Funchal beginner scuba diving experience, 2 hours
A short introduction to scuba diving off Funchal for people who have never dived before. The session lasts about two hours.
- 2 h
from €43 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
The best beaches in Madeira
Madeira is a volcanic island with a mostly rocky coast, so most beaches are pebble or black sand. The good news: there are a few sandy beaches, excellent natural pools and lidos, and Porto Santo's golden beach is a short trip away.
Sandy beaches
Calheta and Machico have golden sand brought in to create sheltered beaches with calm water, good for families. Prainha, near Caniçal, is a small natural black-sand beach, and Seixal on the north coast has black sand framed by green cliffs, with rougher sea.
Lidos and natural pools
In Funchal, lidos and sea-water pool complexes offer easy, safe swimming with sunbeds. On the north-west tip, the volcanic pools of Porto Moniz are the most famous natural pools on the island. Sea temperatures, prices and safety tips are in our guide to swimming in Madeira.
For a real sandy beach holiday, spend a day or more on Porto Santo and its 9 km beach.
Frequently asked questions
Does Madeira have sandy beaches?
A few: Calheta and Machico (golden sand) and Prainha and Seixal (black sand). For a long natural sandy beach, go to Porto Santo.
Is the sea warm enough to swim in Madeira?
From June to October the sea is around 21–23 °C. In winter it is about 18 °C.
Top-rated tours
Funchal: Snorkeling Adventure in Eco-Park, from Shore or by Boat
Self-guided snorkelling at your own pace in clear water with colourful fish. Equipment is rented on site, and a lesson comes before you start.
from €20 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Snorkeling boat trip to Ponta de São Lourenço, 2 hours
A boat outing to the waters around Ponta de São Lourenço, suited to anyone who wants to swim and snorkel off Madeira's eastern tip. It takes about two hours.
- 2 h
from €35 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
Kayak Rental with Snorkelling in Funchal
Paddle in a protected bay and take a short snorkel break, with the gear brought along. Suits those who want light exercise combined with time in the water.
from €28 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Madeira coasteering with snorkeling and pickup, 5 hours
For active travellers who want to explore the coastline by climbing, swimming and snorkeling. Pickup is included, and the activity runs about five hours in total.
- 5 h
- Hotel pickup
from €74 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
West Tour: Fanal Forest and Porto Moniz Natural Pools – Small Groups
Day trip in a small group from the south coast over the central plateau to the north, with stops at Ribeira Brava viewpoint, Fanal Forest and the natural pools of Porto Moniz.
- Easy
from €35.22 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Surreal West Tour: Waterfalls, Natural Pools and Enchanted Forests
Suits nature lovers who want waterfalls, forest scenery and a swim in natural pools on a sightseeing tour of western Madeira. Bring swimwear if you plan to bathe.
from €39 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Madeira Late Southwest Tour with Beach Time
Small-group tour along the southwest coast, stopping at Paúl do Mar, Jardim do Mar and Ponta do Pargo in soft evening light. Relaxed pace, with sunset views over the Atlantic.
- Easy
from €45 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Prices are indicative and may change. The final price is shown by the booking platform. Prices checked: October 16, 2026.
Plan your trip
- Best time to visitSeasons, festivals and the best months for each activity.
- WeatherTemperatures, rain and sea by month, and how to read the forecast.
- Car hireRenting a car at Funchal airport and driving tips.
- Where to stayThe best areas to stay in Madeira for each type of trip.
- ItinerariesHow to organise 3, 5 or 7 days in Madeira.
- Madeira wine & foodMadeira wine, poncha, local dishes and tasting tours.
- Airport & transfersGetting from Madeira airport to Funchal and around the island.