Private Catamaran Tour from Calheta, Madeira: Swim & Snorkel

Drop anchor in secret coves and dive into Madeira’s clear Atlantic waters just for your group

A private catamaran tour departing from Calheta along Madeira's coast, reserved exclusively for your group of up to 10 people (max 18). You choose a morning, afternoon or sunset departure, sail to secluded spots like Calhau da Lapa, and spend three hours swimming, snorkeling and paddleboarding in the open water. An open bar with wine, beer and sangria, plus fresh fruit and snacks, is included throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private catamaran tour from Calheta

• Depart from Calheta harbor
• Sail along Madeira’s coast east or west
• Pass by charming coastal village
• Pass by colourful waterfront and cliffs
• Anchor at secluded bay Calhau da Lapa
• Swim, snorkel, or paddleboard
• Enjoy fresh fruit and snacks
• Drink from open bar
• Return to Calheta harbor

The experience

The catamaran leaves Calheta, a charming coastal village on Madeira's sunny southwest coast, and heads east or west depending on conditions and your preference. The boat itself is built for comfort: spacious decks let you sunbathe or relax while the modern hull keeps the ride smooth even in open water. A guide speaks English and Portuguese and steers toward the day's best anchoring spots, which shift with the season and the light.

Once anchored in a secluded bay (Calhau da Lapa is a frequent stop, a hidden gem ringed by dramatic cliffs), you can jump in to swim, strap on snorkeling gear to explore the water below, or take out a paddleboard and move across the surface at your own pace. The crew provides all the equipment and a freshwater shower on board to rinse off afterward. If you pick the sunset tour, the boat positions itself to catch the golden hour reflected across the Atlantic. Morning and afternoon departures let you enjoy the sea in softer light without the crowds of evening.

Throughout the three hours, an open bar serves red and white wine, beer, sangria, flavored water and juices: all included and limited only to what's in stock. Seasonal fresh fruit, peanuts, potato chips, dried fruit and Portuguese pastries round out the snacks. WiFi is available on board, and a Bluetooth speaker can be arranged in advance if you want music. Life insurance and full safety equipment are included as standard.

What’s included

• Life insurance and full safety equipment.
• stand-up paddleboards and snorkeling gear.
• WiFi on board.
• freshwater shower and restroom.
• open bar with red and white wine, beer, sangria, flavored water and juices.
• seasonal fresh fruit and snacks including peanuts, potato chips, dried fruit and Portuguese pastries.
• Bluetooth speaker (arrange in advance if needed).

Options for this experience

3 options

Afternoon Private TourGuide in English or Portuguese · 14:30Snorkeling and stand-up paddling: Duration of 2 hours 30 minutes. Please note the cruise lasts 2.5 hours. Open bar with fruit and snacks. South Coast Catamaran Cruise: Sail along Madeira's scenic coast, watch out for dolphins and whales (sightings are never guaranteed), and snorkel or paddleboard in hidden bays. Catamaran.

Sunset Private TourGuide in English or Portuguese · 16:30Southern Coast Cruise: Lasts 2 hours 30 minutes. Please note the cruise runs for 2.5 hours. Open bar with fruit and snacks. South Coast Catamaran Cruise: Watch Madeira's magical sunsets along the southern coast, with stops to snorkel and paddleboard in hidden bays. Catamaran.

Morning Private TourGuide in English or Portuguese · 11:00Snorkeling and stand-up paddling: Duration of 2 hours 30 minutes. Please note the cruise lasts 2.5 hours. Open bar with fruit and snacks. South Coast Catamaran Cruise: Sail along Madeira's scenic coast, watch out for dolphins and whales (sightings are never guaranteed), and snorkel or paddleboard in hidden bays. Catamaran.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 11:00, 14:30 and 16:30

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Portuguese

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by SeaYou Madeira

Is this one for you?Book the sunset tour if watching the golden hour over the Atlantic is your priority. Choose morning or afternoon if you want the bay and water to yourself without the evening crowds. The boat is fully private for your group, so you set the pace for swimming, snorkeling and paddleboarding. There's no schedule to follow once you're anchored.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Portuguese.

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's the difference between the morning, afternoon and sunset departures?

Morning and afternoon tours let you swim and snorkel in daylight. The sunset tour is timed so the boat anchors during golden hour and you watch the sun dip below the Atlantic horizon. All three last three hours and include the same water activities and open bar.

Can I snorkel and paddleboard on the same tour, or do I have to choose one?

You can do both. Snorkeling gear and paddleboards are both included, and you decide how to spend your time once the catamaran anchors in the bay: swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or simply relax on deck.

What is Calhau da Lapa like as a swimming spot?

Calhau da Lapa is a hidden coastal gem surrounded by dramatic cliffs, with crystal-clear water that makes it ideal for both swimming and snorkeling. The catamaran anchors there when conditions allow, though the exact stop depends on weather and sea state on the day.

Is the open bar included for the full three hours, or only at certain times?

The open bar is available throughout the entire three-hour tour. It features red and white wine, beer, sangria, flavored water and juices, all included and served as available stock allows.

Can I bring my family with young children or a small dog?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and infants must sit on an adult's lap. Small dog breeds are welcome with prior notice. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though the boat is not wheelchair accessible.