Planning a private boat trip in Madeira or have you already booked your trip? Being properly prepared will help you enjoy your time on the water comfortably: bring only what you need, protect yourself from the sun and wind, prepare your phone for taking photos, and let the captain know about any important preferences or special requests in advance.
In this article, we explain what to bring on a boat trip in Madeira, what to wear, whether you can swim and go snorkeling, what to do if you get seasick, how to prepare for a boat trip with children, and when to arrive at the marina.
Quick guide: What to bring on a boat trip
If you want the answer in one minute, here is the main list:
What to bring | Do you need it? | Why |
|---|---|---|
SPF 50 sunscreen | Yes | Your skin can burn quickly on the water, even when it is cloudy |
Sunglasses | Recommended | Protect your eyes from bright sunlight and reflections |
Hat or cap | Recommended | Provides additional protection from the sun |
Swimsuit | If you plan to swim | It is better to put it on before boarding |
Towel | Yes, if you plan to swim | Towels are not provided on board |
Light jacket or windbreaker | Recommended | It can feel cooler while the boat is moving because of the wind |
Comfortable footwear | Recommended | Comfort and safety are the most important things on board |
Charged phone | Recommended | For photos and videos |
Waterproof phone case | If you plan to swim | Protects your phone while swimming and snorkeling |
Personal medication | If needed | Including your usual medication for seasickness |
You do not need to bring water, snacks or life jackets: water, drinks and light seasonal snacks are included in the trip, and life jackets are provided for all passengers, both adults and children.
What to bring on a boat trip in Madeira
SPF 50 sunscreen
Sunscreen is one of the most important things to bring on a boat trip.
You can get sunburned in Madeira even when it is cloudy, so we recommend using SPF 50 and applying it before the trip.
It is especially important to protect your face, shoulders, neck and other exposed areas of skin.
Sunglasses and a hat
Sunglasses are useful not only on sunny days. There is a lot of reflected light on the water.
A hat or cap is also worth bringing. On open water, the sun can feel stronger than it does while walking around the city.
Swimsuit
If you plan to swim, it is better to put your swimsuit on before leaving for the boat trip.
Changing clothes on a small boat is not as convenient as on land, so there is little reason to leave it until later.
You do not need to wear a swimsuit if you are not planning to go into the water.
Towel
You should bring a towel with you.
This is important to remember when preparing for the trip: towels are not provided on board.
Light jacket or windbreaker
Even if the forecast predicts warm weather, we recommend bringing a light jacket or windbreaker.
The wind while the boat is moving can make it feel noticeably cooler. In addition, the weather in Madeira can change quickly: sunny skies can sometimes turn cloudy.
You may not need the windbreaker, but it is better to have one with you.
What should you wear on a boat trip?
For a boat trip in Madeira, comfortable clothing that allows you to move around and relax is the best choice.
Suitable options include:
- T-shirt;
- light shirt;
- shorts;
- lightweight trousers;
- loose dress;
- swimsuit;
- light jacket or windbreaker in case of wind or cloud cover.
You do not need any special clothing for a boat trip.
What kind of footwear should you wear?
The main rule is simple: your footwear should be comfortable.
Footwear with spikes or elements that could damage the boat's leather upholstery is not permitted on board.
High heels are also impractical for a boat trip.
If you prefer, you can stay barefoot on board.
Do I need to bring water and food?
No, you do not need to buy water specifically for the trip.
The following are provided on board:
- water;
- natural juices;
- light seasonal snacks.
You can let us know about your food preferences when booking, and the team will try to arrange a suitable option.
Can I bring my own food?
If you have specific dietary preferences or need to bring particular food products, it is best to discuss this with us in advance when booking.
Can I bring my own alcohol?
No, you cannot bring your own alcohol on board.
If you have any specific requests regarding drinks, please let us know in advance.
Can I swim during the boat trip?
Yes, a private boat trip can include a swimming stop.
One of the advantages of a private boat trip is that the route can be adapted to your group.
If weather and sea conditions allow, the captain can stop at a suitable location for swimming.
The final decision always rests with the captain: passenger safety is more important than stopping at a particular location.
How long can I spend in the water?
The amount of time available for swimming depends on the duration of your trip and the route.
For example, if you choose a 3-hour trip and it takes around 30 minutes to reach the selected location, theoretically the remaining 2.5 hours can be spent in that area, with around 30 minutes needed for the return journey.
However, we recommend not spending the entire trip in one location.
You can make several stops and see different parts of the coastline. For example, you could first swim around Calheta and then continue towards Paul do Mar.
If you do not want to swim, there is no need to make swimming stops.
Snorkeling in Madeira from a boat
If you want to do more than simply swim and would like to explore the underwater world, there are snorkeling masks with a protective valve on board, helping to prevent water from entering the breathing tube.
Therefore, you do not need to buy separate snorkeling equipment.
If you want to take photos or videos underwater, make sure to bring a waterproof phone case.
What can I see during the boat trip?
A boat trip allows you to see Madeira from the water and experience the coastline from a different perspective.
There is a good chance of seeing fish during the trip.
You may also encounter dolphins, but dolphin sightings cannot be guaranteed. They are wild animals and do not stay in one particular location.
For this reason, we do not promise dolphins as a guaranteed part of the trip.
Depending on the season, you may also see flying fish.
The main idea of a private boat trip is not to chase a particular animal, but to enjoy an individual trip along the Madeira coastline, with the possibility of adapting the route and making stops according to your interests.
What should I do if I get seasick?
If you know that you are prone to seasickness, it is better to prepare before the trip.
We recommend:
- buying your usual seasickness medication from a pharmacy in advance;
- avoiding a heavy meal before the trip;
- not drinking alcohol before the trip;
- looking at the horizon while the boat is moving instead of looking at your phone or reading;
- sitting closer to the centre of the boat if possible;
- telling the captain about your seasickness before departure.
You can sit in a place close to the captain. If you start feeling uncomfortable, let the captain know. If conditions allow, the captain may reduce the speed.
If you normally take medication for motion sickness, use only the medication and dosage that are suitable for you. If you are unsure, consult a doctor or pharmacist in advance.
Can I bring children on the boat trip?
Yes, the private boat trip is suitable for families with children aged 7 and over.
Suitable life jackets are available for children on board.
When booking, please let us know:
- how many children will be joining;
- their ages;
- whether there are any specific circumstances or needs the captain should know about.
We do not recommend bringing infants on this type of trip.
What boat is used for the trip?
The trips take place on a Tahoe Q7, an American boat measuring 6.27 metres in length.
Main specifications:
- length: 6.27 m;
- maximum capacity: 7 passengers;
- most comfortable group size: around 4 people;
- bimini top;
- refrigerator;
- sound system;
- Bluetooth connection for your own music;
- no toilet or cabin on board;
- shower facilities are available at the marina, not on the boat.
This is not a large cruise vessel. The boat is specifically intended for private trips with small groups, allowing you to spend time only with your own group and the captain.
How long does a boat trip in Madeira last?
The standard trip lasts up to 3 hours.
However, because this is a private trip, a different duration can be discussed in advance.
If you would like a shorter or longer trip, let us know when booking. The duration can be discussed according to your preferences.
Where does the boat trip depart from in Madeira?
The main departure point is Calheta Marina, on the southwest coast of Madeira.
By prior arrangement, departure from Funchal can also be organised.
Hotel transfers are not included in the standard trip, but they can be arranged for an additional fee upon request.
What time should I arrive at Calheta Marina?
We recommend arriving around 30 minutes before the start of the trip.
The main reason is parking.
Calheta is a popular tourist destination, so during busy periods it can be difficult to find a parking space close to the marina. After parking, you will also need some time to walk to the meeting point.
Where can I park in Calheta?
One option is the parking area near the marina.
We also recommend considering the covered car park near the marina in advance. It is less obvious to tourists, has plenty of space and protects your car from the sun.
View our recommended parking location on the map
Street parking is also possible, but during busy periods it may take longer to find a free space.
We do not recommend using the parking area near the Pingo Doce supermarket if you are not confident with parking in tight spaces. Access can be inconvenient, and some sections have steep inclines and descents.
If you are renting a car with low ground clearance, pay particular attention when choosing a parking location and checking the access route.
What should I check the day before the boat trip?
You do not need to constantly check the weather forecast yourself.
Our team monitors the weather and sea conditions.
Before the trip, simply make sure that you have:
- confirmed your trip time;
- informed us about any children;
- mentioned seasickness if relevant;
- communicated any food preferences;
- provided all special requests;
- prepared SPF 50 sunscreen;
- packed a towel;
- packed a light jacket or windbreaker;
- charged your phone;
- prepared a waterproof phone case if you plan to take photos or videos in the water.
What happens if the weather gets worse?
Weather conditions in Madeira can change, so it is not possible to guarantee suitable conditions in advance.
If weather or sea conditions become unsuitable for the trip, we will contact you in advance.
Depending on the situation, we can offer:
- moving the trip to another date;
- if rescheduling is not possible because of your limited holiday time, a refund.
Passenger safety and comfort are more important to us than operating a trip in unsuitable conditions.
What do I not need to bring on the boat?
To avoid unnecessary problems on board, do not bring:
Large bags
Storage space on the boat is limited.
A large bag will remain on board and will not be fully protected from water splashes.
It is better to bring a small bag with only the things you really need.
Water
Water is already included in the trip.
Life jacket
Life jackets are provided for all passengers, both adults and children.
Lots of clothes and shoes
For the trip, a swimsuit, comfortable clothing, a towel and a light jacket or windbreaker are enough.
What should I tell you when booking?
To allow the team to prepare the trip specifically for your group, please let us know in advance:
- number of passengers;
- children's ages;
- preferred duration;
- whether you would like to swim;
- whether you are interested in snorkeling;
- food preferences;
- whether you are prone to seasickness;
- whether you need a transfer;
- any preferences regarding the route;
- any other special requests.
This is precisely what makes a private boat trip different from a standard group excursion: the route and format can be discussed with the team in advance.
Why is a private boat trip a different type of experience?
Madeira offers different types of sea excursions, but a private boat trip is suitable for people who want to spend time only with their own group, without strangers on board.
At MADEIRA CRUISES, all trips are operated privately.
It is particularly convenient for:
- couples;
- families;
- friends;
- small groups;
- special occasions;
- personalised routes;
- people who want to decide the pace of their trip.
The experience remains intimate: the Tahoe Q7 has a maximum capacity of 7 passengers, while we consider around 4 people to be the most comfortable group size.
An experienced captain can adapt the route to your preferences when weather and sea conditions allow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring on a boat trip in Madeira?
Bring SPF 50 sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat or cap, a towel, a swimsuit, a light jacket or windbreaker and a charged phone. If you plan to take photos or videos in the water, a waterproof phone case is useful.
Do I need to bring water and food?
No. Water, natural juices and light seasonal snacks are available on board. Food preferences can be communicated when booking.
Are life jackets provided?
Yes. Life jackets are provided for all passengers, including children.
Can I swim during the boat trip?
Yes, if weather and sea conditions allow. The captain assesses the location and safety of each swimming stop.
Is snorkeling equipment available?
Yes. Snorkeling masks with protective valves are available on board.
Can I see dolphins?
There is a possibility of seeing dolphins, but sightings cannot be guaranteed because they are wild animals that move freely through the ocean.
Is there a toilet on the boat?
No. The Tahoe Q7 does not have a toilet or cabin. Shower facilities are available at the marina, but not on board.
Can I connect my own music?
Yes. The boat has a Bluetooth sound system, so you can connect your own phone.
Can I bring alcohol?
No, you cannot bring your own alcohol on board.
Can I arrange a hotel transfer?
Yes, but transfers are not included in the basic trip price. They can be arranged for an additional fee upon request.
Where does the boat depart from?
The main departure point is Calheta Marina. By prior arrangement, departure from Funchal can also be organised.
How early should I arrive?
We recommend being in Calheta around 30 minutes before the start of the trip. This gives you enough time to find parking, walk to the marina and prepare for boarding.
What happens if the weather becomes bad?
If conditions become unsuitable for the trip, we will contact you in advance and offer to move the trip to another date. If rescheduling is not possible, the amount paid will be refunded.
The most important things to remember before your trip
If you want to reduce all the preparation to a few points, remember:
SPF 50 + sunglasses + hat + swimsuit + towel + light jacket or windbreaker + charged phone.
You do not need to bring water, drinks, seasonal snacks, snorkeling masks or life jackets. These are provided on board.
Arrive at Calheta Marina around 30 minutes before the trip and communicate any important requests when booking.
And most importantly: do not try to plan every minute of the trip in advance. This is a private boat trip, so the route, swimming stops and overall format can be discussed with the captain according to your preferences, the weather and sea conditions.
Want to book a private boat trip in Madeira?
MADEIRA CRUISES organises private boat trips in Madeira on the Tahoe Q7 for small private groups.
The standard trip lasts up to 3 hours and departs from Calheta Marina. Individual requests regarding the time, route and format of the trip can also be discussed.