Madeira Private Sailboat Tour: South Coast & Fajã dos Padres

Swim at beaches only the boat can reach, then watch for whales on the way back.

A private sailboat tour along Madeira's south coast explores both the east and west sides of the island, with stops at secluded beaches accessible only by sea and frequent opportunities to spot whales and dolphins. You choose between a half-day or full-day option, and can swim in mild Atlantic waters year-round; lunch is either at Fajã dos Padres beach (accessible only by boat or cable car) or prepared on board. The boat carries snorkeling equipment, an open bar with water, juices, beer and wine, and a restroom.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Madeira's south coast by sailboat

• Depart from Funchal harbor
• Sail along south coast east and west
• Visit private beaches accessible by sea
• Watch for whales and dolphins
• Swim in Atlantic Ocean waters
• Have lunch at Fajã dos Padres or onboard
• Return to Funchal harbor

The Experience

The boat leaves Funchal and heads along the south coast, moving between the east and west sides of Madeira Island. Because the boat is private, the route and pace are yours to set—the guide speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese and adjusts the day around what you want to see. Whale and dolphin sightings happen regularly enough that you should bring a camera and patience; the Atlantic waters stay mild year-round, so swimming is comfortable even in winter months.

Snorkeling gear is on board and ready to use. The guide will take you to private beaches that have no road access—only boats can reach them—and you'll have time to get in the water and explore. A paddle board is also available if you want to try something different. The open bar runs throughout the day with water, juices, beer and wine, and finger foods keep you fed between swims.

For lunch, you have two choices. Fajã dos Padres beach has a restaurant right there, reachable only by boat or cable car—the boat will take you and you can eat while staying close to the water. Or the crew can prepare lunch on board using a gourmet menu (available for an additional cost if you arrange it a few days ahead). Either way, you're eating on your own schedule, not on a tour operator's clock. The boat has a restroom on board and WiFi if you need to stay connected.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and paddle board.
• open bar with water, juices, beer and wine plus finger foods.
• on-board restroom and WiFi.
• private guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• access to beaches reachable only by sea.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Happy Hour Madeira

Is this one for you?Book the half-day if you want a morning or afternoon on the water without committing your whole day; choose the full-day option to explore both coasts thoroughly and have time to swim at multiple beaches. Either way, the private boat means the guide adjusts the route and pace to what your group wants to see, rather than following a fixed schedule.

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Top questions

Can I choose between a half-day and full-day sailboat tour of Madeira?

Yes, the tour comes in both half-day and full-day options. You pick which one suits your schedule when you book, and the guide will adjust the route and stops accordingly.

What happens if we spot whales or dolphins on the Madeira sailboat tour?

Whale and dolphin sightings are frequent along the south coast. The guide will slow down or change course to give you a better view, and you'll have time to photograph them. Bring a camera with a good zoom if you have one.

Is lunch included on the private sailboat tour, or do I need to arrange it?

Finger foods and an open bar are included all day. For a full meal, you can eat at the restaurant at Fajã dos Padres beach (the boat takes you there), or the crew can prepare a gourmet lunch on board if you request it a few days in advance—that option costs extra.

What beaches does the Madeira sailboat tour visit?

The tour explores private beaches on both the east and west sides of the south coast, all accessible only by sea. Fajã dos Padres beach is a regular stop and has a restaurant; other stops depend on conditions and what you want to see that day.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on the sailboat tour?

Yes, snorkeling gear is on board and included. A paddle board is also available if you'd like to try that instead of snorkeling.

What languages does the guide speak on this Madeira sailboat tour?

The guide speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese, so you can communicate in whichever language works best for your group.