Snorkeling & Lunch in Nature Reserve Garajau

Planning a trip to Madeira and craving a mix of stunning scenery, refreshing sea air, and vibrant marine life? This Snorkeling & Lunch in Nature Reserve Garajau tour offers all that and more. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, extensive details and glowing reviews suggest it’s a well-balanced experience that’s perfect for travelers eager to explore Madeira’s marine wonders without fuss.

We love the opportunity to see crystal-clear waters filled with hundreds of fish species and the chance to relax aboard a luxurious sailing yacht. Plus, the included healthy local lunch makes it a full sensory experience, combining adventure and relaxation seamlessly.

A potential consideration? The tour is designed for adults only, so families with young children or pregnant women might need to look elsewhere. But for those who enjoy adult-focused outings—whether couples, friends, or solo travelers—this trip hits many high notes.

If you’re looking for an authentic, relaxed, and visually stunning activity that showcases Madeira’s marine treasures, this tour is a smart choice—especially if you value knowledgeable guides, delicious food, and the chance to sail along Madeira’s rugged coast.

Key Points

• Stunning snorkeling location: The Garajau Underwater Nature Reserve offers vibrant marine life and underwater caves.
• Comfortable sailing: The Sea La Vie yacht provides a luxurious setting for relaxation and sightseeing.
• Healthy, tasty lunch: The included meal features fresh, local ingredients, emphasizing health and flavor.
• Adult-only experience: Designed for those over 18, ensuring a quiet, relaxed environment.
• Expert guidance: Local guides enhance your understanding of marine life and safety.
• Convenient logistics: Starts at Funchal Marina with clear meeting instructions and flexible cancellation policies.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Getting Started in Funchal

Your adventure begins at the Funchal Marina, specifically at “Cais 8” on the left side facing the sea. The boat, distinguished by its blue hull, is easy to spot. Setting out from this point, you’ll sail along the coast, enjoying views of Funchal’s skyline and rugged cliffs before reaching the Garajau Nature Reserve.

The duration of around four hours balances enough time to enjoy the sea without feeling rushed. Check the availability for specific start times, but generally, expect a morning or early afternoon departure that allows you to make the most of Madeira’s daylight hours.

Scenic Sailing and Relaxation

One of the delights of this tour is the sailing experience itself. The Sea La Vie yacht offers a luxurious, stable platform for both relaxation and sightseeing. You’ll love the chance to sunbathe, relax, and take in the stunning coastal scenery, all while listening to the gentle sounds of the sea.

The sailing component is also an excellent way to set a leisurely pace before and after the snorkeling. This isn’t a rush-rush tour but rather a chance to unwind and enjoy Madeira’s natural beauty from the water.

The Heart of the Tour: Snorkeling at Garajau

The highlight, of course, is the snorkeling stop at Ponta do Garajau — about 80 minutes of underwater exploration in a protected marine reserve. The waters here are renowned for their clarity and diversity. You’ll be guided by experienced local experts who can point out the colorful fish such as groupers, wrasses, parrot fish, and even stingrays.

The guides also facilitate exploring underwater caves, where you’ll see fascinating shapes and patterns — a real treat for anyone interested in marine environments. For many, the chance to see hundreds of fish species in their natural habitat makes this a memorable experience.

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Snorkel Equipment & Comfort

The tour provides snorkel gear and towels, so you only need to bring beachwear. The snorkel equipment is well-maintained, ensuring safety and comfort. Plus, you can enjoy fresh water baths after swimming, helping you rinse off salt and sand.

The Lunch: Healthy, Local, and Delicious

After your underwater adventure, you’ll enjoy a well-curated meal included in the tour. The Sea Experience Kit features healthy foods and drinks such as pressed functional juice, seasonal and local fruits, and a sandwich with black bread, pesto, arugula, tomato, microgreens, and Portuguese cheese or ham.

This focus on local, fresh ingredients adds a real flavor of Madeira to the experience. Multiple reviews mention the tasty, fresh meal as a highlight, emphasizing how well it complements the day’s activities.

Returning to Funchal

The tour concludes back at the Funchal marina, completing a full circle of coastal exploration. The group size and adult-only environment make for a relaxed, intimate experience—no noisy crowds or over-stimulation here.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $113 per person, this experience combines sailing, snorkeling, and a meal into a comprehensive, all-in-one package. Considering the cost of private activities or separate boat trips, this represents good value for a memorable day out with professional guides and all necessary equipment included.

The flexibility with cancellation and pay-later policies also helps travelers plan confidently, knowing they can adjust arrangements with ease.

Who Will Love This Experience?

• Marine life enthusiasts eager to see a variety of native fish species.
• Relaxed travelers seeking a laid-back day on the water.
• Food lovers interested in sampling healthy, local cuisine.
• Adult travelers looking for a sophisticated, quiet outing.
• Sailing fans who enjoy scenic cruises combined with adventure.

The Itinerary Broken Down

Start at Funchal Marina: Easy to find and access, setting the tone for a smooth, well-organized trip. The single departure point simplifies planning.

Sailing along Funchal’s coast: You’ll appreciate the steady, comfortable sail with ample opportunity for photos and relaxing.

Snorkeling at Ponta do Garajau: The main event, with 80 minutes to explore the underwater world. The marine reserve’s protected status means vibrant fish and clear waters, ideal for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike.

Post-snorkel relaxation and lunch: The healthy, local meal provides a satisfying end to your adventure, giving you energy and taste of Madeira’s culinary bounty.

Return to the marina: The trip concludes with a gentle sail back, giving you a chance to reflect on the day and enjoy the scenery.

Authentic Reviews & What Travelers Say

A GetYourGuide traveler describes the tour as “just perfect for a nice adventure group trip,” highlighting the fun and relaxed nature of the experience. The guides’ knowledgeability seems to stand out, making the snorkeling both informative and safe.

Many reviews underscore the stunning views and delicious, fresh food as key highlights. The comfortable yacht and adult-only setting are also frequently praised, emphasizing the sense of tranquility and exclusivity.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For travelers who want to combine marine exploration, scenic sailing, and healthy local cuisine into one package, this tour offers excellent value. The four-hour duration strikes a good balance, providing enough time to explore without feeling overwhelmed.

The focus on adult participants ensures a peaceful, mature atmosphere—ideal for couples, friends, or solo adventurers looking for a relaxed but immersive Madeira experience.

While it’s not suitable for children under 18 or pregnant women, those who fit the profile will find this trip both fun and fulfilling. The included equipment and gear, alongside the flexible cancellation policy, make it a practical choice for most travelers.

If your Madeira trip includes a day of snorkeling, sailing, and savoring local flavors, this tour should be on your list.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the calm waters of Garajau Nature Reserve are suitable for snorkelers of all levels, including beginners, especially with guides on hand.

What should I bring?
Just bring beachwear; snorkel equipment, towels, and water are provided.

How long is the snorkeling stop?
You’ll have around 80 minutes to explore underwater, enough time to see plenty of marine life and underwater caves.

Is the tour family-friendly?
No, this is an adult-only experience, designed for those over 18. Pregnant women and children under 18 are not suitable.

What is included in the meal?
A healthy, fresh meal featuring seasonal fruits, local ingredients, and a sandwich with Portuguese cheese or ham.

How do I find the meeting point?
Board at Cais 8 in Funchal Marina, on the left side facing the sea, on the blue-hulled yacht.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

Final Summary

This Snorkeling & Lunch in Nature Reserve Garajau tour offers a delightful mix of scenic sailing, vibrant marine life, and healthy local cuisine, making it ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed yet engaging day on Madeira’s waters. The luxurious yacht, friendly guides, and scenic marine reserve combine to create a memorable experience. While it’s tailored for adults, those who enjoy a calm, adult-focused environment will find this trip a highlight of their Madeira visit.

If you’re after an activity that balances adventure with comfort, and offers authentic access to Madeira’s underwater world, this tour is well worth considering. It’s a great way to see the island from a different perspective—underwater—and enjoy some of the best local flavors along the way.

You can check availability for your dates here: