Ponta São Lourenço boat tour: 150-year-old lighthouse

Madeira's oldest lighthouse tour: volcanic peninsula, seabirds, endemic plants, scenic nature experience

This boat tour from Madeira circles Ponta São Lourenço, a volcanic peninsula and natural reserve where you see a 150-year-old lighthouse, sea caves along the North Coast, and the islet of Ilhéu do Desembarcadouro before swimming at Cais do Sardinha on the return. A live guide speaks English, Spanish or French, and the tour runs roughly two hours with all fees included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour and swimming stop

• Admire 150-year-old lighthouse
• See Ilhéu do Desembarcadouro and North Coast
• Observe caves, bays, and unique wildlife
• Stop at Cais do Sardinha for swimming

The experience

The boat leaves from Madeira and heads toward Ponta São Lourenço, a peninsula shaped by basalt and limestone that juts into the Atlantic. The landscape here is stark: low scrub and bare earth replace the green you see elsewhere on the island, sculpted by North winds and the semi-arid climate. As you approach, the 150-year-old lighthouse comes into view, the oldest structure of its kind in the Madeira Archipelago, standing at the point's end.

Along the route, the boat passes sea caves and calm bays carved into the North Coast, and you'll see Ilhéu do Desembarcadouro, a small islet that is a total natural reserve and home to one of the region's largest seagull colonies. The peninsula itself holds 138 plant species, 31 of them found nowhere else on earth. If you're lucky, you may spot the Madeiran lizard, endemic seabirds like Cory's Shearwater, or even the world's rarest seal: the monk seal, called a sea-wolf locally. The guide will point out what lives here and explain why this corner of Madeira is protected as part of the European Natura 2000 network.

On the return, the boat makes a quick stop at Cais do Sardinha, where you can jump in for a swim in the water before heading back. The tour runs with a live guide in English, Spanish or French, and children from age one are welcome on board.

What’s included

• All fees and taxes.
• live guide in English, Spanish or French.
• stop for swimming at Cais do Sardinha.

Before you book

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

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (13 to 90 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (1 to 4 years): free

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

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 levelPets welcome

Operated by Madeira Sea Emotions

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want a guided explanation of the lighthouse, caves, and endemic wildlife as you relax on a shared boat, not a private charter or self-guided kayak.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (1 to 4 years): free.

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.

What is the 150-year-old lighthouse at Ponta São Lourenço?

The lighthouse at Ponta São Lourenço is the oldest in the Madeira Archipelago, standing at the tip of a volcanic peninsula that is now a natural reserve. It marks the point where the Regional government's land begins and is part of the Madeira Natural Park.

Will we see wildlife on this boat tour?

Yes. The peninsula and its surrounding waters are home to seabirds including Cory's Shearwater and the Common Tern, the Madeiran lizard (the island's only reptile), and you may spot the monk seal, the world's rarest seal species. One of the region's largest seagull colonies nests on the Ilhéu do Desembarcadouro islet.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. The tour includes a stop at Cais do Sardinha on the return journey where you can take a dip in the water before heading back to Madeira.