Funchal Sunset Boat Tour with Swimming Stop & Dolphin Watching

Three hours along Madeira's cliffs, one swim in the open water, one sunset you don't arrange

A 3-hour sunset boat tour from Funchal that sails the Madeira coastline to Cabo Girão, where you swim in the sea and watch the light change over the water. The boat carries a live guide in English or Portuguese, includes a welcome drink and snorkelling equipment, and departs from Marina Nova do Funchal with check-in 30 minutes before. Suitable for all ages, though not recommended for people prone to seasickness or with spinal injuries.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset boat tour with swimming stop

• Check in at Marina Nova do Funchal
• Depart from Porto do Funchal
• Sail along Madeira coastline
• Stop at Cabo Girão for swimming
• Enjoy Madeira Wine welcome drink
• Watch sunset over cliffs and coves
• Return to port

The Experience

The boat leaves Marina Nova do Funchal and heads along the island's coast toward Cabo Girão, a stretch of towering cliffs where the rock meets the sea. The route takes three hours total. Along the way, the guide points out the landscape and watches for dolphins and whales — sightings are not guaranteed, but this is a known feeding ground. You get snorkelling equipment on board and a welcome drink (Madeira Wine); other drinks are available for purchase.

At Cabo Girão, the boat stops and you swim in the open water while the sun moves toward the horizon. This is the centerpiece of the tour — not a quick dip but time enough to be in the sea, to look back at the cliffs, and to be there as the light changes. The water is calm in this sheltered zone, and the cliffs create a sense of enclosure that makes the moment feel separate from the rest of the day. WiFi is available on board if you need it; there is also a restroom.

Check in 30 minutes before departure. The tour runs in English or Portuguese with a live guide. Children get discounted rates, and the tour is open to all fitness levels, though seasickness is a real possibility on the open water — the operator notes it is not recommended for people who are prone to it. Service animals are welcome on board.

What’s included

• Welcome drink of Madeira Wine.
• snorkelling equipment.
• WiFi on board.
• restroom access.
• live guide in English or Portuguese.
• fuel surcharge.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for back problems

Operated by Bonita da Madeira

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a sunset cruise with a built-in swim break at Cabo Girão—the 3-hour fixed schedule means the boat departs and stops on a set timeline, so you just show up rather than coordinate multiple timing decisions.

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Top questions

What is Cabo Girão and why does the boat stop there?

Cabo Girão is a dramatic stretch of cliffs on Madeira's coast where the rock face drops straight to the sea. The boat stops there to give you time to swim in the sheltered water and watch the sunset from the sea itself, surrounded by the cliffs.

Will we see dolphins or whales on this tour?

Cabo Girão is a known feeding ground for dolphins and whales, and the guide watches for them during the sail. Sightings are not guaranteed, but they do happen on many departures.

What swimming gear is provided?

Snorkelling equipment is included on board, so you can bring a mask and fins if you want to look underwater during the swim stop. You don't need to bring your own.

Is there anything to eat or drink on the boat?

A welcome drink of Madeira Wine is included. Other drinks and food are available for purchase on board.

How much time do we actually spend swimming at Cabo Girão?

The tour is 3 hours total, and the swim stop at Cabo Girão is the main event of that time. The exact duration in the water depends on the day's conditions and the group, but it is a proper swimming break, not a brief dip.

Do I need to bring anything or prepare in any special way?

Arrive at Marina Nova do Funchal 30 minutes before departure for check-in. Bring a towel and a change of clothes for after the swim. The tour is not recommended if you are prone to seasickness, as you will be on open water for the full 3 hours.