Sailing Boat Tours Madeira

The reason is straightforward: the Canary Current and the archipelago's position in the Atlantic keep water temperatures rarely below 17 °C even in winter, climbing comfortably to 23–25 °C in summer. This isn't a Mediterranean beach at peak August — it's better. It's consistency, twelve months a year.

The Eastern Coast: A World Apart

Machico, Santa Cruz and Baía de Abra form a triangle of particularly welcoming sea. The orientation of this stretch of coastline gives it natural shelter from the dominant northerly winds, resulting in calmer waters and, on many days, a glassy surface that's hard to resist.

What makes this area even more special are the sandy seabeds  a rarity in Madeira, where volcanic rock predominates. The sand creates unique conditions: less turbulence, better underwater visibility, and that soft contact that only those who've walked an Atlantic sandy bottom will understand.

Snorkelling: A World Half a Metre Down

With mask and snorkel, the sandy bottom of these bays reveals itself as a surprisingly rich habitat. Rays resting on the sand, small schools of sea bream, and the life that hides in the transitions between sand and rock  all at a depth accessible to anyone, no diving experience needed.

On board SeaYa we provide snorkelling masks  so you can explore freely, with nothing to carry or rent. Your guide points out the best spots depending on the day and tide.

Paddle: The Sea From Above

There's another way to discover this coast  standing on the water, in silence. The  stand-up paddleboard  on board invites you to explore the coastline at your own pace, slip into smaller coves, and gain a perspective that exists from nowhere else. On calm mornings, especially from April to October, it's an experience that's hard to match.

No prior experience needed. SeaYa takes you to sheltered waters where learning comes quickly and falling in is part of the fun.

When to Go?

The honest answer: any time. But here's a quick guide:

- Summer (June–September):  Water between 22–25 °C. Long days, clear skies. Perfect for snorkelling and paddle.
- Autumn (October–November): Water still above 22 °C. Fewer crowds. Extraordinary golden-hour light.
- Winter (December–February): Water between 17–19 °C. Cool but perfectly swimmable, especially on the sunny days that are common on this coast.
- Spring (March–May): Water rising from 18 to 21 °C. Calm sea, intense green landscape. One of the best times for paddleboarding.

On Board SeaYa

Our tours depart from Caniçal, at Marina da Quinta do Lorde, and cruise exactly this privileged stretch of coast. Depending on the tour you choose, you'll have time to stop, get in the water, explore with a mask or try the paddleboard  in a private setting, away from crowded beaches.

If you haven't yet experienced Madeira's eastern coast from the water, it's only a matter of time. The sea is waiting  in any month of the year.