The Desertas Islands or Ilhas Desertas are a set of three islands just southwest of Funchal, Madeira. The islands are named Deserta Grande, Bugio (monkey) and Ilhéu Chão (the flat islands) found on the way to the Selvagens Islands and the Canary Islands. All three long and narrow islands are rough and have peaks up to 400 meters making it a very impressive sight if first reached by boat. They were discovered in 1420 by a Portuguese discoverer and named after the absence of drinking water; the deserted islands.

This protected nature reserve is a popular destination for sea bird enthusiasts as well as scuba divers. Shearwater, Buzzard, Storm-Petrel and Bulwer's Petrel are some of the more common sea birds inside this sanctuary. Entering the islands is strictly forbidden, wardens on Deserta Grande will make sure of it, as are the south of Large Deserta and Bugio. These pretty islands are of geological and scientific importance and therefore well maintained and protected. A small resident colony of Monk Seals is often spotted near the beach and if lucky while scuba diving. There are boats that visit the islands but they appear to be filled up quickly so book well in advance.

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- Porto Santo Sub, Clube Naval do Porto Santo, Porto Santo

Porto Santo Sub

Porto Santo Sub
www.portosantosub.com/english/...
+351 916033997

Clube Naval do Porto Santo
9400-080
Porto Santo

we are a dive centre located in the small island of Porto Santo, a precious jewel in the Atlantic and almost unknown, which makes it quite a unique destination in Europe.

Pristine waters and marine life, awesome visibility and warm waters all year round and of course the gem of the gems, the wreck of the "Madeirense". If you're a seasoned diver, a beginner or even curious about scuba diving, PortoSantoSub is your diving operator in Porto Santo. Friendly and very competent staff, state of the art gear, well organized daily diving operations and a a deep knowledge of the best dive sites in Porto Santo offers you the best world class diving experience in the island. PortoSantoSub offers also the necessary training for all levels of certifications - instead of dealing with cold waters and low viz why not come to Porto Santo and get your basic training or advanced certifications in an appealing environment? Our dive centre is located just in front of the marina and our trips are allways by boat. We are open all year, 7 days a week.

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The nature reserve at Desertas Islands is a popular bird destination and famous for its small colony of Monk Seals.

Visit our partners! Or become one.

Diveshop

Porto Santo Sub

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