Madeira : 5 hour East Coast boat excursion

This 5-hour boat trip along Madeira’s east coast promises a chance to see some of the island’s most captivating sights from the sea. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, extensive reviews and itinerary details give us a good picture of what travelers can expect. It’s an adventure designed for those eager to enjoy spectacular coastal views, marine wildlife, and a taste of local flavors—all from a comfortable boat.

What we particularly like about this experience are the stunning scenery and the opportunity for a refreshing swim in tranquil waters. The inclusion of lunch and drinks adds value, making it a relaxing day out. However, some reviews point out potential issues like organisational hiccups or boat cleanliness, so it’s worth keeping those in mind. This tour suits travelers who love the ocean, enjoy coastal landscapes, and are comfortable on a boat, especially if they’re looking for a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and a taste of Madeira’s natural beauty.

Key Points

• Spectacular coastal views from the boat, including cliffs and natural rock formations.
• A swimming stop at Machico Bay offers a chance to cool off.
• Interactive crew providing explanations about the sights.
• Lunch and a welcome Madeira wine included for a relaxed day.
• Suitable for non-swimmers, but not for those prone to seasickness or with certain health concerns.
• The experience is wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Madeira’s East Coast by Boat

Madeira is famous for its rugged cliffs, lush greenery, and dramatic coastline. Seeing this landscape from the water offers a perspective you simply can’t get from land alone. This boat tour covers a good stretch of the eastern coast, with key stops at some of the island’s most photogenic spots.

Starting Point: Funchal Marina

The tour begins at Funchal marina, specifically at pier no. 8, near the Bonita da Madeira kiosk. This is a straightforward meeting point—easy to find if you’re exploring the city’s lively waterfront. From here, the boat takes off into the open sea, setting the stage for a memorable coastal adventure.

First Stop: Ponta de São Lourenço

One of the highlights is the visit to Ponta de São Lourenço, a natural peninsula known for its dramatic cliffs and sweeping views. We loved the way the boat glides close to this striking landscape, revealing the rugged coastline in all its glory. The tour includes a swimming and snorkeling stop here, although it’s brief—about 2 minutes—so don’t expect a long dip. Still, it’s enough to cool off and enjoy the water.

Marine Life and Iconic Landmarks

Sailing past the Garajau Reserve, you’ll witness the turquoise waters meeting towering cliffs, a sight that immediately captures the imagination. The crew provides explanations about the marine environment, adding an educational touch to the cruise. You might even catch a glimpse of dolphins or other marine life if luck is on your side, though no whale or dolphin watching is specifically highlighted in this particular tour.

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Cristo Rei and Reis Magos

The boat then heads toward Cristo Rei, a prominent statue that overlooks the cliffs, reminiscent of Rio’s famous statue but on a smaller scale. The crew’s commentary deepens understanding of the landscape, enriching the experience. Next, the journey takes you to Reis Magos in Caniço de Baixo, where the unique rock formations carved by nature provide a remarkable visual spectacle.

Charming Coastal Towns: Santa Cruz and Machico Bay

Travelers will appreciate the views of the coastal town of Santa Cruz, with its charming harbor and local vibe. As the boat approaches Machico Bay, the tranquil waters invite a swim—one of the tour’s main highlights. The swimming stop here allows for a quick dip, perfect for cooling down after the boat’s journey. The water’s serenity makes it an ideal spot, although the briefness limits extensive swimming.

Ponta de São Lourenço: The Natural Wonder

The tour’s climax is the visit to Ponta de São Lourenço, a rare natural reserve featuring stunning cliffs and panoramic views. This area offers incredible photo opportunities, especially for those who love dramatic landscapes. It’s one of Madeira’s most iconic spots, and seeing it from the sea offers a perspective you simply can’t get from the land.

Baía d’Abra Natural Reserve

The final highlight is the Baía d’Abra, an untouched haven with rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. The crew discusses the ecological importance of this area, helping you appreciate the natural riches Madeira offers.

The Practicalities

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour starts in Funchal and circles through a series of coastal landmarks, ending back at the starting point. With stops at Ponta de São Lourenço and Machico Bay, along with the scenic cruise past notable cliffs and rock formations, the tour balances sightseeing with relaxation. Though the swimming stop is short, it’s enough to enjoy the waters and take in the surroundings.

What’s Included

• Welcome Madeira wine to toast the day.
• A lunch with a free drink—choices include water, Coca-Cola, beer, or wine—plus fresh fruit.
• A swimming stop at Machico Bay.
• All taxes and fees are included, so no surprise costs.

What to Bring

Travelers should pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel, swimwear, snacks, and a jacket for cooler moments. Since oversize luggage or large bags aren’t permitted, travel light. It’s also advisable to bring snacks if you’re hungry between meals or need extra energy.

Accessibility and Timing

This tour is wheelchair accessible, which is a plus for inclusive travel. It lasts about five hours, with starting times depending on availability—be sure to check ahead. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, making logistics simple.

The Experience: Realities and Considerations

While the itinerary promises a scenic and educational trip, some reviews point out potential drawbacks. For instance, one traveler noted difficulty with communication—the need to contact the provider multiple times to confirm pickup—so organisational clarity might not be perfect. Another review highlighted a dirty boat and unfriendly staff, which is concerning, and something to consider if comfort and professionalism are priorities.

Conversely, many travelers enjoy the breathtaking views and the relaxed pace. The inclusion of food and drinks adds to the feeling of a leisurely day, especially if you love a good local wine and fresh fruit.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This excursion is ideal for sea lovers and those wanting to see Madeira from a different perspective. It’s suited for travelers who enjoy short swimming stops, scenic coastlines, and engaging commentary on natural landmarks. Because it’s wheelchair accessible, it caters to a broader audience, but it’s not suitable for non-swimmers, people with seasickness, or those prone to health issues that can be affected by boat travel.

It’s best for relaxed travelers comfortable with a few hours at sea, looking to combine sightseeing with a laid-back day out. If you’re after a more exclusive or upscale experience, this might not fit the bill, given some reviews’ comments about boat cleanliness or staff friendliness.

Final Thoughts

This Madeira east coast boat tour offers a beautiful, relaxing way to experience the island’s coastline, with stunning cliff views and a brief opportunity to swim. The inclusion of lunch, drinks, and explanations makes it a good value for those wanting a full, laid-back day on the water. If you’re a fan of natural landscapes and coastal scenery, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

However, given some mixed reviews regarding organization and boat condition, it’s worth approaching with a flexible attitude. The tour’s success depends on the crew, the weather, and your expectations. It’s not the most luxurious experience, but it’s authentic and offers moments of true natural beauty.

This tour is best suited for adventurous spirits, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a casual, scenic cruise. If you’re looking for a peaceful way to see Madeira’s east coast, this could be your perfect day out.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?
While the tour includes a swimming stop, it’s only about 2 minutes long, so non-swimmers should be comfortable with brief water exposure. It might not be ideal for very young children or those uneasy at sea.

What should I bring with me?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel, swimwear, snacks, and a jacket for cooler moments. Since large bags aren’t allowed, pack light.

Is the boat accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for travelers with mobility needs to join.

What’s included in the price?
You get a welcome Madeira wine, lunch with a free drink, a swimming stop, and all taxes and fees.

Are there any hidden costs?
No, all taxes and fees are included. However, transportation to the meeting point and parking are not included.

How long is the tour?
It lasts around five hours, with the exact starting times varying based on availability.

What are the main highlights?
Expect stunning cliffs, rock formations, a brief swim, scenic viewpoints, and the chance to see natural landmarks like Ponta de São Lourenço.

Would I recommend this tour?
Yes, especially if you love coastal scenery and are looking for a relaxed, scenic day on the water. Be mindful of reviews about boat condition and organization, and prepare accordingly.

To sum it up, this Madeira east coast boat excursion offers a blend of natural beauty, light adventure, and local flavor. Perfect for those who want to enjoy Madeira from the sea without long hikes or strenuous activities. With its mix of spectacular scenery and laid-back charm, it’s a worthwhile addition to any Madeira itinerary—just keep expectations in check and come ready to enjoy the views.

You can check availability for your dates here: