Deserta Grande IslandDeserta Grande Island at a Glance
About Deserta Grande Island
Deserta Grande is the largest island of the Desertas, a small uninhabited group in the Madeira archipelago of Portugal. It is a rugged, protected nature reserve notable for steep cliffs and exposed coastal terrain.
The island is important for marine and bird life, including a breeding population of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal and several seabird species. Shorelines are rocky and landing points are limited, so visits are typically short and focused on wildlife viewing and seabird colonies.
Historically the island has been uninhabited or only seasonally used for grazing and fishing; in contemporary times it has been designated and managed as a nature reserve to protect sensitive species and habitats.
Locationally it sits off the southeast coast of Madeira, in the Atlantic Ocean, a few dozen kilometres from the main island and most commonly reached by boat from Madeira’s ports such as Funchal.
- Access: Landing on the island is restricted and visits are regulated to protect wildlife; most visits are by licensed boat operators and guided tours only.
- Wildlife: Important breeding site for the Mediterranean monk seal and several seabird species, with steep cliffs and largely uninhabited interiors.
Nearby Attractions to Deserta Grande Island
Best Time to Visit Deserta Grande Island
Summer months offer the calmest waters and warm weather for sea trips from Madeira.
Weather & Climate near Deserta Grande Island
Temperate climate with warm summers (peaking in September) and mild winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 13°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (547 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 13° - 18° | 16° | 82 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 5.0 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.1h |
| February | Very Good | 13° - 17° | 15° | 61 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 5.1 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.9h |
| March | Very Good | 13° - 17° | 15° | 55 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 5.1 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.9h |
| April | Very Good | 14° - 17° | 16° | 34 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 5.4 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.9h |
| May | Excellent | 15° - 19° | 17° | 21 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 5.1 m/s | 2.0 very high | 13.7h |
| June | Excellent | 17° - 20° | 18° | 9 mm | some cloud | 82% | 4.9 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 14.1h |
| July | Ideal | 18° - 22° | 20° | 3 mm | some cloud | 83% | 5.0 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 13.9h |
| August | Ideal | 19° - 23° | 21° | 5 mm | some cloud | 82% | 4.7 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.2h |
| September | Ideal | 19° - 23° | 21° | 38 mm | some cloud | 79% | 4.6 m/s | 1.6 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Excellent | 18° - 22° | 20° | 69 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.3 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.2h |
| November | Good | 16° - 21° | 18° | 77 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 4.6 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.4h |
| December | Good | 15° - 19° | 17° | 93 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 4.9 m/s | 0.5 low | 9.9h |
How to Get to Deserta Grande Island
Visits to Deserta Grande are by authorized boat trips departing from Funchal or Caniçal on Madeira. Landings are restricted to protect wildlife-book with licensed operators and follow reserve rules.
Tips for Visiting Deserta Grande Island
- Deserta Grande is uninhabited-arrange visits through authorized operators based in Funchal or Caniçal and respect protected area rules.
- Bring binoculars for seabird and marine-wildlife watching; the island is an important nesting site.
- There are no visitor facilities-pack all water and supplies and follow leave-no-trace principles.