A protected reserve few agents can reach.
The Desertas Islands lie 30 km southeast of Funchal, a chain of uninhabited islands and one of Europe's most important nature reserves. They are home to the Mediterranean monk seal, one of the rarest marine mammals on Earth. Access is restricted, managed by the IFCN, and granted only with authorization. We are among the very few agents with the experience to arrange it.
Why the Desertas matter
- A strictly protected nature reserve since 1990.
- A refuge for the Mediterranean monk seal, and for rare seabirds including Bulwer's petrel and the Desertas petrel.
- Crystal waters and dramatic underwater terrain, of growing interest to expedition and research vessels.
What access requires
Visiting the Desertas is not a matter of simply sailing in. It requires authorization from the IFCN, the regional authority for nature conservation, with defined limits on where vessels may go and what they may do. We coordinate the request, the permissions and the call, so the visit is correct, respectful and fully compliant.
Who we help here
- Expedition and research vessels.
- Superyachts seeking access to the reserve.
- Operators who need a credentialed agent to manage authorization.
Authorization is not assumed. It is managed.
That is precisely the kind of access that more than 135 years in Madeira’s waters makes possible.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the Desertas Islands?
Only with authorization from the IFCN. The Desertas are a strictly protected nature reserve, 30 km southeast of Funchal, home to the Mediterranean monk seal.
How do I get authorization to visit the Desertas?
Through a credentialed local agent. We coordinate the request, the permissions and the call with the IFCN, so the visit is correct and fully compliant.
Who can call at the Desertas?
Mainly expedition and research vessels, and superyachts with a genuine purpose, all subject to IFCN limits on where vessels may go and what they may do.