Desertas Islands are 3 small islands Southeast of Funchal which were classified as a Biogenetic Reserve by the European Council in 1992 and are a Nature Reserve since 1995. This small volcanic archipelago that belongs to Santa Cruz council, in Madeira Island, comprises the Islands of Deserta Grande, Bugio and Ilhéu Chão.

As an important habitat for the 30 Monk Seals which live there and for many seabirds that breed on its cliffs, the Natural Park of Madeira charges an eco-tax of 2 euros per person visiting the Desertas Islands, usually included on the Desertas sea trips price.

The Natural Park has wardens living in Deserta Grande for periods of 2 weeks to prevent any harmful activity to protected species, like illegal fishing or hunting.