Question 1

What is the best boat tour in Madeira?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

What is the best sunset cruise in Funchal?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Catamaran vs sailing boat vs speedboat: which should I choose?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Will I get seasick on a Madeira boat tour?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

What's typically included on Madeira boat tours?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Is snorkel gear provided on swim tours?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

What happens if the weather is bad?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

What's the best time of year for boat tours in Madeira?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

How far in advance should I book?

Accepted Answer

In peak season (June-September), book 3-7 days ahead for popular tours like Desertas or sunset cruises. Private charters should be booked 1-2 weeks ahead. Off-peak, 24-48 hours is usually sufficient. Popular operators and specific time slots fill up fast.

Question 10

Can I book for a group or private charter?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Many operators offer group discounts. Private charters start from €300/group (smaller boats) to €500+ (yachts). This is often better value for groups of 6+ compared to per-person pricing. Contact operators directly via WhatsApp for custom quotes.

Question 11

How much do Madeira boat tours cost?

Accepted Answer

Coastal/sunset cruises: €30-60/person. Swim & snorkel tours: €45-65/person. Wildlife tours: €40-75/person. Desertas full-day: €99-130/person (lunch included). Porto Santo: €57-105/person depending on package. Private charters: €300-1500/group. Check our price index for current benchmarks.

Question 12

Are there hidden costs I should know about?

Accepted Answer

Reputable operators include all essentials in quoted prices. Optional extras may include: professional photos, premium drinks upgrades, tips for crew. Porto Santo packages have different tiers (ferry only vs. with transfers, tours, or golf). Always confirm inclusions before booking.

Question 13

Is the Desertas Islands trip worth it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you love nature and have a full day available. The Desertas are a strict nature reserve with unique wildlife including monk seals. The €99 full-day trip includes lunch, swimming, and guided exploration. Landing on the islands depends on conditions and permits. It's one of Madeira's most unique experiences.

Question 14

Is Porto Santo worth a day trip?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially for beach lovers! Porto Santo has 9km of golden sand - a stark contrast to Madeira's pebbly beaches. Options include ferry-only (€57) or packages with transfers and activities (up to €105). The 2.5-hour crossing can be part of the experience. Consider staying overnight if you have time.

Question 15

What are the Desertas Islands landing rules?

Accepted Answer

The Desertas are a strict nature reserve. Landing requires permits and depends on sea conditions - it's not guaranteed. Visitors must stay on marked paths, follow guide instructions, and respect wildlife (especially monk seals). Your operator handles permits. Swimming in surrounding waters is usually possible even when landing isn't.

Question 16

What should I bring on a boat tour?

Accepted Answer

Essentials: sunscreen (reef-safe preferred), sunglasses, light layers/windbreaker, camera, and seasickness medication if prone. For swim tours: swimsuit, towel, water shoes. Full-day trips: extra snacks. Leave valuables at hotel - most boats have limited storage.

Question 17

Where do boat tours depart from?

Accepted Answer

Most tours depart from Funchal Marina (easy access, parking available). Some private charters and fishing trips leave from Calheta Marina on the west coast. Porto Santo ferries depart from Funchal Port Terminal. Always confirm your exact meeting point when booking.

Question 18

Which boat tours are best for families with children?

Accepted Answer

The Santa Maria de Colombo pirate ship is designed for families with themed activities. Swim & snorkel tours work well for kids who can swim confidently. Short sunset cruises (2-3h) suit younger children better than full-day Desertas trips. Wildlife tours engage kids but require patience for sightings.

Question 19

Are Madeira boat tours environmentally responsible?

Accepted Answer

Reputable operators follow marine wildlife guidelines including approach distances and time limits around dolphins/whales. The Desertas nature reserve has strict protection rules. We prioritize listing operators who demonstrate environmental responsibility. Use reef-safe sunscreen on swim tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is the best boat tour in Madeira?

What is the best sunset cruise in Funchal?

Boat Types

Catamaran vs sailing boat vs speedboat: which should I choose?

Will I get seasick on a Madeira boat tour?

Inclusions

What's typically included on Madeira boat tours?

Is snorkel gear provided on swim tours?

Weather

What happens if the weather is bad?

What's the best time of year for boat tours in Madeira?

Booking

How far in advance should I book?

Can I book for a group or private charter?

Pricing

How much do Madeira boat tours cost?

Are there hidden costs I should know about?

Destinations

Is the Desertas Islands trip worth it?

Is Porto Santo worth a day trip?

What are the Desertas Islands landing rules?

Practical

What should I bring on a boat tour?

Where do boat tours depart from?

Families

Which boat tours are best for families with children?

Sustainability

Are Madeira boat tours environmentally responsible?

Still have questions?

Ready to Find Your Perfect Madeira Cruise?

Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is the best boat tour in Madeira?

What is the best sunset cruise in Funchal?

Boat Types

Catamaran vs sailing boat vs speedboat: which should I choose?

Will I get seasick on a Madeira boat tour?

Inclusions

What's typically included on Madeira boat tours?

Is snorkel gear provided on swim tours?

Weather

What happens if the weather is bad?

What's the best time of year for boat tours in Madeira?

Booking

How far in advance should I book?

Can I book for a group or private charter?

Pricing

How much do Madeira boat tours cost?

Are there hidden costs I should know about?

Destinations

Is the Desertas Islands trip worth it?

Is Porto Santo worth a day trip?

What are the Desertas Islands landing rules?

Practical

What should I bring on a boat tour?

Where do boat tours depart from?

Families

Which boat tours are best for families with children?

Sustainability

Are Madeira boat tours environmentally responsible?

Still have questions?

Ready to Find Your Perfect Madeira Cruise?