Part of our complete guide: Activities and tours on Madeira
What sails
Large catamaran (2.5–3 h, from €35). Two decks, bar, toilets, shade, nets at the bow. The most reliable choice for families and anyone who wants it calm.
Luxury/premium catamaran (2.5 h, from €65–80). Smaller group, all-inclusive drinks, loungers. The premium buys space, not distance.
Sailing boat (3 h, from €41–55). With wind, they actually sail. The prettiest way to see the south coast, and the slowest.
RIB (2–2.5 h, from €54). Fast, wet, exciting, no shade.
Traditional wooden boat (3 h, from €35–50). Unhurried, often with a drink and poncha on board. There are also trips on the replica Santa Maria, Columbus’s ship — kitsch, but a good photograph.
Full day to the Desertas (9 h, from €90) — its own page.
The standard route
Nearly all south-coast trips leave the Funchal marina heading west past Câmara de Lobos to below Cabo Girão — 580 metres of rock directly above the boat, considerably more impressive from the water than from the top. They anchor there and swim. On the way back you pass Reid’s and Funchal bay.
What to watch for
- Swim stops only in summer and only in calm seas. The listings say “optional” and they mean it.
- Snorkelling gear is on board many catamarans, but not all.
- Be at the marina office 30 minutes before.
- Cancellation is usually 24 hours.
- Afternoons are windier; mornings the sea is flatter.
- Sun protection: on the water people underestimate it every single time.
Book it or do it yourself?
Book — unless you charter. Skippered charters start around €500 per group, which becomes comparable to a premium tour from six people up.
The free alternative from land: the promenade at Câmara de Lobos, and the cable car down to Fajã dos Padres below Cabo Girão — a place otherwise only reached by boat.
Common questions
How much does a boat trip on Madeira cost?
From around €35 for the large catamaran, 2.5–3 hours. A luxury catamaran starts at €65–80, a sailing boat at €41–55, a RIB at €54, and a traditional wooden boat at €35–50. A full day out to the Desertas is from €90. There are 122 trips on offer.
What route do boat trips from Funchal follow?
Nearly all south-coast trips leave the Funchal marina heading west past Câmara de Lobos to below Cabo Girão — 580 metres of rock directly above the boat, considerably more impressive from the water than from the top. They anchor there and swim, then pass Reid’s and Funchal bay on the way back.
Can you swim on a boat trip on Madeira?
Swim stops happen only in summer and only in calm seas. When a listing says “optional”, it means it. Snorkelling gear is on board many catamarans but not all. Mornings the sea is flatter; afternoons get windier.
When is a charter better value than a boat tour?
Skippered charters start around €500 per group, which becomes comparable to a premium tour from six people up. Free from land: the promenade at Câmara de Lobos, and the cable car down to Fajã dos Padres below Cabo Girão — a place otherwise only reached by boat.
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Next: Whale and dolphin watching · Sunset tours · Desertas Islands
