Best Boat Tours Operators in Madeira (2025 Comparison)

If you’re choosing between operators, you’re probably trying to answer a few practical questions fast:

• Which operator fits my group? (kids, couples, mixed ages, mobility concerns)
• Which boat type is more comfortable? (shade, seating, bathroom, motion comfort)
• What’s actually included? (drinks, snorkeling gear, photos, pickup)

This comparison is designed to help you shortlist the right options quickly. If you prefer to filter visually, use the boat tour comparison tool or browse all verified operators.

How we evaluated

• Experience & professionalism: clear briefings, punctuality, and consistent reviews.
• Comfort & safety: equipment, onboard rules, and route management.
• Value: inclusions vs price, not just the cheapest ticket.
• Fit: best use-case per traveler type (families, couples, adventure seekers).

Quick comparison table

Operator	Rating	From	Best for
Madeira Ocean Tours	4.8/5	€45	Swim & snorkel
MadeiraBoat	4.9/5	€40	Sunset cruises
Bonita da Madeira	4.9/5	€99	Desertas Islands
Porto Santo Line	4.5/5	€57	Porto Santo
Cristal Sea Madeira	4.9/5	€300	Private charters
Santa Maria de Colombo	4.7/5	€35	Families

Operator breakdowns

1. Madeira Ocean Tours

Rating: 4.8/5 (312 reviews) • From: €45

Best for: Swim & snorkel, Families, Value seekers

Specializing in coastal swim tours with stops at Cabo Girão cliffs. Known for transparent pricing, small groups, and excellent snorkel equipment. Their 3-hour Cabo Girão tour is one of the most popular swim experiences on the island.

What’s included

• Snorkel gear
• Paddleboard access
• Light refreshments
• Insurance

Highlights

• Published price anchors
• Small group sizes
• Cabo Girão expertise

Book: Message Madeira Ocean Tours on WhatsApp

2. MadeiraBoat

Rating: 4.9/5 (245 reviews) • From: €40

Best for: Sunset cruises, Couples, Photography

Specialists in sunset and scenic cruises with a modern catamaran fleet. Their signature 2.5-hour sunset tour covers Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos with drinks and snacks included.

What’s included

• Welcome drink
• Prosecco
• Snacks
• Photos

Highlights

• Modern catamaran fleet
• Stunning sunset views
• Professional crew

Book: Message MadeiraBoat on WhatsApp

3. Bonita da Madeira

Rating: 4.9/5 (178 reviews) • From: €99

Best for: Desertas Islands, Nature lovers, Full-day adventures

The go-to operator for Desertas Islands trips. Their full-day expedition includes lunch, guided nature walks, and swimming in the protected marine reserve. Expert guides provide insights into the monk seal habitat.

What’s included

• Lunch
• Welcome drink
• Swim stops
• Guided tour
• Insurance

Highlights

• €99 benchmark price
• Monk seal expertise
• Landing when conditions allow

Book: Message Bonita da Madeira on WhatsApp

4. Porto Santo Line

Rating: 4.5/5 (892 reviews) • From: €57

Best for: Porto Santo, Beach lovers, Day trippers

The official ferry operator connecting Madeira to Porto Santo. Offers both standard ferry crossings and all-inclusive day cruise packages with transfers, island tours, and golf options.

What’s included

• Ferry crossing
• Package options: transfers, tours, golf

Highlights

• Official operator
• Multiple package tiers
• Reliable schedule

Book: Message Porto Santo Line on WhatsApp

5. Cristal Sea Madeira

Rating: 4.9/5 (89 reviews) • From: €300

Best for: Private charters, Celebrations, Proposals

Specialists in private boat and yacht charters for celebrations, proposals, and corporate events. Clear per-group pricing starting from €300 for smaller boats up to luxury yachts at €500+.

What’s included

• Captain & crew
• Fuel
• Basic refreshments
• Custom itinerary

Highlights

• Per-group pricing from €300
• Yacht options from €500
• Fully customizable

Book: Message Cristal Sea Madeira on WhatsApp

6. Santa Maria de Colombo

Rating: 4.7/5 (423 reviews) • From: €35

Best for: Families, Kids, History enthusiasts

Sail on a replica of Columbus's Santa Maria caravel. Family-friendly 3-hour cruises include Madeira wine and honey cake tasting, coastal views, and educational content about maritime history.

What’s included

• Wine tasting
• Madeira honey cake
• Coastal cruise

Highlights

• Unique historic vessel
• Kid-friendly
• Wine & cake included

Book: Message Santa Maria de Colombo on WhatsApp

How to pick the right one (fast)

• First time on the water: prioritize comfort, clear inclusions, and easy meeting points. Start with our first-timer tips.
• Sunset photos: choose a tour designed around golden hour. See sunset cruises.
• Swim day: check if towels/snorkel gear are included. See swim & snorkel.
• Bucket-list day: for a full-day nature trip, consider Desertas Islands.

How to book (and avoid surprises)

1. Confirm meeting point: don’t assume it’s in Funchal.
2. Ask what’s included: drinks, photos, gear, and pickup can change value.
3. Check cancellation/reschedule terms: especially if your dates are tight.
4. Compare apples to apples: use our price guide and comparison tool.

Comparison updated: December 2025