Funchal sunset boat trip under sail, 3 hours
A three-hour sailing trip from Funchal timed for sunset. Suits anyone who wants to see the coast from the water in the evening light.
- 3 h
from €50 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
Boat trips in Madeira
Seeing Madeira from the sea shows you its cliffs, waterfalls and coastal villages from a different angle. Trips range from one-hour sunset cruises to full days with lunch on board.
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
Three-hour boat trip on the Santa Maria de Colombo, Madeira
A three-hour trip on the Santa Maria de Colombo, a ship tour off Madeira's coast. Suits travellers who prefer a seated, unhurried outing on the water.
- 3 h
from €45 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
Ponta de São Lourenço Boat Tour
Suits anyone who wants to see the eastern peninsula from the sea: lighthouse, coves and caves, plus a swim stop at Cais do Sardinha. Departs from Marina da Quinta do Lorde.
from €37.50 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Funchal sunset cruise on a traditional Madeiran boat, drinks
A relaxed way to see the sun go down over the Funchal coast from a traditional local boat, with drinks on board. The outing lasts about three hours.
- 3 h
- Easy
from €45 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
Sunset on an Ecological Catamaran
An evening sail below the Cabo Girão cliffs with a swim stop and a chance of dolphins. The return leg passes Câmara de Lobos and Reid's Palace.
- Easy
from €40 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Madeira Nau Santa Maria
Boat trip on a replica of Columbus's flagship built in Câmara de Lobos, passing the Cabo Girão cliffs. Madeira wine and honey cake are part of the trip.
- Easy
from €52 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip
Boat trip from Machico with a marine biologist aboard. Swimming with common or spotted dolphins is sometimes possible, and a repeat outing is offered at no extra charge if none are seen.
from €54.50 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. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Which boat trip is for you?
Sunset catamarans from Funchal are relaxed and good value. The Santa Maria, a replica of Columbus's ship, is a favourite with families. Sailing trips along the south coast often include swimming stops in quiet bays, and boat trips around Ponta de São Lourenço show the wild eastern tip of the island.
For a different island, spend a day or two on Porto Santo, reached by ferry from Funchal.
Frequently asked questions
Do boat trips run all year?
Yes, most run year-round, but trips are cancelled when the sea is rough. Book early in your stay so you can reschedule if needed.
