On the water
Boat trips
Catamarans, yachts and a replica of Columbus’s ship, along the coast or out to the Desertas
What it is like here
Shared trips are the cheapest way onto the water: along the south coast to Cabo Girão or Caniçal, at sunrise or sunset, out to the Desertas Islands, or across to Porto Santo for the day. Yachts and sailing boats can be chartered for the same routes, or for a three-day sail around the islands.
Most boats leave from Funchal marina, others from Calheta, the island’s second largest marina, from Machico and from Porto Santo. Many stop for a swim, and dolphins are often seen on the way.
Before you go
- Landing on the Selvagens Islands needs IFCN authorisation. Source
Where
- Funchal — Funchal marina: coast trips with the city’s amphitheatre behind, and swim stops
- Calheta — Calheta marina, about 16 nautical miles west of Funchal, known for its sunsets
- Machico — Machico’s two marinas: trips along the east coast and its reserves
- Porto Santo — Porto Santo: trips to islets and sea caves, some on to the Desertas On Porto Santo, which the 3D island does not show yet.
Who runs it
- AESTUS - Luxury Boat
- Atlantic Pearl Catamaran
- Cristal Sea Madeira
- Happy Hour Madeira
- Lobosonda
- Luxury Charter Madeira
- Madeira Sea Emotions
- Magic Dolphin
- OceanSee
- On Tales
- RECMAD
- Rota dos Cetáceos
- Nau Santa Maria de Colombo
- Scorpio Madeira Diving Center
- Sea La Vie
- Singular Yacht Charter
- Ventura Nature Emotions
- VIP Dolphins
- VMT Madeira
Members of the tourism board’s association, as Visit Madeira lists them. A list, not a recommendation.
Sources: Visit Madeira · Madeira Ocean & Trails · Checked November 3, 2026