THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Set sail from Funchal aboard Ventura do Mar’s classic boat for a full day discovering Madeira’s remote bays. Snorkel, paddleboard, and feast with ocean views on this hands-on sailing adventure.
Set sail from Funchal aboard Ventura do Mar’s classic boat for a full day discovering Madeira’s remote bays. Snorkel, paddleboard, and feast with ocean views on this hands-on sailing adventure.
Book with Ventura do Mar
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Ventura do Mar · Funchal, Madeira
Off the southern coast of Madeira, the island’s rugged coastline and pristine bays carve a dramatic seascape that beckons adventurers to the water. Ventura do Mar’s Baias Sailing Boat Tour offers an immersive all-day journey onboard a classic sailboat, launching from Funchal Marina. This isn’t just a boat ride—it’s a multi-sensory dive into Madeira’s maritime charm, with crystalline waters and wind-shaped cliffs framing the route.
The tour heads east toward Ponta de São Lourenço, the island’s easternmost point, where volcanic rock formations meet the Atlantic Ocean in striking contrast. Along the way, passengers pause at Baia D’Abra, a secluded bay known for calm, clear water. Here, Ventura do Mar treats travelers to a fresh lunch on board, paired with a refreshing drink that complements the ocean breeze.
Beyond the picturesque meal, adventure continues with provided snorkeling gear and stand-up paddleboards. The water here is remarkably transparent, making snorkeling around rocky coves a highlight. Paddleboarding invites a different perspective—quietly gliding beside the cliffs and spotting fish below the surface.
Ventura do Mar stands out in Madeira’s outdoor scene for blending classic sailing tradition with active water sports. Their locally operated tours emphasize hands-on engagement with the environment, from navigating the sails to jumping into the ocean. The company’s intimate group sizes foster a connected experience, making each trip feel personal and authentic.
For visitors seeking to balance relaxation and activity amid breathtaking coastal scenery, the Baias Sailing Boat Tour is a standout choice. It offers a genuine taste of Madeira’s wild coast, rich marine life, and seafaring culture—all under the guidance of experienced local crew. This unique adventure excels at revealing the island’s natural beauty beyond the usual tourist paths, making it a must for water lovers visiting Madeira.
moderate.
7.5 hours.
Participants should be moderately fit to handle moving about the boat and water activities like snorkeling and paddleboarding.
No experience is required; the crew handles sailing while guests enjoy onboard activities.
Full snorkeling sets including mask, snorkel, and fins are supplied free of charge.
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, but children should be supervised during water activities.
Yes, a lunch featuring regional flavors and one drink per person is included during the stop at Baia D’Abra.
The boat is equipped with restroom facilities for guest comfort throughout the day.
Guests may bring their own gear, but adequate equipment is already provided onboard.
The eastern tip of Madeira, Ponta de São Lourenço, is a protected natural reserve formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago.
Ventura do Mar practices low-impact sailing with eco-friendly waste management to protect Madeira’s fragile marine ecosystems.
Ventura do Mar is a maritime tour operator based in Funchal, Madeira, offering a range of guided boat experiences along Madeira’s south coast. Departing from Marina do Funchal, Ventura do Mar runs whale and dolphin watching trips, full-day and half-day sailing tours, sunrise and sunset cruises, and historic Cabo Girão swims. Their Whale & Dolphin Watching Tour features a 2.5-hour outing with an educational briefing and experienced spotters, aimed at observing marine mammals native to the region, including 28 recorded species. Sailing excursions aboard the classic Ventura do Mar include the Baías and Fajãs routes, with snorkeling and stand-up paddleboard equipment provided and opportunities to swim in clear coastal waters. The Baías tour includes a lunch at Baia D’Abra with a drink; the Sunrise trip departs earlier for breakfast on board near the Reserva of Garajau. The Cabo Girão Historic Sailing Boat tour offers swimming near Europe’s highest sea cliff; the vessel is equipped with a bar and toilet, and warm coats are available on colder days. Sunset cruises include a swim, cocktails, snacks and live music. All trips emphasise safety and comfort while showcasing Madeira’s coastline, bays and marine life. Ventura do Mar operates from a well-known marina in Funchal and provides guided, equipment-inclusive outings tailored to sightseeing, wildlife watching and coastal swimming. Booking information and schedules are organised through the operator’s published trip listings. Tours accommodate snorkeling and paddleboarding, and the classic sailing vessel is used for multiple routes along Madeira's south coast for sightseeing and wildlife encounters.
Book with Ventura do Mar