Ilhas Desertas (Restricted Reserve)
Deserta Grande · Bugio · Ilhéu Chão · Desertas Marine Reserve
32°31.2'N 16°30.6'W
Depth
10–20m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
100m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
100m
100m in 10–20m. Deep anchorage. Fair holding on sand/rock. Exposed to E/SE. Permit required — do not anchor without advance IFCN authorisation.
About This Anchorage
The Ilhas Desertas (Deserta Grande, Bugio, and Ilhéu Chão) are three uninhabited islands in the Madeira archipelago, 18nm SE of Funchal. They are one of Portugal's most strictly protected nature reserves — the last Atlantic breeding colony of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), one of the world's rarest marine mammals, uses these islands as its primary habitat. Visiting is strictly controlled — a permit from IFCN (Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas) in Funchal is required for any anchoring or landing. Fishing is prohibited inside the 100m depth contour. Despite the restrictions, the marine wildlife — monk seals, loggerhead turtles, pelagic seabirds — makes a permitted visit extraordinary.
Protected From
W · NW
Exposed To
E · SE · S
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Fee may be charged by IFCN for permit
- Maximum stay
- 1 days
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- PERMIT REQUIRED from IFCN (Instituto das Florestas e Conservação da Natureza, Madeira) for all visits. Apply in advance — contact IFCN Madeira before departure. Registration at simplifica.madeira.gov.pt also required. Fishing strictly prohibited inside 100m depth contour. No landing on the islands without IFCN authorisation.
Restrictions: STRICT NATURE RESERVE. IFCN permit mandatory. No fishing inside 100m contour. No landing without IFCN authorisation. Mediterranean monk seal habitat — do not approach seals or disturb their resting areas. No noise after sunset.
Hazards
- !UNAUTHORISED ANCHORING: Significant fines for visiting without IFCN permit — do not attempt without advance authorisation
- !Exposed E/SE facing anchorage — trade wind periods and any E swell make the anchorage uncomfortable
- !Deep anchoring (10–20m) requires significant chain
- !Remote location: 18nm from Funchal with no rescue or assistance available on the islands
Skipper's Tips
- →Apply for the IFCN permit well in advance (at least 1 week) before the planned visit — contact the IFCN office in Funchal directly
- →Mediterranean monk seal sightings are not guaranteed but the possibility makes this one of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters available to sailors in the Atlantic
- →The IFCN ranger stationed on Deserta Grande can provide information on current seal activity and safe approach zones
- →An alternative to independent visiting: IFCN and licensed operators in Funchal offer escorted day trips by fast RIB to the Desertas — this may be more practical than anchoring independently
Facilities
Nearest provisions: Funchal (all provisions before departure) (18nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September
Permit required year-round. Best visiting: May–September in the calm trade-wind window with authorised early morning arrival.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
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