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The Desertas Islands (Ilhas Desertas) are a small, uninhabited archipelago located approximately 25–30 km southeast of Madeira's capital, Funchal. They form a narrow chain of three islands — Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande, and Bugio — stretching roughly 22 km from north to south. Volcanic in origin and largely barren in appearance, the islands take their name from their desolate, unpopulated character.
The islands are legally protected as a nature reserve under the management of the Madeira Natural Park (Parque Natural da Madeira). Access is strictly regulated to protect the fragile ecosystem. They are one of the few places in the world where the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) — one of the rarest marine mammals on Earth — maintains a viable breeding population.
Beyond the monk seals, the Desertas support notable populations of seabirds, rare flora adapted to arid conditions, and endemic invertebrates including a large wolf spider species (Hogna ingens). The surrounding waters are exceptionally clear and biodiverse, drawing divers and marine researchers alike.
Important clarification: The Desertas Islands are part of the Autonomous Region of Madeira, Portugal. They have no connection to Bermuda, which is a British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic. This guide covers the Portuguese Desertas Islands only.
Before You Go
Permits and Access
The Desertas Islands are a strictly protected nature reserve. Landing on the islands requires prior authorization from the Madeira Natural Park authority. Unauthorized landings are prohibited and can result in significant fines. If you plan to go ashore — which is only permitted in very limited circumstances and numbers — contact the Madeira Natural Park well in advance of your visit to understand current permit requirements. Verify all current rules directly with the park authority before planning your trip.
Visas
The Desertas Islands fall under Portuguese and European Union jurisdiction. For visa requirements, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official Portuguese immigration authority (SEF/AIMA) or the embassy of Portugal in your country.
What to Bring
- Sun protection (hat, SPF, UV-protective clothing) — shade is essentially nonexistent on excursion boats
- Seasickness medication if you are susceptible; the crossing can be choppy
- Water and snacks, as there are no facilities on or near the islands
- Binoculars for wildlife observation from the boat
- Underwater camera if diving or snorkeling is planned
Health
No special vaccinations are required beyond standard travel health precautions for mainland Europe. Verify current health advisories with your own health provider before travel.
Getting There
From Madeira
The only practical way to reach the Desertas Islands is by boat from Madeira, most commonly departing from Funchal marina. Several licensed tour operators run day excursions, typically combining wildlife viewing, snorkeling, and diving. Journey time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on sea conditions and vessel type.
There is no scheduled public ferry service to the Desertas. All access is via organized excursion or private vessel. Excursions are highly weather-dependent and may be cancelled at short notice in rough conditions — build flexibility into your itinerary.
Getting to Madeira First
Madeira's main gateway is Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC) in Funchal, served by direct flights from many European cities and connecting flights via Lisbon (LIS). Check current routes and schedules with airlines or a booking platform, as service varies seasonally.
Getting Around
Once you are on an excursion vessel, movement around the islands is by boat only. Guided excursions will navigate the coastline, stop at designated snorkeling spots, and in some cases arrange certified dive sites in the surrounding waters. There is nothing resembling road infrastructure on the islands.
If you hold a valid landing permit, access ashore is on foot and strictly confined to designated areas. Staying on marked paths and following all instructions from park rangers is mandatory. Rangers are sometimes stationed on Deserta Grande for monitoring and enforcement purposes.
Things to See & Do
Wildlife Watching
Spotting Mediterranean monk seals is the primary draw. These seals can sometimes be observed hauled out on rocky beaches or swimming near the coast, particularly around Deserta Grande. Excursion boats maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the animals. Sightings are not guaranteed — the seals are wild and their behavior is unpredictable.
The islands and surrounding waters are also good for spotting Cory's shearwaters, Bulwer's petrels, and occasional cetaceans (dolphins and whales) during the crossing.
Diving and Snorkeling
The underwater environment around the Desertas is among the most pristine in the Macaronesian region. Divers can encounter manta rays, barracuda, moray eels, and a wide variety of reef fish. Some excursion operators offer dedicated dive trips; ensure any operator you book with is licensed and operates within the reserve's regulations. Verify current dive site permissions with operators before booking.
Photography
The stark volcanic cliffs, deep blue water, and wildlife make the Desertas exceptionally photogenic. A telephoto lens is strongly recommended for wildlife photography from a boat.
Practical Information
Facilities
There are zero tourist facilities on the Desertas Islands — no restaurants, shops, toilets, or accommodation. All supplies must be brought from Madeira.
Emergency Contacts
In an emergency at sea, contact the Portuguese Maritime Authority (Autoridade Marítima Nacional). Verify current emergency numbers locally or via your excursion operator before departure. All excursion boats are required to carry standard safety equipment.
Communication
Mobile signal is unreliable or absent around the islands. Do not rely on your phone for navigation or emergency contact. Reputable tour operators will have VHF radio on board.
Money
There is nowhere to spend money on the islands. Pay for excursions, equipment, and permits in advance through operators based in Funchal. The Euro is the currency in use throughout Madeira.
Safety
Sea conditions between Madeira and the Desertas can change quickly, and the crossing exposes passengers to open Atlantic swells. Choose a reputable, licensed operator with a seaworthy vessel and proper safety certifications. Check weather forecasts before departure and heed any advice from your captain.
The wildlife on and around the islands is entirely wild. Approaching monk seals on land or attempting to touch or feed them is strictly illegal and dangerous — monk seals can inflict serious bites. Maintain all distances specified by park regulations and your guide.
The rocky coastline offers little shelter. Wear non-slip footwear if going ashore, and stay well back from cliff edges, which can be unstable.
Local Culture & Etiquette
The Desertas have no permanent human population and no cultural traditions of their own in the conventional sense. Their significance is entirely ecological and scientific. The Madeira Natural Park has managed the reserve for decades, and the recovery of the monk seal population here is considered one of conservation's modest success stories in Europe.
For travelers coming from Madeira, the cultural context is Madeiran Portuguese — a community with deep seafaring traditions and a strong connection to the Atlantic environment. Madeiran fishermen historically visited the Desertas, and the islands feature in local maritime history, though that era of unregulated access is long past.
