct flights from many European cities, including the DACH region. The average flight time is three to four hours. For a relaxed arrival, it is recommended to fly to Funchal one day before the planned cruise or excursion.
Transfer to Funchal Port and Embarkation
From Funchal Airport (FNC), you can easily reach the Funchal cruise port by taxi or shuttle bus. Depending on traffic, the journey takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Private transfers are also available and offer a comfortable direct connection. The port of Funchal is used exclusively by cruise ships and leisure boats and is only about a 15 to 20-minute walk from the city center, allowing you to explore Madeira's capital directly.
Excursion to the Desertas Islands
Ilha Deserta Grande and the surrounding Desertas Islands are a strictly protected nature reserve and are usually visited as part of organized full-day excursions by catamaran or boat from Funchal. The crossing takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. On Deserta Grande, disembarkation is possible at a small pier to participate in guided tours to the nature conservation center and learn more about the monk seals and the endemic plant life. These excursions also often offer opportunities for swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents will usually provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time – depending on the cruise line and destination – is generally about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Ilha Deserta Grande is not a traditional cruise port for embarkation, but part of the protected Ilhas Desertas, an uninhabited nature reserve southeast of Madeira. Cruises usually visit the Desertas Islands as part of excursions from the main port of Funchal on Madeira to introduce visitors to the unique flora and fauna.
Flight to Funchal
The nearest airport is Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (FNC) near Santa Cruz, approximately 16 to 22 kilometers northeast of Funchal. This airport is served by direct flights from many European cities, including the DACH region. The average flight time is three to four hours. For a relaxed arrival, it is recommended to fly to Funchal one day before the planned cruise or excursion.
Transfer to Funchal Port and Embarkation
From Funchal Airport (FNC), you can easily reach the Funchal cruise port by taxi or shuttle bus. Depending on traffic, the journey takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Private transfers are also available and offer a comfortable direct connection. The port of Funchal is used exclusively by cruise ships and leisure boats and is only about a 15 to 20-minute walk from the city center, allowing you to explore Madeira's capital directly.
Excursion to the Desertas Islands
Ilha Deserta Grande and the surrounding Desertas Islands are a strictly protected nature reserve and are usually visited as part of organized full-day excursions by catamaran or boat from Funchal. The crossing takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. On Deserta Grande, disembarkation is possible at a small pier to participate in guided tours to the nature conservation center and learn more about the monk seals and the endemic plant life. These excursions also often offer opportunities for swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents will usually provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time – depending on the cruise line and destination – is generally about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The arrival at the uninhabited Ilha Deserta Grande takes place as part of nature expeditions and offers an impressive experience directly on the coast of the nature reserve.
Tender Boats and Zodiacs
The transfer from the cruise ship to the shore is carried out comfortably with the ship's own tender boats or Zodiacs, which dock directly at the island's small jetty.
On Foot
The exploration of the island takes place exclusively on foot on the designated hiking trails and, thanks to the accompaniment of rangers, allows deep insights into the protected ecosystem.
Excursion Boats and Catamarans
Regular connections to the main island of Madeira are provided by specialized excursion boats and catamarans, which bring guests directly from the port in Funchal to this remote natural paradise.
To best experience the untouched wilderness of Ilha Deserta Grande, a guided exploration of the nature reserve directly from the central landing point, Chão da Doca, is recommended.
Chão da Doca
This exclusive landing point serves as the gateway to the strictly protected nature reserve and offers visitors a rare opportunity to discover the fascinating geological history and rugged beauty of the volcanic island world up close.
Desertas Nature Trail
The carefully laid out path leads through the barren yet impressive landscape and, thanks to expert guidance, provides deep insights into the sensitive ecosystem as well as the observation of endemic species in their original environment.
Mediterranean Monk Seal Protection Area
The crystal-clear waters surrounding the island are a sanctuary for one of the world's rarest seal species and, due to their secluded location, offer one of the few places where you can, with a little luck, spot these majestic animals in their natural habitat.
Nature Reserve Chão da Doca
Landing at the sheltered bay of Chão da Doca is possible by Zodiac directly from the ship, providing exclusive access to one of the strictest nature reserves in the Atlantic. This fascinating location is perfect for observing the rare Mediterranean monk seals and also offers an informative nature trail that begins right at the park rangers' research station. Thanks to the strict protection zones, you can enjoy a completely untouched atmosphere here, as well as vast views over the rugged cliffs and the deep blue ocean. Ideally, plan your shore excursion for the early morning to experience the wildlife in its most active phase, and return to the ship relaxed about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The return journey to the ship on this pristine island is very efficient and safe thanks to the organization of the expedition team. Since the island is uninhabited and under strict nature protection, the transfer takes place directly via the central landing site by tender boat.
Zodiac Shuttle
The ship's own inflatable boats or tenders operate at regular intervals between the ship and the island's small landing pier. Thanks to the constant presence of crew members on the shore, you can return comfortably to the ship at any time and also enjoy a short panoramic ride on the water.
On Foot
The way back to the pier is easy to find, as you move exclusively on the marked nature trail on the island. This leads directly to the Ranger Station and can be safely completed in a few minutes thanks to the short distance and the accompaniment of trained guides.
Ranger Station Meeting Point
The nature park's research station serves as a clearly visible meeting point for the coordinated return journey to the ship. Shaded areas are available here, and the local staff will assist you with boarding the boats, ensuring a punctual return to the ship and the anchorage.
