Spending the night at sea
Sleep aboard a private yacht and wake to the volcanic cliffs and glittering bays of Madeira. This 24-hour private charter from Cais do Funchal pairs clear-water swims, wildlife sightings, and customizable onboard meals for an intimate Atlantic escape.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
24 hours (single-night) - extendable
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: you should be comfortable getting on and off a small boat, climbing ladders, and swimming short distances.
Wildlife
History
Madeira was charted by Portuguese sailors in the early 15th century; Funchal grew as the island's main port and remains the primary embarkation point for coastal voyages.
Conservation
Operators follow local marine reserve guidelines—avoid anchoring on seagrass meadows, respect no-anchoring zones, and minimize single-use plastics to protect coastal ecosystems.
Happy Hour Madeira
Spending the night at sea
Happy Hour Madeira is a Funchal-based sailing operator offering a focused collection of sea experiences around Madeira and Porto Santo.
Departures originate from Funchal on the island's south coast, and the operator provides a variety of trip lengths and formats, including half-day and full-day cruises, sunrise and sunset outings, day trips to Ponta de São Lourenço, and longer passages to Porto Santo and the Triangle of Islands.
Several itineraries include onboard dining: optional gourmet or light lunch menus are available on many day trips, and the Chef's Experience features a private chef preparing a five-course canapé menu using local ingredients, with vegetarian options. The Sunrise Tour typically includes a crew-prepared breakfast served near Belmond Reid's Hotel bay.
Overnight options are available on specific island passages, with cabins offered for guests who wish to stay on board. Many tours highlight snorkeling, swimming, and wildlife viewing opportunities such as whale and dolphin watching along Madeira's south coast.
Trip descriptions make clear which experiences include meals, cabin options, or private crew services so visitors can choose the right sailing experience. Booking details, departure logistics and specific itineraries are centered on Funchal, Madeira. Reservations and specific itineraries should be confirmed directly with Happy Hour Madeira prior to travel for availability.
Base Location
Funchal, Madeira
Departure point for all tours
Tours Offered
8
Range from sunrise to overnight trips
Gourmet Dining
Chef & Menus
Optional gourmet or light lunches
Private Cabins
Overnight option
Sleep onboard on Porto Santo trips
Reserve a Sunset, Sunrise, day cruise or Porto Santo passage from Funchal — availability varies by season.
Arrive at Cais do Funchal early
Plan to be at the meeting point at least 30 minutes before check-in to board calmly and receive a safety briefing.
Bring motion-sickness remedies
Even calm nights can roll; take or pack motion-sickness meds if you’re sensitive to boat movement.
Secure valuables
Use the cabin lockers and secure loose items before leaving port to avoid losses during movement.
Swim from the stern
Enter the water from the stern ladder when anchored in coves—it's easiest and safest for reboarding.
Non-slip deck shoes
Grippy shoes help you move safely on wet surfaces and when boarding from dinghies.
Light layers and windbreaker
Temperatures drop at night on the water; a windproof layer keeps you comfortable on deck.
Sunscreen and hat
Sun reflection off the water increases exposure during daytime legs and swims.
Motion-sickness medicine
Useful if you’re prone to seasickness—better to have it and not need it than the reverse.