Madeira Boat Tours: Find Your Perfect Cruise
Compare sunset cruises, swim tours, island trips, and private charters. Find the right boat, departure, and experience for your Madeira adventure.
8
15+
€30
Price Benchmarks
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All Categories
Sunset, swim, islands, charters & more
Seasickness Guide
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Local Expertise
Curated by Madeira residents
Choose Your Experience
From romantic sunset cruises to island adventures, find the perfect boat tour for your Madeira trip.
All Categories
Sunset Cruises
01Romantic evening cruises with golden hour views
Swim & Snorkel
02Coastal tours with swim stops at Cabo Girão
Wildlife Tours
03Dolphin and whale watching expeditions
Desertas Islands
04Full-day expedition to protected nature reserve
Porto Santo Day Trip
05Golden beach island escape by ferry or cruise
Pirate Ship Experience
06Family-friendly replica ship adventure
Why Choose Madeira for Boat Tours?
Discover what makes these waters special
Year-Round Cruising
Madeira's mild subtropical climate and sheltered south coast make boat tours possible throughout the year.
Diverse Experiences
From romantic sunsets to island adventures, dolphin watching to fishing charters – find your perfect cruise.
Stunning Coastline
Sail beneath Europe's highest sea cliff, past colorful fishing villages, and around protected nature reserves.
Transparent Pricing
Our price index helps you understand fair rates so you never overpay. Compare per-person and per-group options.
Featured Operators
Where to Board
Most boat tours depart from Funchal Marina, with some operators using Calheta on the west coast. Know your departure point before you book.
Funchal Marina
The main departure point for most boat tours in Madeira. Located in the heart of Funchal with easy access, parking, and nearby restaurants.
Calheta Marina
Western Madeira's main marina, popular for private charters and fishing trips. Calmer waters and beautiful sandy beach nearby.
What to Expect
Transparent pricing benchmarks by tour category. Know what's fair before you book.
€30-60
2-3 hours€45-65
2.5-4 hours€99-130
~9 hours€57-105
Full day€300+
per group€400-1200
Half or full dayTypically Included
- Experienced captain/crew
- Safety equipment & briefing
- Basic insurance
- Welcome drink (most tours)
- Snorkel gear (swim tours)
Price Varies By
- Tour category (sunset, wildlife, islands)
- Boat type (catamaran, sailing, speedboat/RIB)
- Duration (2-9 hours)
- Group vs private charter
Not Sure Which Tour?
Our comparison tool helps you filter by category, boat type, departure port, and price. Find the perfect Madeira boat tour in minutes.
Free Madeira Boat Tours Guide
Get our comprehensive PDF guide with tour comparisons, seasickness tips, packing lists, and exclusive operator discounts.
- Compare all boat types: catamaran vs sailing vs RIB
- Seasickness prevention guide by boat type
- Complete packing checklist for boat tours
- Price benchmarks so you never overpay
- Exclusive discount codes (save up to 15%)
Get Your Free Guide
Everything you need to know before booking
Madeira Sea Insider
Weekly tips, seasonal deals, new operators, and weather updates.
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Frequently Asked
Everything you need to know about boat tours in Madeira. Can't find what you're looking for? Get in touch.
Ask a Question→What is the best boat tour in Madeira?
It depends on your interests! For romantic experiences, sunset cruises are ideal. For adventure, try a Desertas Islands full-day trip. Families love the pirate ship experience, while wildlife enthusiasts should book a dolphin/whale watching tour. Use our comparison tool to filter by your priorities.
What is the best sunset cruise in Funchal?
Most sunset cruises depart from Funchal Marina and sail along Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos. Catamaran cruises offer stability and social atmosphere (€30-50), while sailing yacht cruises are more intimate (€50-70). Private charter sunset cruises start from €300/group for exclusivity.
Catamaran vs sailing boat vs speedboat: which should I choose?
Catamarans offer stability and space - best for those prone to seasickness or wanting a social atmosphere. Sailing boats provide a romantic, authentic experience but more motion. Speedboats/RIBs are faster and more adventurous, with better wildlife sighting positions but more movement. See our seasickness guide for detailed advice.
Will I get seasick on a Madeira boat tour?
Madeira's south coast is generally calm, especially in summer. Catamarans are most stable, followed by larger sailing vessels. Speedboats have more movement. Tips: take seasickness medication 30-60 mins before, stay on deck in fresh air, look at the horizon, avoid alcohol before the trip. Many operators offer rescheduling if conditions are rough.
What's typically included on Madeira boat tours?
Most tours include: welcome drink, basic insurance, life jackets, and crew/captain. Swim tours usually include snorkel gear and sometimes paddleboards. Sunset cruises often include drinks and snacks. Full-day trips (Desertas, Porto Santo packages) typically include lunch. Always check the specific inclusions before booking.
Is snorkel gear provided on swim tours?
Yes, most swim and snorkel tours provide masks, snorkels, and fins. Some also offer paddleboards at no extra cost. If you prefer your own equipment or have prescription lenses, you're welcome to bring them.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety comes first. If sea conditions are unsuitable, operators will offer to reschedule or provide a full refund. Madeira's south coast is sheltered and tours run most days, but winter swells can affect operations. Book with flexible cancellation policies and check weather forecasts closer to your date.
What's the best time of year for boat tours in Madeira?
April to October offers the best conditions with calmer seas and warmer temperatures. For whale watching, spring (March-May) sees sperm whale migration. Summer is busiest but most reliable. Winter tours still run but with more cancellation risk due to Atlantic swells.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Madeira Cruise?
Compare tours by category, boat type, and price. Book with confidence knowing you've found the right experience.
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