Boat Tours and Cruises in Madeira

Madeira is an island of lush vegetation, delicious food, cheerful people and water activities, so when we think of what to see and do in Funchal, its capital, we immediately move to the sea and what better way than by boat?

On yachts or catamarans, in this post you will learn about the best boat trips in Madeira, prices, duration and all the necessary guidance for you to join the best experiences.

This tour offers the perfect combination of attractions for adventurers who love nature. The tour starts with a briefing at the selected operator's premises and often passes through Cabo Girão.

The staff of this type of tour provides assistance at sea and on land to increase the chances of encountering cetaceans during the trip.

Aboard comfortable semi-rigid boats you will be accompanied by a group of between 8 and 20 people to enjoy the company of dolphins, sea turtles, whales and many other marine species in a sustainable way, respecting their natural habitat.

Interesting details

• Price: From 55 €.
• Duration: between 2:30 - 3 hours.
• What the tour usually includes: This tour usually includes an experienced marine biologist who guides the adventurous visitors. The experience is as enjoyable as it is educational.
• Means of transport: Boat or motorboat.
• Pros: Apart from the tour activities, you have the opportunity to snorkel in Funchal surrounded by dolphins. Just let us know when booking the tour for an additional fee of between 20-40 €, depending on the operator. The staff will keep an eye out for the appearance of the dolphins so that you are ready to join them under the sea. You can also forgo the activity at no extra cost. While the thrill of swimming with the dolphins is a highly recommended experience, this last minute change of plans option is synonymous with true satisfaction guaranteed.
• Cons: Groups tend to be large, up to 20 people, however, the size of these boats allows all members of the tour to appreciate the surroundings in comfort.

Choose between private or group cruises, catamaran cruises offer both alternatives. Let yourself be carried away by the fresh breeze of the Madeiran coast aboard a catamaran.

Among the boat trips, this is the tour I recommend to see and do in Madeira with children, as it is comfortable and stable, ideal for the little ones and for those more sensitive to movement on the high seas.

Get on a catamaran with experts, relax and enjoy. On this type of boat, sailing is accompanied by good music and a variety of cocktails.

Enjoy an aperitif while you contemplate the hidden jewel of the Atlantic with its peaks and cliffs in the Cabo Girao Nature Reserve or another area such as the Ponta de São Lourenço.

Don't worry about the cetaceans, they will be all around you when you least expect it. Get ready to swim in Madeira's pristine waters and enjoy your holiday!

Interesting details

• Price: from €35 for group trips and from €59 you can take the experience to an intimate space with private cruises.
• Duration: from 3 hours and upwards.
• What the tour may include: whale, dolphin or other marine mammal watching in private or groups of up to 15 people, a more stable boat, drinks, snacks and a relaxing stroll around Funchal.
• Means of transport: Catamaran, take a look at this video and see part of the experience.
• Pros: offers customisable options, ideal for sharing with family or friends.
• Cons: The rides are usually very close to the coast. Catamarans are not designed to travel in deep water, which is part of the reason for their stability.

If you dream of travelling by ship and saying: "they will always remember this day as the day they almost caught Captain Jack Sparrow", in the best style of Johnny Deep in Pirates of the Caribbean, this cruise is for you.

In Funchal you have the option of travelling back in time among pirate ships or sailing on a replica of one of Christopher Columbus' ships.

Yes, in Funchal you can take a cruise on the Santa María de Colón caravel, one of the Genoese admiral's flagship ships, this time to cruise along the Madeira coast. Groups of up to 15 people cruise along the Bay of Camara de Lobos to Cabo Girão.

Details of interest

• Price: from 35.9 €.
• Duration: 3 hours.
• What the tour usually includes: In addition to the boat tour, most of them include a local wine tasting, the distinctive Madeira honey cake or some other snacks to nibble on.
• Means of transport: Traditional boat worthy of a film , check it out here.
• What to expect on the tour. Discover the colossal marine world that surrounds this island. Dolphins, sea turtles and whales can be spotted along the way. In between stops, you have the opportunity to dive into the ocean while practising some of Madeira's essential activities: snorkelling, canyoning and scuba diving.
• Pros: Both the pirate ship and the replica of the Santa Maria recreate the ships of yesteryear from the inside to the outside. The ride is pleasant, the staff is friendly and they are equipped with a bar. The price is also convenient.
• Cons: Children are accepted, in fact, between the ages of 4 and 12 there is usually a special half-price rate, but the experience on this type of cruise is recommended for adults. The atmosphere, the movement of the boat driven by sails and its additional engine, is often uncomfortable for children. I recommend this experience for ages 15 and up.

Set sail with your friends or family - also suitable for lone wolves who want a getaway - aboard a yacht to discover Madeira your way.

Private cruises in the Madeira archipelago were traditionally seen as expensive, but the massification, ease of access and the emergence of various service companies has brought prices down considerably. This is now one of the cheapest, most beautiful and well-preserved islands in the Atlantic.

Book a half or full board service and choose between snorkelling, diving, relaxing on the yacht deck, celebrating your private party or meditating in the sea between Ponta do Sol, Seixal or the spot of your choice.

Details of interest

• Price: Prices are variable, a group of maximum 6 people could estimate their expenses from 380 € onwards.
• Duration: From 4 hours.
• What the tour may include: Often includes a selection of local wines, fresh juices, soft drinks and local beers. Participants will also be provided with their snorkelling equipment prepared for the adventure, as well as their blankets, towels and VIP assistance from the yacht captain.
• Means of transport: yacht.
• Pros: The confidence of being in the hands of professionals who are 100% dedicated to your needs. Small groups are usually the best option and these tours allow up to 6 people. Here you decide your course, within Funchal.
• Cons: When it comes to budget, this option may seem more expensive, but the privacy you gain for a few extra euros is worth every penny.

Sometimes you need to pamper yourself and celebrate in good company surrounded by natural beauties, that's what a boat charter in Madeira offers. Take a trip to the volcanic caves of São Vicente, Baía d'Abra, Ponta do Sol or enjoy the natural pools in the volcanic caves of São Vicente.

Here you can celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, New Year's Eve, stag or hen parties or just exist. Tell us about your event and contact your operator, Madeira is waiting for you and your friends.

Details of interest

• Price: Variable, a group of maximum 10 people could estimate their expenses from 1200 € onwards.
• Duration: From 2 hours onwards.
• What the tour may include: Often includes soft drinks, mineral water, a selection of Madeira wines, a selection of snacks, towels, snorkelling equipment, advice from local experts and everything else agreed beforehand. These are customisable trips and selected operators are willing to work with you to ensure that you experience the event of the century or have the peace and quiet you crave.
• Means of transport: Yacht
• Pros: The confidence to celebrate your special occasion as you wish. The friendliness and revelry is part of the local culture, decide how and when you want to party in Funchal.
• Cons: Events need to be co-ordinated well in advance. You need to plan ahead so that everything happens exactly as you have planned and when you customise your boat tour the same applies. So, you need some time to consider and plan the details to your liking.

Whale, dolphin, turtle and cetacean watching is the main attraction of this type of activity in Madeira, but there is more to see on the island.

Explore its coasts, go down to its natural pools -check with your operator which one the tour goes through-, relax under the sun, taste Madeiran wine, get to know the local culture .....

Not for nothing has this archipelago been named one of the besttourist destinations in the world to explore.

• All operators guarantee dolphin and whale sightings, but numbers vary considerably between seasons. A trip between July and September increases the chances of seeing more marine life.
• Arrive at the meeting point 30 minutes early. Each operator provides a short briefing before boarding their boats, some even add interesting talks on all the marine species present in Madeira, so don't miss the opportunity to learn from the experts.
• Wear low shoes or beach sandals. It may sound obvious but sometimes style gets the better of us and we put a photo shoot in the sea before high shoes. They are not allowed.

Other recommendations

• Combine the best Jeep tours in Madeira from Funchal with your boat trip. It will allow you to get to know curiosities of the island such as Ribeiro Frio, Pico do Arieiro and the Deserted Islands for example.
• The best Madeira tours from Funchal have one thing in common: the port of Funchal's New Marina. This is where the activities start and end. You can plan a boat trip in the morning and a wine tasting in the afternoon without incurring additional costs.

• Cape Girão. Where Madeira's most popular viewpoint is located. The views are breathtaking.
• Deserted Islands. Better known for its câmara de Lobos, it is an area of tourist interest with an abundance of species, including a colony of sea lions in their natural habitat.
• Baia d'Abra. Located in Ponta de S. Lourenço, it is the easternmost peninsula of the archipelago. It is part of the island's cultural heritage. João Gonçalves Zarco's skull arrived there when they discovered the eponymous island with the boat.
• The volcanic caves of São Vicente through the lava pools of Porto Moniz and the observation platform. These are beauties not to be missed in Madeira.
• Seixal. A natural beach with black sand. This type of place is rare on the island and, with the leafy cliffs on either side, it is impressive. It is one of the best beaches in Madeira.
• Ponta do Sol. An area with picturesque streets and dreamy beaches.
• Calhau da Lapa cliffs, waterfalls, crystal clear waters and a nature reserve perfect for diving and hiking. Spending the night in an ancient cave facing the sea? This is the place for you.

It is always advisable to keep an eye on the Portuguese weather forecasts. However, on the coast of Madeira Island the weather is benevolent.

There is a wet season from the end of October to the end of April and a dry season between May and the beginning of October. Between the spring and summer months, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery on board any of the cruises of your choice in Funchal.

If you are looking for the best time for dolphin and whale watching in Madeira, book your trip to the island between July and September. You may even get to see some Minke whales, better known as blue whales, among the whales.

• While you can get around the island on foot, you need a boat, yacht or catamaran to get around the ocean. If you choose to skip the guided boat tours, you will miss the heart of Madeira. Remember, many can take you but few can guide you, so I suggest you hire an expert.
• Did you forget whale and dolphin watching, you arrive in Funchal with that plan and although the wine, safaris, good food and hiking may stop you in the city, the Madeiran beaches are calling you.
• The difference between doing the activities on your own and taking a guided tour is frankly not significant. It's worth spending a few euros more to get to know this archipelago in its entirety, soak up its customs and enjoy the natural wealth of the archipelago in harmony with the environment.