visit desertas islands

Desertas Islands Nature Reserve

Made up of three small islands and some adjacent islets, the Desertas Islands Nature Reserve is home to a significant biological, geological and landscape heritage and therefore enjoys total ecological protection.

Desertas Islands Trip (May-October)

From: € 90.00

Step aboard for a wonderful full day out to the Desertas Islands Natural Reserve.  Lunch included.

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Take a boat trip to the DESERTAS ISLANDS OF MADEIRA, composed of 3 uninhabited islands located approximately 24.14 kilometres (15 miles) southeast of Madeira. The Desertas Islands are a NATURAL RESERVE, part of Natura 2000 and a European Biogenetic Reserve aimed to preserve one of the last refuges of the rarest MONK SEAL “ Monachus monachus ” species. The islands are also an important SEABIRD SANCTUARY. On approaching the Desertas, we will follow along the coast, giving you a chance to enjoy the unique scenery. We will moor at Doca, where you can swim and relax, after which we will lunch a hot and delicious meal on board (included in the price). After lunch, we’ll invite you to disembark and visit Deserta Grande Island, guided by an expert guide. BOOK NOW!

• Professional crew
• Taxes and Fees
• Available: Snorkelling equipment (free of charge).
• Lunch with drinks
• Guided tour
• Paddel Board service
• Pick-up from the hotel. Please note that we can arrange transportation under an extra charge per reservation for pickups and drop-offs if your accommodation is outside of Funchal.
• Departure 09:00

Between May and October

• Departure Point and Time Confirmed by email

The trip starts at 9:00 and finishes around 18:00.

It takes about 2:30-2:45 to reach the Desertas Islands.

Check-in is obligatory 30 minutes before each trip.

• Comfortable shoes and clothes
• A swimming suit

There’s a bar and toilets on board if you also need to change clothes.

Commentary in Portuguese and English. The crew will explain the rules.

There are also snorkels available on board for a swim.

Secure your seat, with pre-purchased tickets, as current capacity can fill up quickly. The staff is friendly, multilingual, knowledgeable and ready to answer any question. However, bear in mind this is not a narrated tour. The boat is comfortable and spacious. There are life jackets on board, and the crew makes sure you are all safe and sound!

• End of the Trip 18:00
• Please Note There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet the requirements or in case of adverse weather. Should this happen, we will offer you an alternative or a full refund.

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Do you know that one unforgettable island never comes on its own? Navigate from Madeira to the desert islands and discover for yourself!

Desertas Islands

Desertas islands, southeast of madeira, from may to october..

Leaving from the Funchal Marina and heading out to sea towards the horizon, we reach a group of 3 islands, that although they are called Desert islands, are inhabited by numerous wildlife species both marine and land animals. This is only one reason that makes it worth the effort to disembark from the catamaran onto the virgin beach.

Come and see this natural paradise for yourself and participate in activities such as standup paddle and snorkelling. All this as part of a memorable 9 hour excursion, with plenty of swimming and a delicious Madeiran buffet lunch on board. Reserve now!

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Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 9h00 to 18h00.

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Desertas Islands

Desertas Islands is the name of the group of three small islands that are located southeast of Madeira Island: Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande and Bugio.

Why Desertas Island is so well known?

The islands were the private property of two English families of Madeira, from 1894 to 1971, then were bought by the Portuguese State and converted into a Nature Reserve. While the protection of these islands was motivated by the urgency of taking measures for the conservation of the monk seal, its objective is the protection and preservation of all wildlife and unique flora and includes several species rare and endemic.

What does exist in Desertas Islands?

The Desert Islands are one of the last refuges of the monk seal (Monachus monachus), a colony estimated at 23 animals that are in the process of restocking. This space is also an important nesting site for seabirds. North of Deserta Grande Valley in Castanheira, the Tarantula is of desertion (Lycosa ingens), a species endemic to this island. These islands also feature a variety of plants.

Fauna in Desertas Islands

Fishes .

• Chromis (Chromis limbata and Abudefduf luridus)
• Golden grey mullet (Liza aurata)
• Bogue (Boops boops)
• White seabream (Diplodus sp)
• Rouper (Serranus atricauda)
• Parrotfish (Sparisoma cretense)

Seabirds 

• The Cory’s shearwater (Calonectris diomedea borealis)
• The Madeiran storm petrel (Oceanodroma castro)
• The Bulwer's petrel (Bulweria bulwerii) 

• The Canary Island kestrel (Falco tinnunculus canariensis)
• The buzzard (Buteo buteo harterti)
• The Fea's (Petrel Pterodroma deserta)

• The barn owl (Tyto alba schmitzi)
• The kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

Invertebrates 

Getting there

Try our full-day catamaran tour to know this island and observe some of these animals especially dolphins and whales along the way.

Recommended to take with you on the tour

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• Waterproof footwear
• Beach towel
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Desertas Islands Boat Tour

Desertas Islands Catamaran Trip from Funchal

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• Desertas Islands

Desertas Islands – Full-Day Catamaran Trip

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English, Portuguese

Have you already heard of the archipelago just outside the island of Madeira, called Desertas Islands? This natural reserve is a unique place to visit, with wild landscapes and complete absence of any human form of living! A true deserted group of islands and perfect for a day trip with our boat tour to Desertas Islands in Madeira! Come aboard our comfortable catamaran for a full-day tour (9 hours) to explore this fascinating piece of nature! This tour leaves in the early morning from Funchal and returns here around 18h.

On this boat tour to desertas islands, you have a full day of fun, pure emotions and impressive views chances are also very high we will see some wild whales, dolphins and sea-birds. at desertas islands, we will anchor and get on land for about 3 hours. here you can choose to join our small guided tour around the wild landscapes of the island to learn about its preservation., if you don’t want that, you can also make use of the sup boards or snorkelling equipment to explore the waters around the islands. our friendly crew will also serve you a delicious lunch on board before going back to madeira island. for your maximum comfort, there are bathrooms onboard as well as a lot of shade and a bar where you can buy further drinks this is the perfect day tour for the entire group of friends or family you will surely never forget this magical place, so join us for this boat tour to desertas islands in madeira.

Prices: Adults (+12yo) – €90

Children (5yo – 11yo) – €50

Infants (0 – 4yo) – Free

*** Pay only a deposit and the rest in the VMT Madeira counter in marina before departure ***

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• Feel free to take a refreshing dive and enjoy a swim;
• Enjoy the view over the amazing coastline from a unique perspective;
• Smart, young and skilled staff, willing to provide you an unforgettable experience;
• This experience will give you access exclusive areas far from the busy touristic areas;
• The focus of this boat trip is to enjoy the beautiful coastline, but you may be lucky and encounter some wild dolphins or other sea life.

Included/Excluded

• A delicious lunch is included;
• A local captain will give you onboard commentary about the sights;
• A safety briefing by a multilingual guide, insurance and life-jackets are included;
• We have gear onboard to try some snorkeling;
• We'll serve some drinks and snacks, and you are welcome to bring your own as well.
• Hotel pick-up and drop off

Activities Categories

Type of activity, activity's location, what to bring, not allowed, know before you go, booking confirmation.

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Great fun day out with a trip around the nature reserve, i truly recommend this experience, great value for money and we will definitely do it again., wundervoller tag auf see, stunning experience, write a review, leave a review cancel reply.

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> A-Z English > Facts and Essentials > Nature Reserves > Desertas Islands

• Desertas Islands
• Laurel Forest
• Madeira Natural Park
• Rocha do Navio Nature Reserve
• Garajau Nature Reserve
• Selvagens island Nature Reserve
• Ponta de São Lourenço Nature Reserve

The Desertas Islands

With a total area of 1,421 hectares, the Desertas Islands are composed of the following three islands: Ilhéu do Chão, Deserta Grande and Bugio. These three islands are located approximately 22 miles southeast of Funchal. Sea Lions have taken refuge and made the Desertas their home.

In 1990, the Regional Government of Madeira declared that on the Desertas Islands there be assigned a specific area in order to ensure that this species is protected and well taken care of.

In 1992 the European Council appointed the Desertas Islands as a biogenetic reserve. Underwater fishing is strictly prohibited here as well as navigating south of the protected area. A stopover or visit is possible at the Deserta Grande, but, in order to do so, a written authorization from the Madeira Natural Park is required.

Trip to Desertas Islands

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On a 7 hour trip, you will sail in the comfort of one of our catamarans along the south coast of Madeira Island, leaving Funchal Marina and landing in the crystal clear waters of a beach of volcanic origin, almost untouched by human impact.

With a total area of ​​12,586 hectares, the Desertas Islands Natural Reserve includes all the islands and islets (Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande, Bugio and adjacent islets) and the entire adjacent marine area. Being called Natural Reserves almost 26 years ago, they are now internationally known for the conservation work of Lobo Marinho.

Today it is possible to visit this lost pearl by sea. The only touristy island is Deserta Grande, where we can visit the Lobo Marinho recovery center and a patrimonial interest circuit, where you can see various cultural, morphological, and endemic local fauna and flora points.

• Lunch Included

Child (5 to 12 years)

Infant (0 to 4 years), related tours.

Santa Maria de Colombo

Desertas Island Boat Tour

From: 99,00  €

Availability: Wednesday & Sunday Availability time: 10.00 – 18.30 Trip Total Time: 9 Hours Pick up: Included Lunch: Included Extra Activity: Swimming (we advise you to bring a swimsuit; Swimming stops are subject to weather conditions); Guided tour on Desertas Island .

Children (5 to 12 years old):

Babies (Up to 4 years old):

Note: If you have any food restriction you should specify here so we can prepare a meal specifically for you.

A group of 3 uninhabited islands, which lies about 15 miles southeast of Madeira, Desertas Islands  are a Natural Reserve , primarily to protect the rarest species of monk seal but also known as an important sea bird sanctuary. After approaching Desertas Island, we will follow along the coast giving you a chance to take in the views. We will anchor at Doca, where you can swim, dive and relax and after a delicious hot meal, you will be able to go ashore on a guided tour.

On all trips, we offer a welcome drink (a glass of Madeira wine).

Price Per Person: 99€ (Children between 5 to 12 years old pay half price; Children up to 4 years old don’t pay a ticket) Availability: Wednesday & Sunday Availability time: 10.00 – 18.30 Trip Total Time: 9 Hours Pick up: Included Lunch: Included + drink + fruit Return Drink: Hot chocolate or fresh juice of the day (it will be one or the other depending on the seasons and temperatures). Extra Activity: Swimming (we advise you to bring a swimsuit; Swimming stops are subject to weather conditions); Guided tour on Desertas Island . Boat: Margarita Sunset

Where do I need to go when the boat tour starts?

Boarding Address: Marina Nova do Funchal, Cais nº8.

Before boarding, you need to stop by our kiosk to check in and collect your Boarding Pass. We advise you to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled Boat Tour starts.

Flora and fauna of Desertas Island’s

Explore its diverse ecosystems, from rugged cliffs to lush vegetation. Encounter unique species, including seabirds, Monk Seals, and endemic plants. Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of this pristine island paradise.

Monk Seals in the Desertas Island’s

• Monk Seals (Monachus monachus): Desertas Island is home to one of the world’s rarest seal species, the Monk Seal. Witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, basking on the rocky shores and swimming in the surrounding waters.
• Seabird Colonies : The island’s cliffs and coastal areas provide nesting grounds for a variety of seabirds. Watch for species such as Cory’s Shearwater, Bulwer’s Petrel, and Madeiran Storm-petrel, as they soar through the skies and dive into the ocean.
• Endemic Flora : Desertas Island boasts a unique array of endemic plant species found nowhere else in the world. Explore the island’s flora, including rare shrubs, flowering plants, and succulents that have adapted to the island’s specific conditions.
• Marine Life : Dive into the crystal-clear waters surrounding Desertas Island and discover an underwater world teeming with marine life. Encounter colourful fish, and playful dolphins, and possibly spot other fascinating creatures like sea turtles and manta rays.
• Dramatic Landscapes : Marvel at the dramatic landscapes of Desertas Island, with its rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and pristine beaches. The island’s untouched beauty provides a breathtaking backdrop for exploring its diverse flora and fauna.

Dramatic Landscapes of Desertas Islands

Immerse yourself in the wonders of Desertas Island’s Flora and Fauna , where rare species, stunning landscapes, and rich biodiversity await your discovery.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations up to 24h free of charge ( contact us  if you need more information).

Bonita da Madeira

Bonita da Madeira and Margarita Sunset , genuine wooden schooners, 23 meters long and 99 tons, are equipped by a professional and experienced crew, allowing you to enjoy the crystal blue ocean, beautiful bays and marvellous coast of Madeira and Desertas in comfort and maximum safety.

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Madeira’s Ilhas Desertas

May 30, 2020, ilhas desertas nature reserve – 30th anniversary.

Located 11 miles or 18km southeast of Madeira island, the Ilhas Desertas (deserted islands) are a small archipelago of three islands constituting a nature reserve. These three islands are: Chão Islet, Deserta Grande and Bugio. The Nature Reserve , created in 1990, marks the 30 th anniversary of the protection of the Desertas Islands Natural Reserve.

How to reach las Desertas?

The islands of the Desertas are related to the municipality of Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz civil parish. These islands are a part of a unique natural reserve. The reserve also encompasses the surrounding marine area to a depth of 100 meters. In order to access the Nature Reserve, one can either go by boat or by plane. Pilots do need a specific landing licence. The Nature Reserve of the Ilhas Desertas comprises two protected zones. Some parts of these islands are strictly inaccessible to visitors.

Geology and Fauna

The geology of the Ilhas Desertas is very different from that on the main island of Madeira . Indeed, even though the Desertas are close to Madeira island, the Desertas have a drier and rockier environment and a arid ecosystem in comparison to the main island. The wildlife present on and around these islands counts about 16 species of birds (among which 8 species of seabirds), as well as goats, rodents, rabbits, wolf spiders and lizards. Since the creation of the Nature Reserve, the number of Monk seals around the archipelago has risen, showing the promising future of the reserve in terms of environmental and animal protection.

Only with a guide…

Out of all these small islands, the Deserta Grande is the only habitable one. The Desertas can only be approached with a qualified and experienced guide. The guide will usually have some knowledge of marine biology or natural history. Other than visitors, those who go to the Ilhas Desertas are usually scientific researchers or geologists.

A visit to the Desertas Islands

Our host for the next two days is local marine biologist and conservationist Rosa Pires. Rosa has worked for the Madeiran government agency IFCN ( Instituto das Florestas e Conservação de Natureza IP-RAM ) for 24 years, all of which have been focused on preservation and protection of the monk seal population of the Desertas Islands.

Rosa came to Madeira near the end of her PhD program in 1993 and knew immediately that Madeira is where she would make her home. Rosa’s passion about monk seal conservation is contagious. “My work here will not be finished until I am sure there is someone else who will manage this effort without any compromise.”

Our first trip to the Desertas is focused on learning about the monk seal populations and the efforts made to protect and preserve the monk seals, their habitats, and the history of the Desertas.

• Monk Seals were first observed and explored in 1420 by colonizers. It is estimated that there were around 2,000 seals at that time. The monk seals were hunted aggressively for their skin and fat.
• At the beginning of the 20 th century the seals were already rare, with an estimated population of 25 seals in the 1940’s in Madeira Island.
• In 1986 the first laws were passed to prohibit the hunting of marine mammals in Madeira.
• In 1988 the once abundant population of monk seals was down to just 8 animals. This is the year the Natural Park of Madeira began a program to preserve the seals in the Desertas (the preferred habitat of monk seals). They built a house on Grande Deserta Island and stationed 2 rangers there at all times.
• The rangers monitor the area for illegal fishing, traveling around the waters talking with fishermen, explaining the need to create a reserve for the monk seals which would also increase the abundance of fish, and would therefor benefit the fishermen. At that time fishermen were using very long gill nets and explosives to fish, which was decreasing the population of fish considerably. The Rangers worked to provide alternative means of fishing and collected the gill nets from the fishermen.
• The rangers spend hours in specific observation points to record sightings of the monk seals and keep a logbook of the observation times and sightings to this day.

• In 1990 a reserve was created in the southern part of the island, and a partial reserve was created in the northern half of Grande Deserta, meaning that fishermen are allowed to fish there, but with restrictions on the kind of equipment they use. The idea is that the fishermen there would respect the reserve because the government was also considering their livelihood, and not creating a complete reserve with no fishing allowed.
• The IFCN received funding through the LifeMadeira project and this has allowed Rosa and her team to install a camera in the cave habitat of the monk seals. The camera captures a photo once per hour.
• Their coloring and scars identify the seals. The photos also give some insight into how long the seals stay in the cave to rest (at one point they recorded a monk seal resting for 18 hours)
• LifeMadeira has also enabled the team to place bracelets on a couple of the monk seals to track their location via GPS and their depth, which helps them to understand the habits and habitats of the monk seals.

After arriving at Grande Deserta, the rangers came to the Yersin to pick up our team and take us to the island for a tour, which included the rangers home, the visitor center, and a very steep hike to the top of the island with unbelievable views.

The Monaco Exploration Society is a platform dedicated to H.S.H. Prince Albert II’s commitment to the knowledge, sustainable management and protection of the Ocean.

Useful links

Boat trips from funchal to the Desertas Islands

We sail towards the Desertas Islands which are part of a Madeiran sub-archipelago.

They are classified as a Nature Reserve, as they are a nesting place for various species of seabird which are unique to this Atlantic region.

It is a memorable trip, which takes us back to the Age of Discovery, with the mystique of real navigators meeting the unknown.

The Desertas Islands are divided into three: Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande and Bugio.

On our adventure, we meet Deserta Grande, accompanied by its sea companions, which are abundant in this part of the Atlantic.

The trip lasts 8 hours with lunch on board included.

On arrival at our destination, we drop anchor in the Deserta Grande bay, allowing us to disembark for a brief tour of the island.

This tour includes a visit to the home of the Madeira Natural Park, where you will learn some of the history and development of the Nature Reserve.

On returning to the boat, "navigators" can dive and enjoy the sea, which holds a surprise: a somewhat curious and friendly animal - our monk seal. This marine being lives in the colony in the Nature Reserve, and gives us unsurpassed moments with today's living nature.

Then we eat, and head back to Funchal for a new adventure.

Thinking of your convenience, Helloguide Madeira has the service "Activities". Book the activitie that best fits your travel plan.

1.1 - Adhering to our services, you are at your service one previously defined activity.

1.2 - In your statement, you will not find any additional cost, just which you have agreed with us.

2 - Insurance and Liability

2.1 - Is included in the value, the insurance and liability insurance required by law.

2.2 - The insurance is the responsibility of the company that provides the activity.

2.3 - In the event of an accident, the liability is solely and exclusively of the supplier / Partner undertaking the activity.

3 - Cancellation Policy

3.1 - We do not penalize if you cancel your reservation up to 48 hours before the service. If you do after this limit will not be refunded regret over any value.

4 - Activity cancellation Activities could be canceled if:

4.1 - Not be guaranteed minimum number of participants

4.2 - Due to weather or other conditions that prevent the practice of activity (landslides, tree fall, etc.)

4.3 - Outstanding to the minimum security conditions are not met

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5.1 - All reservations are conducted by supplier companies/partners duly licensed for such purpose. All legal liability and information provided to the client through Helloguidemadeira are liability of the supplier companies /partners.

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MADEIRA’S no 1 OFFICIAL GUIDE since 1997

Desertas Island’s Natural Reserve

The Desertas consist of three small islands - the Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande and Bugio - all of volcanic origin.

These islands are uninhabited due to the inhospitable conditions and lack of fresh water. They were declared protected area in 1990 and five years later they became a natural reserve for which an authorization is needed if you wish to visit it.

Although the initial protection scheme was for the benefit of the sea lions living there (The Desertas Islands are the last refuge of the monk seal species), it now covers the complete ecosystem of the islands. The existing colony of sea lions, currently counting around 23 members with a steadily growing population, is one of the last remaining in the world.

© COPYRIGHT 1997-2024 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Birds On the islands there are only 15 species of breeding birds, eight of them being seabirds. Fea's Petrel breeds only on Bugio with 150-200 pairs. They nest in burrows and it would appear that there is some competition with rabbits which sometimes invade the burrows and upset the nesting birds. It has been suggested that rabbits be removed form the island as a protective measure for the birds. In addition the following species breed on the islands, the approximate numbers of pairs in brackets: Cory's Shearwater (>1500), Little Shearwater (>300), Bulwer's Petrel (>1500), Madeiran Storm-petrel (>1000), and small numbers of Yellow-legged Gull, Roseate and Common Tern.    The land birds that breed on the islands are: Buzzard, Kestrel, Rock/Feral Dove, Plain Swift, Berthelot's Pipit, Canary and Linnet. Of these Kestrel, Berthelot's Pipit and Canary are often the species you will see as you land on Deserta Grande. Buzzards can be seen flying high up on the cliffs.

Animals Among biologists these islands are well known for the very small colony of Monk Seals, which was the main reason that the Desertas became a nature reserve. The population has increased slowly since 1998 when there were only eight left, to more then 20 today. If you see one you are among the few lucky ones!     Originally there were no mammals on these islands, but introduced species such as rabbits, goats, cats and House Mice still compete for the scarce resources. An EC-Life-project enabled the extermination of rabbits on Deserta Grande from 1996 to 1998. Out of 220 goats living on Deserta Grande before 1996, 194 were shot within two years. House Mice, whose population has been reduced drastically in recent years, have to disappear from Deserta Grande too. This is all a bit complex. The EU grant was for the removal of rabbits and goats. It was always said that for the mice to be removed a greater effort would be needed. Rabbits were rapidly removed with little problem. Over 700 goats have been shot so far, but they seem unable to get the numbers down to zero! Sadly, there are probably over 100 goats there at present and they are breeding like crazy as with a diminished stock, there is much more grazing and they are giving birth to 2-3 offspring at a time! As predicted the mice numbers have risen significantly as there are more seeds from the increased flora and more insects on the flora. Mice are known to cause problems to the smaller birds.

Deserta Grande Wolf Spider ( Hogna ingens ) This species of wolf spider represents one of the several endemic invertebrates inhabiting Desertas. Its length including the legs measures 8 cm and this makes it the largest spider of its genus in the world. Its population is restricted to Castanheira Valley on the top of Deserta Grande, where it lives hidden under rocks and does not construct a web. This poisonous spider feeds on invertebrates and Madeiran Wall Lizards.

Brief history The islands were discovered by João Gonçalves Zarco in 1419/20 during his first voyage of discovery and named "Desertas" by him. They were only properly explored in 1420/21 once the island of Madeira had been explored and the settlement of Funchal established.     The Desertas was the private property of two English families from Madeira from 1894 to 1971, as were the Salvage islands (the Selvagens were owned by a Portuguese, Luis Rocha Machado, and were bought before the Desertas by the State), but in 1971 the Portuguese State bought them and turned them into Nature Reserves.

Getting there There are several small boat companies that travel to Desertas from Funchal, but the boat "Ventura do Mar" (see Pelagic trips ) seems to be the company that most birders choose for all full day trips or a two-day trip staying overnight and listening to the arrivals of seabirds after sunset, especially sought after species such as Madeiran Storm-petrel and Little Shearwater. Ventura do Mar visits Desertas once a week on fixed dates, so make sure to book in well in advance if you visit Madeira in July and August!

Acknowledgements I am grateful to Frank Zino who kindly have provided additional and valuable information, as well as comments on this piece of text!

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