Ponta de São Lourenço Boat Tour: Madeira Lighthouse & Caves

The oldest lighthouse in the Madeira Archipelago is only reachable by sea.

The Light House View Tour is a boat tour departing from Marina da Quinta do Lorde that travels through Baía d'Abra and Ponta de São Lourenço toward a 150-year-old lighthouse, the oldest in the Madeira Archipelago. The route passes sea caves, the North Coast, and Ilhéu do Desembarcadouro, with a return stop at Cais do Sardinha for a swim. Tours are led by a marine biologist guide in English or Portuguese. Children from age 5 are welcome, and each person receives a glass of Madeira wine.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour to lighthouse and coastline

• Depart from Marina da Quinta do Lorde
• Admire 150-year-old lighthouse
• See Ilhéu do Desembarcadouro and North Coast caves
• Observe unique animals and plants
• Stop at Cais do Sardinha for a swim
• Return to Marina da Quinta do Lorde via Baía d’Abra

The experience

The boat departs from Marina da Quinta do Lorde and heads northeast along the coast, passing through Baía d'Abra with its network of caves and calm bays only visible from the water. The route takes you to Ponta de São Lourenço, where the 150-year-old lighthouse stands: the oldest in the Madeira Archipelago. Along the way you'll see Ilhéu do Desembarcadouro and the North Coast, with a guide who is trained in marine biology and can point out species of animals and plants found nowhere else in the region.

On the return journey, the boat makes a stop at Cais do Sardinha, where you can swim in the water if you choose. The whole outing runs between 45 minutes and an hour, keeping the pace relaxed enough that you're not rushed through the coastline but focused enough that the day holds together. A glass of Madeira wine is included, served while you're still on the water.

What’s included

The tour includes the boat ride along the coast, a marine biologist guide in English or Portuguese, and one small glass of Madeira wine per person.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day13 departure times: the first at 11:00, the last at 17:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Madeira Sea Emotions

Is this one for you?The tour departs from Marina da Quinta do Lorde, so if you're staying in the eastern part of Madeira or have access to a rental car, getting there is straightforward. If you're based elsewhere on the island without a car, you'll need to arrange a taxi or check whether your hotel offers transport to the marina. The boat itself handles the rest of the day once you arrive.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I swim during the Ponta de São Lourenço boat tour?

Yes. The boat stops at Cais do Sardinha on the return, where you can take a dip in the water if you want to. Bring a towel or wear something you don't mind getting wet.

What is Ponta de São Lourenço and why is it only reachable by boat?

Ponta de São Lourenço is the northeastern tip of Madeira, a dramatic headland with sea caves and coastal rock formations. The boat route lets you see the cliffs, caves and the 150-year-old lighthouse from the water, angles and details that are not visible from land.

What is included in the tour price?

The boat tour itself, the guide, and one small glass of Madeira wine per person are included. You'll need to arrange your own transport to Marina da Quinta do Lorde unless your hotel offers pickup.