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Madeira Water sports

Our most recommended Madeira Water sports

Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

1. Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Discover the natural beauty of Madeira coastline and look for marine life on this catamaran cruise from Funchal. Snorkel through schools of silver fish with high-quality snorkeling gear. Look for dolphins while sipping on a drink purchased from the onboard bar. See dolphins, whales, and turtles playing in their natural habitat. Throughout the year Madeira has different aquatic mammals journeying through its blue waters. Whether you come in summer or winter, the chances are high you’ll see one of these amazing creatures. Stop for a swim during the summer season or catch a glimpse of the world beneath the waves with the provided snorkeling equipment. Relax on deck with a refreshing drink from the onboard bar.

Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

2. Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

Spot the dolphins and whales that call Funchal Bay home on this catamaran cruise from Funchal. Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters under Cabo Girão and learn more about the majestic creatures from your expert crew. Arrive at New Marina - Funchal and board a luxury catamaran. Receive some safety information from the experienced crew. Choose to sit in the luxurious interior with comfortable seating and protection from the sun, and lounge chairs or outdoor hammocks. Afterward, sit back and relax as you sail towards the open sea. Although sightings of marine species can not be guaranteed, dolphins and whales are often found in the waters around Funchal. Keep an eye on the movements in the water whilst the crew answers any questions about the variety of species. Continue up to the high cliffs of Cabo Girão, which rise 580 meters above sea level. Anchor the boat at Cabo Girão and immerse yourself in the refreshing waters to explore underwater marine life with a snorkel. Then, sail at a leisurely pace around the Marina of Funchal, and marvel at the fantastic views of Madeira's landscapes. Return to Funchal New Marina for a quick landing process and continue to enjoy your day after the tour.

Madeira: "Lokoloko" Canyoning Level 1

3. Madeira: "Lokoloko" Canyoning Level 1

Get set for a sporty challenge and an insight into the beauty of rural Madeira on a guided canyoning trip. Discover the scenery of a beautiful valley as you abseil, jump, and slide. After a short walk of 15 minutes through a rural area, reach the beginning of the canyon. Come across different rappels varying in altitude of up to 13 meters, water slides, and jumps. Marvel at the trees in the canyon, covered with mystic treebeard and endemic plants that are considered UNESCO world heritage. At the end of the canyon, walk for 10 minutes through ancient terraces back to the starting point.

All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

4. All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

Your 3-hour luxury catamaran tour begins at the docks of the new marina of Funchal. Board the catamaran and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine before setting off. Sail into the ocean to find dolphins, whales, and turtles. Spot these creatures in their natural habitat. After sailing around spotting dolphins, whales and turtles enjoy a 30 minute stop next to Cabo Girão, the 1920 foot (586m) seaside cliff. Here you have a change o go swimming in the crystal clear waters. After a quick swim, you will get back on the boat where you can relax and enjoy the views of the coast of Funchal as you head back to the marina.

Madeira: Level-1 Canyoning Adventure

5. Madeira: Level-1 Canyoning Adventure

Discover why Madeira island is one of the top five places in the world for canyoning on this canyoning adventure tour. Rappel down waterfalls and experience the area’s natural splendor. Head up to the mountains where you will receive your canyoning gear. After being decked out in gear, it will be time for a small hike through some of the most impressive nature that Madeira has to offer. Rappel down sparkling waterfalls, where the mountain spring waters are always flowing.  Swim in the natural swimming pools along the canyons. In some of the canyons you may also have the opportunity to slide down natural water slides. Once the activity ends, change back into your dry clothes and return to your accommodation.

From Funchal: Intermediate (Level 2) Canyoning Adventure

6. From Funchal: Intermediate (Level 2) Canyoning Adventure

Start with pickup from Funchal, Canico or Câmara De Lobos and drive to the canyoning location. Meet your guides and receive all your equipment for the activity. Take a 20-minute walk to the entrance of a stream where the first safety briefing will take place. Along the way, abseil down breath-taking waterfalls, jump and swim in beautiful natural pools, always surrounded by incredible landscapes. With natural water slides, abseiling, and jumps into natural rock pools the canyons are sure to make your heart skip a beat. The beginning of the stream has some vertical challenges (20m), small walking sections, and many play areas. The river will be flowing by the entire time with several optional jumps. The challenge continues following a quick snack break with waterfalls. Guides will take pictures and videos of your experience throughout the day, to be sent to you afterward. At the end of the trip, there will be transportation to bring you back to the park where you began your adventure.

Madeira: Half-Day Coasteering Tour

7. Madeira: Half-Day Coasteering Tour

"Coasteering" is a sports activity that allows one to progress along the coast, whether along a beach or a cliff. Along the way, you can make use of swimming, diving, snorkeling, climbing, traveling through caves or tunnels, and jumping into the water. Madeira has excellent conditions for this sport due to its lava and rocks shores, allowing visitors to swim in the crystal clear warm water. The waters form pristine views, with the mountain flowing almost into the sea. These activities take place on the southeast coast of Madeira, specifically in Baia d’Abra (Caniçal), a natural park of breathtaking beauty. The jumps, which are all optional, are between 1 and 10 meters high. Coasteering can be done by families, groups, or individuals of all ages, providing they can swim. Throughout the whole route, participants will be led by guides and instructors who will assist everyone in terms of safety techniques and all procedures.

From Funchal: Swimming with Dolphins in Madeira Island

8. From Funchal: Swimming with Dolphins in Madeira Island

Swim with dolphins in their natural habitat in the crystal-clear waters of Madeira Island. Enjoy the support and guidance of on-hand instructors who will teach you how to approach and interact with the dolphins. Board your boat and head towards the area with a 99% chance of seeing dolphins. Get the opportunity to swim with two species of dolphins: common dolphins and spotted dolphins. As you enter the water, remain safely connected to the boat at all times. Get comfortable in the water and approach the dolphins with the support of your instructor. Once you're ready, begin to swim with the dolphins in front, below, and next to you and admire these beautiful mammals up close, and in their natural habitat. 

Funchal: Madeira Island Group Surf Lesson

9. Funchal: Madeira Island Group Surf Lesson

Join a surf lesson in the clear Atlantic waters off Madeira Island, and learn the fun sport for the first time or hone your surfing skills with an expert instructor. Enjoy the ease of a hotel pickup from Funchal, and be directly dropped off at the best surfing spots on the island. Kick-start your lesson with a warm up and a technical demonstration on the beach before hitting the water to catch some waves. Feel the cool waters beneath your gliding board, and the adrenaline course through you after catching your first wave. Enjoy the top surfing spots for beginners on Madeira Island, including Praia do Seixal, Praia de Machico, and Porto da Cruz, where your instructor will bring you to make sure you get the best experience possible.

Madeira: Garajau Nature Reserve Kayak and Snorkel Tour

10. Madeira: Garajau Nature Reserve Kayak and Snorkel Tour

Start the day at the harbor where you will learn everything you need to know about kayaking before heading to the nature reserve. Upon arrival at Garajau, enjoy a 40-minute paddle toward Lazareto. Stop for a break on the beautiful pebble beach and take in the views of the surrounding rock features from times gone by. Afterward, discover Madeira's native marine life as you snorkel through crystal-clear waters. In the event of poor weather conditions, you will have the opportunity to explore the sea from the safety of your kayak instead. Finish the day with a spot of cliff diving before heading back to your hotel for the evening.

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What people are saying about Madeira

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 1 reviews

Excepcional

Awesome experience!!! Both guides were so nice and supportive, they helped me with my 8year old son who had the fun of his life! We did jumping, climbing, sliding, everything in a very small group so there was enough time for each of us. Thanks so much to Be Local for a wonderful and unforgettable day.

My 10 y/o daughter and I had a fantastic time on our canyoning adventure! The guys at Be Local Madeira were great! They were very patient with us and took us on a very awesome course. Five stars!

The guides were amazing and so was the experience. Definitely recommend as a must do activity while you are in Madeira!

One of the best experiences I’ve had on holidays, highly recommend for anyone who loves water sports

Amazing experience. Felt safe. Recommend this activity.