Today was our excursion  on the catamaran to visited the wild-life sanctuary for the Mediterranean monk seals on IIhaus Desertas.  "The Desertas Islands have been legally protected since 1990, with the creation of the Special Protection Area. The main motivation for the protection of these islands was the urgent need to preserve a small colony of Mediterranean monk seals, commonly known as sea lions, whose conservation project began in 1988. Since then, these islands have had a permanent surveillance carried out by the Nature Watch Corps." (https://ifcn.madeira.gov.pt/areas-protegidas/ilhas-desertas.html​) 

Our driver picked us up at 8:00am and drove us to the port where we joined many others on  the catamaran, Sea Pleasure.  As we set out you could see three large islands in the distance.  These islands make up the nature reserve.  The ride out was 3 hours and during that time we were visited by spotted dolphins. 

Once there, we were told we would be getting our feet wet and we could take off our shoes but would need them once we reach the island.  Linda C. elected to stay back.  We climbed over the end of the catamaran into a motorized dingy.  I didn't do this as gracefully as Sandy. Climbing out of the dingy on the rock covered beach, I tried to step only on the flat rocks until, level ground so I could put my shoes on. Sandy was putting her shoes on right by the water's edge.  The guide came behind and escorted me to the nearest rock so I could sit.  She appeared to be in a hurry.   She took us around the island pointing out all of the posters with information about the work being done on the Island.  

We gathered back at the beach, where Linda H had the opportunity to do a little paddle boarding.  I wanted to try, but my stomach had other ideas and it was an early return to the boat for me. Sandy decided to go back with me.  Linda H. got to have the experience of swimming back to the boat.  It was lunch time next and the crew set up a buffet. We were visited by a few monk seals as we ate. Once this was finished it was back to Madeira. 

Back at the hotel, I tucked myself into bed while the ladies went to find dinner.  I was really hoping I would feel better the next day as I was looking forward to the jeep ride.