Sunset Cruise with Dinner in Madeira: swim at Calhau da Lapa

Swim and snorkel in the afternoon, dine as the light fades

A sunset boat cruise from Madeira includes hotel pickup, a stop at Calhau da Lapa for swimming and snorkeling with provided equipment, a dinner buffet on board, and unlimited drinks as you return to the coast at dusk. The 4-hour trip runs along the southern coastline with onboard commentary about local landmarks and the region, and ends with hotel drop-off.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset cruise with dinner and swimming

• Hotel pickup for transfer
• Board the boat
• Enjoy sunset cruise along coast
• Listen to onboard commentary
• Swim and snorkel at Calhau da Lapa
• Rinse off in onboard shower
• Enjoy dinner buffet and drinks
• Relax on deck watching sunset
• Return to starting point
• Hotel drop-off

The Experience

The boat picks you up from your hotel and heads out along southern Madeira's coast. As you cruise, a guide shares commentary about the landmarks and local history passing by. The water is clear enough that snorkeling makes sense—you'll have a mask and snorkel provided, and Calhau da Lapa, surrounded by impressive cliffs, is the stop where you get in. After you've explored the underwater world and had your swim, there's an onboard shower to rinse off the salt before you settle back on deck.

Dinner is a buffet served while you're still on the water, and drinks—both soft and alcoholic—flow throughout the afternoon and into the evening. The real draw is the timing: you're floating on the water as the sun moves toward the horizon, the light turns golden, and the bay of Funchal lights up behind you. There's no schedule to chase or restaurant reservation to keep; the boat holds the moment for you.

The return to your hotel is included, so the day ends where it started. The whole outing runs about four hours, which is long enough to feel like a real break from the island but short enough to fit into an afternoon without eating the rest of your plans.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• unlimited soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
• dinner buffet on board.
• snorkeling mask and snorkel.
• onboard shower.
• onboard commentary in English and Spanish.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Living sea

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want swimming and snorkeling in one afternoon without breaking it into separate activities—the boat stops at one prime spot, feeds you, and returns you to your hotel by evening.

Traveler reviews

4.73★★★★★★★★★★

44 verified traveler reviews

5 ★37

4 ★5

3 ★0

2 ★1

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What is Calhau da Lapa like for swimming and snorkeling?

Calhau da Lapa is a scenic coastal spot surrounded by impressive cliffs and natural landscapes, with clear water suitable for snorkeling. Mask and snorkel are provided, and you can swim freely in the area before rinsing off in the onboard shower.

Is dinner included in the sunset cruise?

Yes, a dinner buffet is served on board, along with unlimited soft drinks and alcoholic beverages throughout the cruise.

How does the pickup and drop-off work?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. You'll be collected from your accommodation and returned there at the end of the cruise, so no separate transport to the port is needed.

What language is the onboard commentary in?

The guide provides commentary in English and Spanish, covering local landmarks and information about the region as you cruise.

Can I bring children or infants on this cruise?

Yes, infants and small children can come along; prams and strollers are permitted on board. The cruise is suitable for all physical fitness levels.