Boat Tours in Madeira

Madeira plunges straight into the Atlantic, so the best views of the island come from the water looking back. Most boat tours in Madeira leave from Funchal marina, and the trip people book first is dolphin and whale watching, where catamarans run the south coast to find spinner dolphins, pilot whales and the odd sperm whale.

To compare Madeira boat tours, decide on the pace you want. A Seaborn catamaran cruise is the relaxed pick, with time to swim near the cliffs and a glass of Madeira on the way home; want to get wet, and a coasteering trip scrambles you over the rocks into sea caves. Look for sailings toward Cabo Girao, Europe's tallest sea cliff, and book a morning slot when the sea is calmest. Small-group and private boats both leave from the centre, so pickup is rarely needed.

20 boat tours in Madeira from €35. Catamaran cruises, coasteering and half-day sailings, free cancellation on most - easy to book online.