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Discover Madeira’s south coast aboard Ventura do Mar’s classic sailing boat, featuring a swim off Cabo Girão and opportunities for snorkeling and paddleboarding against stunning cliffside backdrops.
Discover Madeira’s south coast aboard Ventura do Mar’s classic sailing boat, featuring a swim off Cabo Girão and opportunities for snorkeling and paddleboarding against stunning cliffside backdrops.
Book with Ventura do Mar
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Ventura do Mar · Funchal, Madeira
Ventura do Mar offers a distinctive chance to connect with Madeira’s dramatic coastline aboard their classic sailing vessel. This 7.5-hour journey begins at Funchal’s Marina, where the crew welcomes you and lays out the day’s course along the island’s rugged southern edge. Sailing about three nautical miles offshore, you gain a fresh vantage point on Madeira’s volcanic cliffs, emerald hills, and pristine sea.
The highlight is the stop at Cabo Girão, renowned as Europe’s highest sea cliff with a sheer drop of 580 meters. Here, depending on weather conditions, you can dive into the Atlantic’s clear waters for a swim, or glide across its surface with the supplied stand-up paddleboards. Snorkeling gear is also included, offering a chance to witness the underwater life thriving beneath the cliff’s shadow—a vibrant array of reef fish and perhaps even an octopus.
Ventura do Mar thoughtfully equips guests with everything needed for comfort and adventure: warm coats on cooler days, a well-stocked service bar, and a tidy onboard toilet. After the swim, the relaxed pace of the return sail sets the tone—sip on a complimentary drink like sangria or local wine while leaning into the ocean breeze and admiring the island’s lush flora cascading rock faces.
Situated in Portugal’s Madeira archipelago, this tour provides a unique blend of maritime exploration and natural spectacle. Ventura do Mar distinguishes itself through attentive service, the authenticity of a classic sailing experience, and a keen awareness of the marine environment. The south coast’s sheer cliffs, subtropical climate, and crystal-clear water make this excursion a standout for travelers wanting to see an iconic facet of Madeira from the water.
Whether your focus is marine adventure, photography, or simply enjoying a day at sea in memorable surroundings, Ventura do Mar’s sailing boat tour captures the essence of Madeira’s wild southern coast with ease and style.
easy.
7–8 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; basic swimming ability recommended for water activities.
No sailing experience is needed; the experienced crew handles all navigation.
Bring a swimsuit and towel; snorkeling and paddleboards are provided.
Yes, the tour includes lunch and one complimentary drink per person.
The boat is stroller accessible but not wheelchair accessible.
Children are welcome, but infants must not sit on laps and infant seats are unavailable.
The crew will adjust plans for safety; some water activities may be canceled if conditions are unsafe.
Cabo Girão’s cliffs have long been a landmark for sailors and locals; their natural vantage shaped Madeira’s maritime navigation routes.
Ventura do Mar emphasizes sustainable tourism, minimizing waste onboard and following guidelines to protect marine habitats.
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