The east coast looks better from a boat. I like the full stretch of Madeira’s east side and the way the crew keeps you informed with clear on-board explanations as you move from cliffs to coves. One thing to plan for: if the wind picks up, the route can shift, and the swim/snorkel moments are brief, so it is not ideal for non-swimmers or anyone prone to seasickness.

Meeting at Funchal Marina is straightforward, and you start with a Madeira wine welcome drink plus lunch with a free drink. If you want a calm, slow, no-surprises outing, this probably won’t be your vibe on a choppy day.

Key things to know before you go

• East-coast scenery checklist: Garajau area, Cristo Rei, Reis Magos, Santa Cruz, Machico Bay, Ponta de São Lourenço, and Baía d’Abra
• Swimming stop(s) built in so you’re not just watching water from above
• Crew interaction with on-board explanations in English and Portuguese
• Lunch included with fruit and your choice of a free drink
• Weather matters: wind can affect how close you get to certain viewpoints and how the day runs

Entering the day at Funchal Marina (Pier 8)

Start your tour at Funchal Marina, at pier number 8. When you arrive, look for the kiosks—your stop is the Bonita da Madeira kiosk (the sign is called Bonita da Madeira). This matters more than people think, because Madeira marinas can feel like a maze if you show up late.

Plan to arrive with a little buffer. Even though the tour itself is 5 hours, boarding and settling in take time, especially when the boat is balancing different groups. And yes, you’ll want the time for the fun part: getting your eyes on the cliffs while you’re still fresh.

There’s no private transport included, so you’ll be responsible for getting to the marina on your own. The good news: the meeting point is specific and easy to find once you’re in the marina area.

From Garajau to Cristo Rei: cliffs, turquoise water, and the big icon

Once you’re out on the water, the route has a strong “wow per minute” feel. The tour begins in the Garajau Reserve area, where you get that classic Madeira mix: steep cliffs dropping to clean, bright water. This is a great early segment because you’re still settling in and the boat ride gives you a clear sense of how dramatic the island is from the sea.

Then you continue toward Cristo Rei, the towering landmark above the cliffs. The view from offshore is different than anything you get from the roads. Up close, you notice the scale: the icon looks smaller when you’re driving past; from the water it feels like you’re sailing through the island’s set piece.

The crew’s job here is to make the scenery readable. Expect explanations in English and Portuguese, and you’ll likely hear practical notes about what you’re seeing and what species are common in these waters. One of the stand-out moments from people who did the trip: the captain and crew talking with confidence about marine life, including whales and dolphins spotted around the region.

Caniço de Baixo and Reis Magos: rock formations you can feel in your legs

After the Cristo Rei area, the boat heads toward Reis Magos in Caniço de Baixo. This part is all about geology—nature-carved rock formations and that sense that the island was built by waves and time, not by straight lines and road maps.

This segment can be the most “quietly impressive.” You’ll see structures that look almost sculpted, and you’ll get a better appreciation for why this coast is famous for dramatic viewpoints. It also sets you up for Santa Cruz and Machico Bay, because the scenery keeps shifting: one minute cliffs, the next minute a softer coastal town edge, and then water that feels more inviting.

If you’re a little prone to motion discomfort, this is where you’ll want to choose where you stand or sit. Stay near the center area if you can, and keep your gaze on the horizon. (I know, basic advice. It still works.)

Santa Cruz and Machico Bay: the coast relaxes, then it’s swim time

Santa Cruz is next on the journey, a charming coastal town where the pace seems slower just because the bay widens. From the water, you also get a better sense of where the town meets the sea—houses and roads running right up to the coastline, with cliff faces holding the rest in place.

Then comes Machico Bay, a stretch known for calmer water compared to the cliffier sections. This is where a swim stop may happen, depending on how conditions are running that day. The tour description highlights the idea of swimming in beautiful spots, and Machico Bay is the kind of place where you’d understand why people choose this coast for water breaks.

One practical consideration: the tour is not listed as suitable for people who don’t swim. Even if you’re not a confident swimmer, you still have to be comfortable with getting in and out safely. If you’re uncertain, tell your crew before you plan to enter the water.

Ponta de São Lourenço: the main event for views and photos

This is the headline. Ponta de São Lourenço is where you feel Madeira’s dramatic edges most clearly—cliffs, open panoramas, and that “end of the world” feeling you only get when the coastline is all angles.

The schedule includes swimming and snorkeling around this area, but it’s worth noting the snorkeling time listed for the activity is very short—about 2 minutes. That doesn’t mean you’ll get nothing, but it does mean you should treat snorkeling here as a quick taste, not a long session.

Still, the value is the overall setting. Even if you skip snorkeling, the views from the boat are the draw: cliff lines stretching outward, water that looks different at every angle, and photo opportunities that feel more like postcards than stock Madeira shots.

If you’re expecting a gentle cruise the whole time, this stop is where the sea can remind you it’s there. People have said the crew and captain do a good job minimizing how rough it feels, but wind can always change the day.

Baía d’Abra Natural Reserve: the quiet side of the east coast

After the big cliff show, the tour heads toward Baía d’Abra Natural Reserve. This is described as an untouched haven with unique biodiversity and stunning scenery. Translation for your brain: this is the part where you feel like the island is less “developed” and more “protected,” and the coastline looks raw in a good way.

This segment can be a mental reset. You’ve already seen the famous landmarks. Now you’re seeing the coast as a living system—where nature is the main character. Even if you don’t know every species name, you’ll still notice the difference in the way the bay sits and the way the shoreline curves.

It’s also a nice ending point because the reserve vibe makes the return trip feel like it has a purpose, not just a drive back to the marina.

Crew, captain, and the difference between good and great service

The crew is a big reason people rate this tour well. One of the best-mentioned positives: the guide’s explanations were clear, and English was described as excellent. That’s not a small thing on Madeira, where language abilities can vary by provider and by day.

People also highlight the crew’s interactive feel—questions, pointing things out, and keeping you aware of what you’re seeing. On top of that, the captain’s handling of the boat gets credit when the sea state turns less friendly. When you’re spending hours on open water, small improvements in stability and confidence make a real difference.

That said, you should go into any boat tour with some realism. A minority of experiences report issues like poor cleanliness, unfriendly service, or confusion about pickup timing. I can’t predict which day you’ll get, but I can say this: if service quality matters to you, arrive early, check your kiosk instructions at the marina, and be ready to speak up if something feels off.

Lunch and the Madeira wine start: value you can actually taste

This tour includes a welcome drink: Madeira wine. It’s included, and it’s a nice touch because it makes the experience feel grounded in place. After that, you get lunch with one free drink per person. The drink options listed are water, Coca Cola, beer, or wine (white or red). Lunch also includes fruit.

The lunch itself isn’t described as fancy. One person called it simple and said it was fine. Another noted disappointment that it felt basic for the price. So here’s my practical take: treat lunch as a solid included meal, not a culinary highlight.

But the structure still adds value. You’re paying for 5 hours of boat time plus food and drinks. If you’re doing this while you’re already staying in Funchal, it’s also less hassle than coordinating snacks and a separate lunch plan around the island’s roads.

Price and what you’re really paying for

The price is listed as $76 per person for 5 hours. At first glance, you might think it’s expensive. After you price out lunch plus a dedicated guided activity, the math starts to look fair, especially since taxes and fees are included.

What you’re paying for is:

• a guided route along multiple east-coast landmarks,
• at least one swim stop,
• drinks and lunch included,
• and a live guide in English and Portuguese.

Now for the part you should take seriously: weather can affect the route. Some days might reduce the “planned highlights,” and when that happens, you can feel it in the overall satisfaction. If you want maximum flexibility, you should check wind forecasts and pick dates when Madeira’s sea state tends to cooperate.

Who this tour suits (and who should skip it)

This is a good match if you:

• want a guided boat route with real sightseeing stops rather than just cruising,
• like having a swim break built into the plan,
• want crew explanations (not just you looking at rocks),
• and can handle some movement on open water.

It’s not the best match if:

• you don’t swim,
• you’re currently dealing with a cold,
• you’re prone to seasickness,
• or you want a long snorkeling session (the snorkeling time listed is extremely short).

Also, bring comfort in layers. The tour description suggests packing a jacket, and on boats, a light layer can save you when the wind shifts.

Practical packing tips that keep the day smooth

Here’s what to bring:

• Sunglasses
• swimwear
• a towel
• sunscreen
• snacks (you may want extra energy if lunch timing shifts)
• a jacket

And keep in mind what you can’t bring:

• oversize luggage or large bags,
• pets (assistance dogs allowed),
• fishing,
• glass objects.

If you hate carrying stuff, plan to bring only what you can fit comfortably. There’s also no mention of a storage system for big bags, so travel light. You’ll enjoy the day more when you’re not balancing gear every time the boat shifts.

When wind changes the plan: how to handle that day like a pro

The most common “watch-out” theme is weather. Strong wind can cause route changes, and boat schedules can’t control the ocean. If your priority is the exact full east-coast checklist, you might feel disappointed on windy days.

My suggestion: keep your expectations flexible. Focus on the parts that are still likely to happen—views, crew commentary, and the overall cruise experience. Even when conditions alter the route, the value often remains if the crew keeps the ride safe and still finds good water spots when possible.

And if you’re going on a day that looks borderline windy, pack your tolerance for motion. A seasickness remedy can be worth it if you’re at all sensitive.

Should you book the Madeira East Coast boat excursion?

Yes, if you want an east-coast sightseeing route from the water, you like a guided explanation, and you’re comfortable with short swim moments. The included Madeira wine welcome and lunch make it feel like a complete half-day plan, not a ticket that leaves you scrambling for food.

I’d hesitate if you’re a non-swimmer, seasick-prone, or you’re traveling on a tight schedule and can’t absorb a weather-related change. This tour can be excellent when conditions cooperate, but wind can take the edge off the exact route.

If your goal is simply to see the coast and maybe dip into the sea, book it. If your goal is guaranteed, long snorkeling time at a specific point, pick something else or bring extra patience.

FAQ

How long is the Madeira East Coast boat excursion?

The tour lasts 5 hours.

What price should I expect to pay?

The price is $76 per person.

What’s included for food and drinks?

You’ll get a welcome drink of Madeira wine, plus lunch with one free drink per person. The included drink options are water, Coca Cola, beer, or wine (white or red), and lunch also includes fruit.

Is there a swimming or snorkeling stop?

Yes, the tour includes a swimming stop. The schedule also lists swimming and snorkeling at Ponta de São Lourenço, with snorkeling noted as about 2 minutes.

What languages is the guide available in?

The live tour guide is available in English and Portuguese.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

No. Pick up and drop off by private transport is not included.

What should I bring, and what’s not allowed?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, snacks, and a jacket. Not allowed items include oversize luggage or large bags, pets (assistance dogs allowed), fishing, and glass objects.