Madeira : 5 hour West Coast wooden Boat excursion

Discover Madeira’s West Coast on a Wooden Boat Excursion for $85

This 5-hour Madeira: West Coast wooden boat tour offers an immersive experience along the island’s stunning coastline for $85 per person. Starting at Funchal Marina, the tour takes you through some of Madeira’s most notable landmarks, including the towering Cabo Girão, the tranquil Fajã dos Padres, and charming coastal towns like Ribeira Brava and Ponta do Sol.

What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to see Madeira’s natural beauty from the water, with an experienced crew guiding the journey. The tour includes a welcome Madeira Wine, lunch with drinks and fruit, and a swim stop, making it a well-rounded experience for those seeking a mix of adventure, scenery, and relaxation.

While the tour does not include transportation to and from the meeting point unless you select that option, it offers a flexible schedule with multiple departure times. It’s perfect for travelers eager to combine sightseeing with a scenic boat trip, especially those interested in Cabo Girão’s cliffs and Fajã dos Padres’ serenity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Price: $85 per person for a 5-hour tour
• Highlights: Complete west coast cruise, swim stop, iconic landmarks
• Includes: Madeira Wine, lunch, drinks, and fruit
• Starting point: Funchal marina, pier no. 8, Bonita da Madeira kiosk
• Duration: 5 hours, with flexible start times
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Language: Guides speak English and Portuguese
• Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours in advance

Starting at Funchal Marina for a Scenic Boat Ride

The tour begins at Funchal marina, pier no. 8, where you find the Bonita da Madeira kiosk. The meeting point is central and easy to locate, especially with the kiosks in the middle of the pier. The tour lasts around 5 hours, with departure times varying based on availability, so checking ahead is recommended.

While pickup and drop-off are optional and require a hotel name within specific areas (Machico, Santa Cruz, Caniço, Funchal, Ribeira Brava, and Câmara de Lobos), most of the experience focuses on the boat cruise itself.

Exploring Cabo Girão Cliff from the Water

The Cabo Girão is a highlight of this trip, famous as Europe’s highest sea cliff. The boat approaches this dramatic promontory, giving travelers a close-up view of its towering presence and awe-inspiring drop to the Atlantic below. The vantage point from the water offers a different perspective than land-based visits, emphasizing the cliff’s scale and rugged beauty.

The tour’s complete west coast coverage ensures a thorough exploration of Madeira’s cliffs, coves, and natural formations, making it ideal for photography and appreciating the island’s rugged coastline.

Visiting Fajã dos Padres: A Hidden Natural Retreat

Next, the Fajã dos Padres is presented as a paradisiacal spot accessible only by sea or cable car, emphasizing its tranquility and natural charm. The boat cruise allows for a view of this secluded area—a perfect setting for relaxing and enjoying the stunning scenery.

This location’s natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it a particular favorite, offering a break from busier tourist spots and a chance to appreciate Madeira’s untouched environment.

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Charm of Ribeira Brava and Ponta do Sol

Travelers get to explore charming coastal towns like Ribeira Brava, known for its welcoming atmosphere and picturesque landscapes, and Ponta do Sol, famous for its almost year-round sunshine. The boat tour passes these spots, providing spectacular views over the Atlantic and a chance to see how local life blends with natural surroundings.

The stop at Ponta do Sol is especially appealing, as the area’s reputation for sunshine means you’ll likely enjoy bright, vibrant scenery even on cloudy days.

Inclusive Experience with Madeira Wine, Lunch, and a Swim?

The tour features a welcome Madeira Wine to kick things off, setting the tone for the day. As the boat cruises along, a lunch with drinks and fresh fruit is included, offering a taste of local flavors.

A swim stop is part of the itinerary, providing a refreshing break in the clear Atlantic waters. The inclusion of food, drinks, and a swim makes this a well-rounded outing, combining scenic sightseeing with relaxation and culinary pleasures.

The Crew and Comfort on Board

An experienced crew guides the cruise, ensuring safety and sharing insights about Madeira’s coast and landmarks. The boat is a wooden vessel, adding a traditional, authentic touch to the experience.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility needs. The guides speak English and Portuguese, ensuring clear communication and friendly assistance throughout the cruise.

Logistics and Practical Tips for the Tour

The tour does not include transportation to the meeting point unless you select that option, so most travelers will need to make their own way to Funchal marina. Those opting for pickup should provide their hotel details within specific areas, and they will receive exact pickup details after booking.

Weather considerations include bringing a jacket, towel, and bathing suit—important for enjoying the swim stop and staying comfortable on the water. The tour’s pacing allows plenty of time at each stop, with the boat ride itself providing a smooth and scenic experience.

How This Tour Compares to Other Madeira Experiences

Compared to other options like sunset cruises, dolphin watching, or luxury catamaran tours, this trip emphasizes natural beauty and landmarks along the coast rather than marine wildlife or sunset vistas. Its affordable price point and inclusion of food and wine make it a value-rich choice.

The 5-hour duration strikes a good balance—long enough to see key sights without feeling rushed. Its small group or private feel is ideal for those wanting an intimate experience focused on Madeira’s stunning west coast.

Who Will Most Enjoy This Wooden Boat Trip?

This tour suits adventurous travelers, nature lovers, and anyone interested in spectacular coastal views. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxing day on the water, enjoying local wine and fresh food, and seeing Madeira’s cliffs and towns from a different perspective.

The accessible design and swim stop add to its appeal for a broad range of visitors, while the focus on iconic landmarks like Cabo Girão ensures a memorable sightseeing experience.

The Sum Up: A Scenic and Relaxing Madeira Coastal Adventure

The Madeira 5-hour West Coast wooden boat excursion offers an authentic, scenic journey along one of the most beautiful parts of the island. Its coverage of major landmarks, including Cabo Girão and Fajã dos Padres, combined with local wine, lunch, and the chance to swim, creates a well-rounded experience.

While the tour doesn’t include transport to the meeting point unless you opt for it, the familiarity and comfort of the boat make it a relaxing way to spend half a day. The experienced crew and accessible design add to its appeal for a wide range of travelers.

This trip is especially suited for those wanting to combine sightseeing with leisurely enjoyment, capturing Madeira’s iconic cliffs and charming coastal towns from a traditional wooden vessel. Overall, it provides a balanced, scenic, and memorable way to explore Madeira’s west coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Madeira West Coast boat tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, including stops for sightseeing, swimming, and meals.

What landmarks will I see during the cruise?
You’ll visit Cabo Girão, Fajã dos Padres, and pass by towns like Ribeira Brava and Ponta do Sol.

Is food and drink included?
Yes, the tour includes Madeira Wine, lunch with drinks and fruit.

Are there options for pickup and drop-off?
Pickup and drop-off are optional and require providing your hotel details within certain areas.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible.

Can I swim during this tour?
Yes, a swim stop is part of the itinerary, allowing travelers to enjoy the Atlantic waters.

What should I bring?
Bring a jacket, towel, and bathing suit for comfort and swimming.

How do I book this tour?
You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby