Porto Santo: Snorkeling Tour with Local Guide & Marine Reserve

Summary

Snorkeling Porto Santo’s wild coast with Matias and Sherlock

You’ll slip into Porto Santo’s clear waters with a local guide who knows every nook of this marine reserve. Watch octopus shift colors right beneath you, float quietly in natural rockpools, and laugh along with Matias (and Sherlock). All gear and transport are sorted so you can just focus on what’s swimming by — or what surprises you under those rocks.

What’s the experience like?

You hear the splash first — not from us, but from Sherlock, Matias’ dog, already paddling out ahead like he owns the place. The rocks are warm under your feet, sun-baked and rough. I hesitated at the edge of the water (cold, but not too bad once you’re in), mask fogging up while Matias grinned and handed me a tip about breathing slow. He knows this stretch of Porto Santo’s coastline inside out — kept pointing out little things I’d never have spotted: a ripple in the sand where an octopus hid itself, something about how the light shifts when there’s a moray eel nearby. I tried to see what he saw. Sometimes I did.

The water here is so clear it almost makes you nervous — like you’re trespassing on someone else’s world. Fish darted past my hands, bright blue flashes, and there was this moment when everything went still except for my own breathing and the muffled sound of Sherlock barking somewhere above. At one point Matias ducked down and came up holding a shell — not for us to take, just to show how it fits into the rocks. He talked about how this marine protected area is one of the biggest around Madeira; I liked that he seemed proud of it.

We floated in a shallow rockpool for a while — honestly, I lost track of time. There were families with kids laughing nearby, but mostly it was quiet except for water slapping against stone and someone’s snorkel gurgling. My mask kept leaking (user error probably), which made Matias laugh; he fixed it without making me feel dumb. On the way back we took our time drying off in the sun, salty skin and hair sticking up everywhere. Still think about that underwater hush sometimes — you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling tour at Porto Santo Island

• Meet knowledgeable tour guide
• Explore marine protected area
• Snorkel in shallow natural rockpool
• Observe octopus and moray eels
• Watch vibrant fish underwater
• Discover underwater wildlife secrets

Top questions

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this Porto Santo tour?

Yes, all snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Do I need to be an expert swimmer for this snorkeling tour?

No, both children and adults can join; expert swimming skills aren’t required.

Who leads the snorkeling tour in Porto Santo?

A local guide named Matias leads the tour—sometimes joined by Sherlock, his Portuguese Water Dog.

Is transportation included for this snorkeling activity?

Yes, private transportation is provided as part of your day trip.

Are infants allowed on this Porto Santo snorkeling trip?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

What kind of marine life might I see while snorkeling?

You could spot octopus, moray eels, and various colorful fish native to Porto Santo's coast.

Is insurance included in this snorkeling experience?

Yes, insurance is covered for all participants during the activity.

How physically demanding is this tour?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended for travelers joining this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation to Porto Santo’s marine reserve, full use of quality snorkeling equipment (no need to bring your own), guidance from a knowledgeable local (Matias) plus Sherlock his dog tagging along sometimes for fun—and insurance is taken care of so you can just enjoy floating above those underwater scenes.