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Bow Riding Dolphins!

We had a great morning trip, spending time watching common bottlenose dolphins and even enjoying them bow-riding the front of the catamaran! We also spotted a loggerhead turtle. I was very impressed when the crew stopped several times to pick up floating plastics and they were very aware of not disturbing the dolphins by chasing them around. Catamaran was spotless and staff friendly. Recommended!

Great ethical company

Was a great tour the crew were friendly. We saw pilot whales, bottle nose dolphins and a sun fish. What was great is that they strictly stuck to the rules and let the animals come to us and observed the 10 minute rule when with the animals which many other tours don’t. They are clearly interested in promoting eco tourism and as such I can recommend.

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Dolphin Watching

Brilliant morning watching dolphins, and much to everyone's surprise a Monk Seal was spotted on our way back to the marina.

Fantastic trip

We booked the 3hr afternoon catamaran trip. We were blown away with seeing a large quantity of bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales and incredibly also loggerhead turtles and Portugese man o' war jellyfish. The dolphins put on an amazing display alongside the catamaran. The crew were friendly and very knowledgeable.If you're thinking of doing a catamaran trip then I would really recommend VMT as not only do they do a brilliant trip, they also reaĺly care about the wildlife and environmental and collect plastic and other rubbish out of the sea during the trip and are the only company to do this. The ticket also includes a yellow bus ticket to the marina.Book it - I'm sure you won't be disappointed and even though obviously sightings can't be guaranteed,this company will do their best to find wildlife and employ a "spotter" on the top deck.

Exciting afternoon on the water

We saw a turtle as we left harbour - and then several bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales out at sea. This was exciting as sightings can't be guaranteed. We woke up that morning due to sail at 10.30 but there was a thick fog. VMT called us to say we wouldn't sail but offered us the chance to cancel or go out that afternoon at 3. We chose to go and the weather was great. After seeing the various sea life, we sailed west along the coast to Cap Gerao and then back to harbour with views along the coast. Our vessel was VMT's largest catamaran and it was not full, with plenty of space for us all to look out. Plenty of cover. The crew were great, regularly telling us what was happening and walking round to talk to us. The ship had a nice bar with very reasonably priced drinks. One of the crew took photos and so we bought one as a nice memento of the trip. There was no pressure to have a picture taken or to buy it. We felt safe and well looked after. VMT deserve their good reviews, and I would highly recommend them. A tip - the check-in booth is not in the main marina (where VMT do have a shop and ticket office), but the next dock along where the tripper boats are all moored.

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7 best Madeira boat tours & trips (+ tips)

Last updated on November 1, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

If you have the time on your trip, I suggest enjoying at least one Madeira boat tour. This is a great way to admire the island from a distance, the appreciate the height of the cliffs and maybe see dolphins and whales . Below is my guide to help you choose the best Madeira boat trips for you (mostly from Funchal).

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Madeira:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Madeira: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Catamaran tour to go whale watching

My favorite excursion from Funchal:   4×4 tour of East Madeira

MMy favorite places to stay in Funchal:  Les Suites at the Cliff Bay  (Luxury) –  Sé Boutique Hotel  (4 stars) –  Market Place by Storytellers  (apartments)

My favorite places to stay outside Funchal:  Saccharum Resort  near a beach (Luxury) –  Estalagem da Ponta do Sol  (4 stars) –  Engho Velho Hotel  (mid-range)

#1 – Whale and Dolphin Catamaran – Classic Madeira Boat Tour

Let’s start with my favorite boat tour… Catamaran whale and dolphin watching tour.

• About the boat tour Why is it my favorite? Because it has the right timeframe, not too short, not too long. Because everyone has enough space to move around and see the dolphins and whales. Because it is combined with a swim under the giant cliffs of Cabo Girao. I think this is a great combination of activities.

• Departure from – The marina of Funchal Most of them do not include pickup at hotels, you have to take a cab or your rental car to the Marina.
• How long it takes – Around 3h – half-day trip
• Type of boat – Catamaran Good for everyone to have a nice view. Easy to get into the water and out
• How to book – Check out the tour options (different sizes of catamaran / different services) & book

Alternative  – Swim with dolphins

Note that a few tours propose a swim with dolphins. Rules are very strict, and there are not many open spots. Swimming with the dolphins cannot be guaranteed because it is allowed only with 2 species. And it will last only a few minutes. Learn more

#2 – Dolphin Tour Speed boat – Funchal boat tours

• About the boat tour An alternative to see the dolphins are the speedboat tours. The program is roughly the same, although shorter. I prefer the smooth sailing of the catamaran and the spaces it offers to move around. Some of you may prefer to move around less but enjoy the rush with the speedboat.

• Departure from – Funchal Marina
• How long it takes – Tours are 2h to 2h30.
• Type of boat – Speedboat – 10 to 12 persons
• How to book – Check out this tour or this tour Or this one departing from Calheta.

#3 – Porto Santo ferry – Madeira boat trip

• About the boat tour For an experience completely different, you can also take a day trip to the neighboring island, Porto Santo. There is a ferry in the morning and a return ferry in the evening. The crossing takes 2h30. I was surprised by the quality of the amenities on the ferry. It is very comfortable. Porto Santo is a very different island. The mountains are lower and do not block the clouds, therefore it is a lot more arid. It is home to a 9km long sandy beach and fantastic geological features (sand dunes, organ pipes, natural pools…). I loved that day. On the way to Porto Santo, you can enjoy the coast of Madeira with the morning sunlight: you see Funchal, Ponta do Garajau, the East coast and the tail of Madeira, Ponta de Sao Lourenço. I think the day is long but very worth it.

• Departure from – Funchal harbor, West of the CR7 museum
• How long it takes – 2h30 each way for the crossing, but you have to board at least 30min before departure time.
• Type of boat – Large ferry with bars and restaurants.Including movie theater, games for kids…
• How to book – You can plan your day yourself by booking your ferry and renting a car. Or you can book an organized day trip, including a tour of the island and time at the beach. Learn more & book.

All my favorite places on the island are included in my travel Guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Madeira trip :

Plan your dream trip in Madeira thanks to my guide

• 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
• 120+ pre-selected locations
• GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
• Tips to make the most of your time
• 260+ original photos to help you choose

#4 – Catamaran sunset experience from Funchal

• About the boat tour A classic on any coastal destination: enjoying the sunset from a catamaran. Funchal is located on the South Coast of Madeira. You don’t have to sail much to enjoy a stunning sunset. As the sun lowers, it hits the cliffs of Cabo Girao, making the colors even more intense. Plus, you can also spot dolphins and whales along the way!

• Departure from – Funchal marina
• How long it takes – 3h tour
• Type of boat – Catamaran for a smooth sailing.If the weather conditions are good, you will hoist the sail.
• How to book – Check out the details & book

#5 – Madeira Pirate ship experience

• About the boat tour For young kids and adults too, you may want to experience the life of a pirate. You can book a tour on the Santa Maria de Colombo. It is a replica of the Christopher Columbus flagship (built in 1998). It is an adventure to experience sailing near Madeira as they were discovering it 500 years ago. From the boat, you may also spot dolphins and whales.  It also includes a stop at the Cabo Girao cliffs from a swim.

• How long it takes – 3 hours
• Type of boat – “Pirate” ship.
• How to book – Check out the details and book

Need to rent a car in Madeira?

• Compare prices on my favorite platform:   Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Choose a car with enough power for the mountain roads
• And choose a car not too big, to easily manoeuver
• Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

#6 – Ponta de Sao Louranço boat tours to lighthouse

• About the boat tour This is one tour that I would have loved doing but did not, as the timing was not right. It takes you around the magnificent cliffs of Ponta de Sao Lourenço and the island at the end with its lighthouse. From the boat, you can admire the colorful ancient volcanic cliffs and you may see dolphins.

• Departure from – 2 options depending on the tour – from the marina Quinta do Lorde – or from Cais da Sardinha, along the hike PR8 Ponta de Sao Lourenço (1h30 to 2h walk one way – moderate)
• How long it takes – 1 to 2 hours
• Type of boat – Speedboat
• How to book – Check out the tour options & book

#7 – Desertas Islands

• About the boat tour To the East of Madeira, are 3 other islands. They are called the Desertas Islands, because nobody could ever colonize it. Today it is a protected reserve. Some companies offer a day trip to reach the ranger station on the main island. However, here is the reality of the tour: The marketing talks about the wildlife, especially the rare seals. You won’t see them. They live on a part of the island that is off-limit. The chance of seeing one is extremely slim. Therefore, the tour is 3h sailing to the island, a transfer to land via a small boat, a short tour around the ranger station to look at explanation boards, lunch on the boat and 3h of sailing back. If you don’t really enjoy just sailing, I don’t think the tour is worth it (time ratio boat / visit).

• Departure from – Funchal Madeira
• How long it takes – Day trip – 8 to 9 hours
• Type of boat – Catamaran or sailing boat

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets! Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

About the Madeira boat tours

Tips to make the experience comfortable.

After introducing you to the best Madeira boat trips, here are a few tips to you should consider for all of them:

• Don’t book our tour the last day of the trip. In case of strong wind, tours can be cancelled. Then you can still re-book another day.
• The wind can be cold on a boat. Make sure to bring layers of clothes (warm and windbreaker)
• But also know that the sun will also be strong – don’t forget to wear sunscreen.
• Wear your swimsuit in advance so that you can jump as soon as the boat is stopping
• You can park at the CR7 museum carpark to easily access the marina

Dolphins and whales around Madeira

Madeira is considered one of the best places to see whales in Southern Europe. Depending on the season, there are always 2 to 3 species of whales around and many species of dolphins. The chances of seeing dolphins are higher than the chance of seeing whales. The best time is considered being April to October, but you can spot wildlife all year round. There is no one company which gives you a better chance of seeing them. They all communicate to share locations.

Where to stay in Madeira?

My favorites:

• For a choice of restaurants and if you don’t rent a car:   see best-rated options in Funchal
• Luxury resorts:  check out the Lido area in Funchal
• For a sandy beach:  see best-rated options in Machico
• For a quiet village in beautiful scenery:  see best-rated options in Porto da Cruz
• For practical location to explore:  see best-rated options in Ribeira Brava
• To enjoy the natural pools:  see best-rated options in Porto Moniz

Want to see more of the best Madeira offers?

• 18 best Madeira tours – read article
• 42 Madeira travel tips to plan an unforgettable trip – read article
• Where to stay in Madeira – best areas – read article
• The 35 best things to do in Madeira –  read article
• The best landscapes in Madeira in 40 pictures – read article
• The 7 cables cars in Madeira and their amazing views – read article
• Tips to rent a car and drive around Madeira – read article
• 12 Madeira Hidden Gems – read article

Planning a trip to Madeira?

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

And keep track of your own trip!

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Madeira Catamaran Tours – Dolphin & Whale Watching

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VMT Madeira Catamaran tours are the most popular on the island, enjoyed by tourists during both the summer and winter months. There are three VMT catamarans that we use, called “Sea the Best”, “Sea Nature” and “Sea Pleasure”. Specializing in searching for dolphins and whales, we will give you a free ride if you do not get to see anything when you go on your trip. The chances of you being able to see dolphins or whales however are over 90%. This boat tour takes about 3 hours and goes out twice a day, every day. It anchors in front of the highest sea cliff in Europe, Cabo Girão, for a swim and a chance to do some snorkeling. The Catamarans are quite big, take up to 98 people, have a covered area, and have refreshments and toilets onboard. There are additional summer trips like the sunset trip to choose from.

Meeting Point

The meeting point for the VMT Madeira Catamaran Tours is at the new marina in the center of Funchal . You have to meet there 20 minutes before departure .

Marina do Funchal 09, 9000-055 Funchal.

English, Potuguese

• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Family-friendly
• Snack Bar Onboard
• Toilets Onboard
• Dolphin & Whale Watching

From €20.00

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10 Best Boat Tours On Madeira Island

Jackson Groves

Posted on Last updated: March 17, 2024

Categories MADEIRA , TOURS

Without a doubt, Madeira is one of the best island destinations in the world. Its dramatic coastline, black sand beaches, and crystal clear waters lure travelers far and wide. And while the mountain trails and levada walks are also stunning, seeing the island from the sea is an unparalleled experience. I based in Madeira for six months to discover as much of the island as possible, and have compiled these 10 best boat trips on Madeira to make the most of your stay. Hopefully, with this guide, you’ll find some amazing boat tours on Madeira!

My personal favorites are Swim with Dolphins for its swim with 2 different species of dolphins and Desertas Island Catamaran for its conservation center.

Table of Contents

QUICK PICKS: TOP 3 TOURS ON MADEIRA

Don’t have time to read my entire article about the best boat tours on Madeira? No worries! All in all, these are the most popular Madeira boat trips.

Dolphin & Whale Watching

• Departs from Funchal
• Catamaran Cruise
• Top Tour on Madeira

• Swim with Dolphins
• Eco-Friendly
• 2 Species of Dolphins

Desertas Island Catamaran

• Sail to Desertas
• Swim at Volcanic Beach
• Conservation Center

TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN MADEIRA

• Ultimate Luxury: Les Suites at Cliff Bay best location and view
• Best Value : Hotel Alto Lido – Funchal rooftop swimming pool under 100 Euros
• Budget Hostel in Funchal: Santa Maria Hostel is easily the top hostel in Funchal

10 BEST BOAT TOURS ON MADEIRA COMPARISON TABLE

To sum up, here’s a table listing the top 10 boat tours on Madeira and their rates per person. If you’re interested in booking other tours than just Madeira boat trips, try my 20 Best Tours on Madeira Guide . And if you want to hike through the Island as I did, here are my 60 Best Hikes on Madeira .

10 BEST BOAT TOURS ON MADEIRA

The following are the 10 best boat tours on Madeira. From whale-watching adventures to catamaran cruises and historical voyages, there’s something for everyone in the following list. Get Your Guide is a popular booking platform for activities on Madeira and one I recommend to reserve these tours. If you’re interested in booking other tours than just Madeira boat trips, try my 20 Best Tours on Madeira Guide . Whether you swim with dolphins or explore nearby islands, I hope you’ll find the perfect Madeira boat trip for you.

DOLPHIN AND WHALE WATCHING CATAMARAN CRUISE

Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise : this is the most popular boat tour on Madeira, and with over 1000 5-star reviews, it’s easy to see why. The cruise departs from Funchal and begins with a sail around the stunning coastline. The experienced captain and crew then explore the waters off the coast for dolphin and whale sightings.

Following the wildlife encounters, snorkeling equipment is provided for a swim in the sea. The cliffside of Cabo Girão makes for an epic backdrop to your afternoon swim. Meanwhile, drinks are available for purchase at the onboard bar. And even though the marine life may remain elusive, guests still enjoy a memorable sail along the coast of Madeira. For that reason, it’s the most booked Madeira boat trip.

Book your tour: Dolphin & Whale Watching

Funchal Sunset Tour by Catamaran

Funchal Sunset Tour by Catamaran: For those wanting a romantic Madeira boat tour, look no further than this Funchal sunset catamaran cruise. To begin with, this tour departs from the Marina do Funchal and spends the next 3 hours sailing off into the sunset along the south coast of Madeira. A knowledgeable crew will be on hand to provide information in English and Portuguese, with historic sites and dolphins and whales to be seen.

What’s more, if no dolphins or whales are spotted, guests receive a 2nd trip free of cost. In truth, spending golden hour sailing along one of the most beautiful islands in the world is more than worth the price of the tour, but the guarantee is a thoughtful touch. Lastly, don’t forget to pack a wind-jacket and warm clothes for the evening sail home. Altogether, this is one of the best Funchal boat trips available.

Book your tour: Sunset Tour Catamaran

Sunset Tour Catamaran

• 3 Hour Sail
• Dolphins & Whales
• Golden Hour Views

Flagship Tour of Santa Maria de Colombo

Flagship Tour of Santa Maria de Colombo: If you’ve visited the nearby island of Porto Sato, you’ll have heard that Christopher Columbus once called the island home, even marrying the governor’s daughter there. Rumor has it he learned much about sailing while living on the island and stopping through Madeira’s ports. In view of Madeira’s role in maritime history, this tour of a replica of the Santa Maria is very popular.

This Madeira boat trip takes passengers on a journey back through time. The ship is a well-made replica of the Santa Maria, a 15th-century ship sailed by Colombus. Certainly, it’s a bit touristy, but it’s well worth the ticket. Firstly, the sail begins with a visit to Cabo Girão, the highest sea cliff in Europe, and the second highest in the world. Here, guests can swim in the warm Atlantic waters, with local wine and honey cake on offer. Afterward, the tour slowly returns to Funchal. Dolphins and whales are occasionally spotted, marking the end to a perfect day on the water. For these reasons, it’s one of the most popular boat tours on Madeira.

Book your tour: Santa Maria de Colombo

Santa Maria de Colombo

• Historical Ship Replica
• Sail to Cabo Girão
• Swim in the Sea

Madeira Sea Fishing Trip

Madeira Sea Fishing offers the best fisihing experience on Madeira with options suited to you! They are experts in big game fishing where you’ll have the chance to catch the fish of a life time as Madeira is one of the best places in the world for big Blue Marlin. Our fishing grounds are not far from shore so while you’re fishing you can enjoy the amazing views of Madeira accompanied with a nice cold drink which are included .

You don’t need to be a professional fisherman or have any experience, anyone can do it as they explain what to do and how to beforehand , rest assured the crew is well experienced and will help you out. I’ve personally been onbaord with Nuno and Joseph and they taught me all the basic skills to help me catch a giant Bonito! They offer bottom fishing targeting Snapper, Bonito, and Amberjacks or big game fishing where you troll for Tuna, Wahoo’s and (in the main season) Blue Marlin.

Madeira Sea Fishing

• Local Legend Guides
• Catch a Marlin!
• Awesome coastal views

Dolphin and Whale Watching Luxury Catamaran

Dolphin and Whale Watching Luxury Catamaran: This Madeira boat tour is also a dolphin and whale watching excursion, but on a luxurious catamaran. The trip begins at the Funchal Marina, where the crew will provide a quick briefing before setting sail. Guests can choose from a luxurious interior or outdoor sun beds and trampoline nets.

While keeping an eye open for cetaceans, the catamaran sails for Cabo Girão. The 1000m cliff rising above makes a gorgeous backdrop while you sunbathe or swim in the sea. Snorkeling gear is provided for those wishing to explore underwater. Finally, the journey ends with a leisurely cruise back to the marina, capping off a wonderful Funchal boat trip.

Book your tour: Dolphin & Whale Catamaran

Dolphin & Whale Catamaran

• Luxury Catamaran

Swimming with Dolphins

Swimming with Dolphins: personally, this is my favorite Madeira boat trip, and one I highly recommend. It’s also one of the most popular tours on Madeira, full stop. The tour departs out of Funchal, and heads out to sea with an experienced crew. The regulations for swimming with Madeira’s dolphins are strict – in order to prevent disturbing their natural behaviors. Due to this, entering the water is not always guaranteed. In fact, dolphin sightings alone can’t be certain, which makes their guarantee so welcome.

That is, if no dolphins are seen, you can reschedule for free, or receive a voucher valid for two years. Additionally, if swimming isn’t possible, guests receive a refund between the price of the viewing and the swimming trip. For those lucky enough to swim with wild dolphins, both common dolphins and spotted dolphins can be encountered.

Throughout the swimming experience, guests remain safely connected to the boat, while being gently pulled along the water. Curious dolphins glide past and interact with swimmers in a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In light of this, swimming with dolphins is one of my favorite boat tours on Madeira.

Book your tour: Swim with Dolphins

Desertas Island Full-Day Catamaran Trip

Desertas Island Full-Day Catamaran Trip: The ecologically protected Desertas islands make for a beautiful day trip from Madeira. On this catamaran trip, guests set sail along the southern coast of Madeira, heading to the rugged islands on the horizon. Once at Desertas, you’ll drop anchor at one of the volcanic beaches and enjoy a refreshing swim. After that, you’ll disembark at Deserta Grande, the only island in the chain accessible to tourists.

The rest of the islands are a protected reserve, with scientists studying the local marine life. As a result, the waters along Desertas are pristine and can offer rare sightings of local wildlife. At any rate, guests can visit the conservation center on Deserta Grande to learn more about the conservation efforts in the area. Finally, you’ll set sail on the return journey to Funchal to end the Catamaran trip. All in all, it’s a wonderful Madeira boat trip to the neighboring island chain.

Book your tour: Desertas Island Catamaran

Dolphin and Whale Watching Sailing Trip

Dolphin and Whale Watching Sailing Tri p: This is a wonderful way to experience the usual Madeira dolphin and whale watching tour. Being that most of the other tours take place on crowded catamarans, this journey offers guests the opportunity to board a sailboat for more nautical vibes. Overall, this Madeira boat trip feels less touristy than a lot of the others and offers an incredible day of sailing off the coast.

Other than that, the trip follows the same itinerary as the other dolphin and whale-watching cruises. The ship departs from Funchal ad heads to Cabo Girão. There, you can swim or snorkel with provided gear. This tour does include a complimentary drink, which is a nice upgrade compared to the other tours. In any case, this is a great alternative Madeira boat tour.

Book your tour: Dolphin & Whale Sailing

Dolphin & Whale Sailing

• Swim in Sea
• Complimentary Drink

All-Inclusive Luxury Catamaran

All-Inclusive Luxury Catamaran: This is yet another upgraded option to the usual catamaran trips. It’s a little over double the price of the other boat trips on Madeira, but well worth the splurge. Again, the itinerary follows the standard route – Funchal to Cabo Girão for a swim, with dolphin and whale watching along the way. The only difference is in the unlimited food and beverage whilst on board.

For instance, guests are served sparkling wine before setting off. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages regularly make the rounds, and drinks are unlimited – including alcohol. The crew is also trained to a tee and provides impeccable VIP service. With smaller group sizes as well, the tour has the feeling of a private charter, making for a memorable Funchal boat trip.

Book your tour: All Inclusive Luxury Catamaran

All Inclusive Luxury Catamaran

• Unlimited Drinks
• Local Snacks
• VIP Service

Ponta de São Lourenço Boat Tour

Ponta de São Lourenço Boat Tour: This is an adventurous way to explore the coast along São Lourenço, one of the most scenic parts of the island. Unlike the other tours on the list, this trip departs from Marina Quinta do Lorde. Once on the speed boat, you’ll sail around the beautiful coastline of Ponta de São Lourenço as well as Ilhéu do Desembarcadouro, the North Coast.

Viewing the oldest lighthouse in the Madeira Archipelago is a highlight, as well as cruising into hidden caves and bays. The best part is that there are several options for starting and end points to this tour, meaning you can get dropped off and finish the boat tour with a hike if you wish. On the whole, it’s an exhilarating way to view one of Madeira’s most iconic landmarks, and one of my favorite boat trips in Madeira.

Book your tour: São Lourenço Boat Tour

São Lourenço Boat Tour

• Multiple Start/ End Points
• Discover Caves and Bays
• 150-Year Old Lighthouse

Dolphin & Whale Watching Sunset Sailing

Dolphin & Whale Watching Sunset Sailing: The final tour on the list combines a few of my favorite things. Dolphins, sunsets, and sailing. This tour begins in Funchal just as the light begins the change. As you sail along the south coast, dolphins and whales can often be seen. Then while daylight changes to golden hour, enjoy a swim alongside the sea cliffs of Cabo Girão.

Each guest receives a complimentary adult drink, which is best enjoyed as the sun begins to set. Undoubtedly, onboard a sailboat is one of the best ways to enjoy a Madeiran sunset. Afterward, the tour returns to Funchal, while guests can enjoy blue hour hues on the journey home. This is one of the most magical Madeira boat trips out there, and one I can’t recommend enough.

Book your tour: Dolphin & Whale Sunset Sailing

Dolphin & Whale Sunset Sailing

• Sailboat Ride
• Sunset at Cabo Girão

In conclusion, these are the top 20 Boat Tours in Madeira. Each of these is an excellent way to enjoy this beautiful island, and I highly recommend trying at least one on your upcoming stay. Just don’t forget the sunscreen and the jacket for the journey home!

WONDERING ABOUT WHERE TO STAY ON MADEIRA?

Throughout my six months on Madeira Island, I stayed in multiple accommodations. My favorite regions to stay in were Funchal and Canico de Baixo. I’ve created several guides to help you find the right region for you and a great hotel or apartment.

• The ultimate guide: WHERE TO STAY ON MADEIRA: WHICH REGION IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
• If you want luxury: BEST 5-STAR LUXURY HOTELS ON MADEIRA ISLAND
• To feel at home: TOP 10 BOUTIQUE HOTELS ON MADEIRA ISLAND
• If you want to base in Funchal: WHERE TO STAY IN FUNCHAL: 15 TOP-RATED HOTELS

HAVE YOU READ MY OTHER MADEIRA BLOGS?

I spent six months exploring Madeira and the nearby island of Porto Santo . These are some of my most popular guides about the region that you may be interested in.

• My favorite hikes: 65 AWESOME HIKES ON MADEIRA
• My favorite levada walks: 25 BEAUTIFUL LEVADA WALKS ON MADEIRA
• The best waterfalls on the island: 25 EPIC WATERFALLS ON MADEIRA
• Guide to the best Accommodation: WHERE TO STAY ON MADEIRA
• Hardest hike: THE MADEIRA ISLAND ULTRA TRAIL IN 4 DAYS (115KM)
• Longest hike: CAMINHO REAL 23: MADEIRA’S ROYAL PATH (180KM)

BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY ON MADEIRA

When you book your Madeira Rental Car online, I personally recommend and always use  Discover Cars . They search for both local and international companies, so you get the best deal! MUST Read: Guide to Renting a Car on Madeira

Madeira Sunset Boat Trip (May-15th September)

From: € 40.00

The Madeira sunset catamaran cruise is the best place to watch the sunset here. Marvel at the changing colours reflected in the sea and look for dolphins and whales.

• Reviews 0 Reviews 0/5
• Vacation Style Holiday Type Boat & Cruise, Experiences, Family

Children 5-12y:

Family Pack 2 Adults + 2 Children 5-12y:

Family Pack 2 Adults + 3 Children 5-12y:

Family Pack 2 Adults + 4 Children 5-12y:

• Other Details

Take a 3-hour relaxing CATAMARAN CRUISE along the southern coast of Madeira. You will enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Madeira Sunset on a Boat Trip, with warm colours reflecting on the calm sea surface, accompanied by the serene melody of the sea. The experience is fantastic, and if the weather and sea conditions permit, you can also SWIM in the pleasant waters. A Madeira Sunset Boat Trip is an ideal way to end the day in Madeira.  BOOK NOW!

• Professional crew
• Taxes and Fees
• Available: Masks and snorkel
• If no dolphins or whales are sighted, you can go on a second trip for free.
• Pick-ups and drop-offs.
• Food and drinks.

Sunset trips are scheduled from 18:30 to 21:30 between May 1st and September 15th, and from 17:00 to 20:00 from September 16th to October 31st.

Between May and 15 September

A tip – the check-in booth is not in the main marina, but in the next dock along, where the tripper boats are all moored.

May 1–September 15 — Tour starts at 18:30 and finishes around 21:30.

September 16–October 31 — Tour starts at 17:00 and finishes around 20:00.

Check-in is obligatory 30 minutes before each trip.

• Comfortable shoes
• Swimming suit

There’s a bar and toilets on board if you also need to change clothes.

The crew will explain the rules in Portuguese and English.

There are also snorkels available on board for a quick swim under Cabo Girão (one of the highest viewpoints in Europe).

If the wind is favourable, the crew will raise the sails.

Secure your seat, with pre-purchased tickets, as current capacity can fill up quickly. The staff is friendly, multilingual, knowledgeable and ready to answer any question. However, bear in mind this is not a narrated tour. The boat is comfortable and spacious. There are life jackets on board, and the crew makes sure you are all safe and sound!

• End of the Trip 20:00 or 21:30
• Please Note There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet the requirements or in case of adverse weather. Should this happen, we will offer you an alternative or a full refund.

Sunsets are proof that no matter what happens...

... every day can end beautifully.

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched

– they must be felt with the heart.

Boat trips in Madeira

ALL TOURS INCLUDES FUEL, PADDLE BOARD AND SNORKELLING EQUIPMENT

PRIVATE HALF DAY TOUR 3,5 HOURS

Boat trip and charters on Madeira Island is an excellent introduction to the Cabo Girao Coast!

 It is a ride along the coast of Funchal, Camara de Lobos, Cabo Girao, Fajã dos Padres, Calhau da Lapa while the captain shows you some points of interest. We will stop for a swim, snorkel and stand up paddling.

Fuel and drinks included.

FROM 370€ PER SERVICE

PRIVATE FULL DAY TOUR 7 HOURS

Dive into the crystal-clear waters for snorkeling, or paddleboard along the stunning coastline.

Our exclusive tour ensures personalized attention and unforgettable moments.

Drinks and snacks included.

Group till 11 person

From 620 ​€ PER SERVICE

 PRIVATE SUNSET CRUISE  2,5 HOURS

Share a sunset boat tour with someone you love! Because its all about spending another great time!

This is a private tour / activity. Only your group will participate.

From 300 ​€ PER SERVICE

YOUR PERSONAL REQUEST

Which experience would you prefer?​

Birthday celebration, bachelor party

A private boat rental, where you chart your own course and explore at your leisure

An exciting fishing tour, where the thrill of the catch awaits?

Don't wait; make your own request now!

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Sali Kilmat , Boston,  USA

I absolutely recommend Cristal Sea to anyone looking for an amazing private cruise experience. The team was so accommodating, professional, friendly and knowledgeable… and we found their pricing to be very fair. We had a blast on our sunset cruise in Madeira with Fabio and Bernardo. You won’t regret booking with this company!!!

What Clients Say

Kent Gamber , England

This was the best part of my trip in Madeira. Fabio, our skipper, was fantastic and made the trip that much better. Couldn’t recommend Cristal Sea Madeira more!!

Cristal Sea Madeira - Google feedback

Michele Ratti Morales, Spain, Tenerife

Amaizing experience with Fabio the Skipper of the boat he is very carefull of details and service. He show us some places in Madeira that you can only visit on the boat like waterfalls unaccess beach . I strictly recommend this boat trip, the price is very good for the service he is providing. You should try the Private sunset trip.

CRISTAL SEA MADEIRA,

Praça do Povo, 9000-900 Funchal

Cais 8, Door 1

+351 911 115 005

[email protected]

Authorized Maritime Tourism Operator License RNAAT № 375/2022

THE 10 BEST Madeira Boat Tours

Boat tours in madeira.

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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

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5 replies to this topic

I have often wondered why there is no easily accessible boat hire where you can just go for a sail using the wind .

Can it be done in a day?

With a 90 mile coastline, a sailing boat would be unlikely to do a round the island trip in one day.

A high speed RIB could do it but, as always, the weather would be a factor.

I would settle for a sail along the coast and back but have no interest in just motoring like the catamarans.

Agree about 90 mile not being achievable in say a 09.00 to 18.00 trip which most tourists go for.

Along the south coast down to Ponta de Sol would be quite nice.

Watched the galleon many a time come past the Melia @ 17.30 & it just goes up & down with the waves.Not for anyone who has had lunch & a few beers on the afternoon excursion....

Agree about the catamarans just motoring up and down.

A superb sailing vessel but the sails stay fully reefed.

How boring.

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