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Boat trips from Calheta marina

Calheta marina is the second largest on Madeira and sits on the calm, sunny side of the island. From here boats run along the cliffs, stop for a swim and go out to watch the sun drop into the Atlantic.

From the sea

What you see along the coast

Heading west, boats follow the cliffs to Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar, villages on narrow shelves of land at the foot of the cliffs, and on towards Ponta do Pargo. Heading east, they pass Arco da Calheta and the banana terraces of Madalena do Mar on the way to Ponta do Sol. From the water you see how steep the island is: terraces cut into the slopes, roads disappearing into tunnels, and waterfalls running down the rock after rain.

Close to the marina you look back at the sand beach and the MUDAS museum on the cliff above it. On longer trips some boats go east as far as Cabo Girão, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe.

Choose a trip

Types of boat trip

  • About 1½–2 hours

    Sunset cruise

    Leaves an hour or so before sunset, follows the coast and turns for home as the sun goes down, often with a drink on board.

  • 2–3 hours

    Coastal trip

    West to the surf villages or east to Ponta do Sol, with time for the cliffs and often a swimming stop.

  • From 2 hours

    Private charter

    A catamaran, sailing yacht or fast RIB for your group. You choose: swimming, snorkelling, a quiet stretch of coast or a look for dolphins.

  • About 2 hours

    Whales and dolphins

    Trips that go further out to look for whales and dolphins. Whale watching from Calheta.

  • Half or full day

    Fishing

    Trolling for marlin and tuna, or bottom fishing nearer the coast. Big game fishing.

Timing

When to go

Boats run all year. The sea is usually calmest from May to September. In winter, north-west swell can make the west coast rough, and trips are moved when it is too windy.

Sunset cruise times follow the sun: it sets at about 6 pm in December and after 9 pm in June. The time for every month is on our sunset page.

largest marina on Madeira
2nd
calmest sea
May–Sep
sea temperature through the year
18–24 °C
Before you book

Tips

  1. Pick the boatCatamarans and bigger boats are steadier and have shade and a toilet. RIBs are fast and fun but bumpy, and less suited to small children, pregnancy or a bad back.
  2. Ask about swimmingIf you want a swim or snorkel stop, check that it is included and whether masks are on board.
  3. Dress for the windIt is cooler on the water, especially on the way back after sunset. Bring a jacket, sun cream and a hat.
  4. Seasick?Take your remedy before you board and sit at the back, where the boat moves least.
  5. Arrive earlyBe at the marina 15 to 20 minutes before departure. There is parking by the marina and the beach.
Plan around it

Before and after

Pair a morning trip with an afternoon on the beach, or finish a sunset cruise with dinner at the marina (where to eat).

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