A private three-hour motorboat from Funchal explores Madeira’s southern shore: Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão, and Fajã dos Padres. Swim, snorkel, and stand-up paddleboard in secluded coves with a captain and crew handling logistics.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You push off from Funchal’s harbor as the city falls away—granite quay giving way to the Atlantic’s blue, the motor’s steady hum underfoot. The coastline of southern Madeira unfurls: painted boats in Câmara de Lobos bob like punctuation marks, sharp basalt cliffs climb toward the sky at Cabo Girão, and hidden coves open to invite a snorkel or a quiet paddle.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; participants should be able to step on/off a small boat and swim short distances.
Wildlife
History
Câmara de Lobos is a traditional fishing village famously painted by Winston Churchill; the south coast’s villages grew around fishing and small-scale agriculture tied to Madeira’s volcanic terraces.
Conservation
Use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching marine life when snorkeling; operators typically follow no-trace practices to protect fragile coastal ecosystems.
Reserve your spot on the HD Private Boat Experience on Madeira with Paddleboard included today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Pick a calm morning
Sea conditions are usually calmer before midday, improving snorkeling visibility and steadier paddleboarding.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Protect skin and the marine environment—apply before boarding to avoid oily residues in the water.
Wear water shoes
Shore access can be rocky; reef shoes improve footing when stepping off the boat onto rough rock or small beaches.
Tell the captain your goals
It’s a private trip—ask for longer stops, a visit to Fajã dos Padres, or a specific snorkeling spot to tailor the experience.
Swimsuit & quick-dry towel
For swimming and drying off between stops.
summer
Reef/water shoes
Protect feet on rocky shoreings and provide grip when entering or exiting the water.
spring
Reef-safe sunscreen & hat
Reduce UV exposure and minimize impact on marine life.
summer
Light wind/rain jacket
Atlantic conditions can change quickly—pack a lightweight shell for cooler or windy moments.
fall