Sea Tour 4h: Sailing Madeira's Wild Eastern Coast
Some sailing tours take you far out to sea. Our 4-hour Sea Tour does something different — it takes you deep into one of Madeira's most protected and beautiful corners, right on the doorstep of our marina. The eastern tip of Madeira is a world of dramatic cliffs, sandy anchorages, crystal-clear water, and unexpected wildlife encounters. And it all begins at the Cais do Sardinha.
Cais do Sardinha: Where It All Starts
Just a short sail from Marina da Quinta do Lorde, the Cais do Sardinha is a small jetty nestled beneath the cliffs of the eastern peninsula. It serves as the gateway to Ponta de São Lourenço by sea — the same point where kayakers and snorkellers set off to explore the reserve from the water. From here, the coastline opens up into one of the most striking seascapes in Madeira.
But there is something else worth knowing about this stretch of water. Just offshore from the Cais do Sardinha, you will notice a cluster of floating cages — an open-sea aquaculture farm operating in the Baía de Abra, producing several hundred tonnes of fish per year. It is a working part of the local economy, and it also attracts an occasional, very special visitor.
The Monk Seal Comes to Inspect
The Mediterranean monk seal — the same critically endangered species that calls the Desertas home — is not always confined to its protected reserve. These curious, opportunistic animals sometimes venture northwest along the coast, drawn by the abundance of fish around the aquaculture cages near the Cais do Sardinha. It is not a daily sighting, and it cannot be promised. But it happens often enough that we always keep a close eye on the water as we sail past. Spotting a lobo-marinho this close to the marina, in the wild, is one of those moments that guests never forget.
From Ponta das Gaivotas to Ponta do Rosto
The 4-hour Sea Tour explores the full extent of the Ponta de São Lourenço marine protected area by sailing between its two defining headlands:
- Ponta das Gaivotas (Seagull Point) — the northern edge of the peninsula, where the cliffs drop sharply into the sea and seabirds wheel overhead on the updrafts.
- Ponta do Rosto — the southeastern tip, where Madeira finally surrenders to the open Atlantic and the Desertas Islands appear on the horizon, only 14 miles away.
Between these two headlands lies a coastline of volcanic rock, hidden coves, turquoise bays, and sandy-bottomed anchorages that are perfectly sheltered from the prevailing winds. This is where we drop anchor.
Sandy Bottoms and Perfect Anchorages
The bays along the south side of Ponta de São Lourenço are well known among local sailors for their exceptional holding ground. The sandy seabed makes for a reliable anchor, the water is calm and clear, and the volcanic cliffs rising above provide both shelter and dramatic scenery. The visibility underwater regularly exceeds 10 metres, making these spots some of the finest snorkelling locations on the entire island.
Into the Water — Snorkelling Equipment Included
Once anchored, the sea is yours. We provide full snorkelling equipment at no extra charge — mask, fins, and snorkel — for every guest on board. The underwater world here rewards even the most casual snorkeller: volcanic rock formations, colourful parrotfish, wrasse, grouper, octopus, starfish, and sea urchins are all regular encounters in these protected waters.
For those who prefer to simply float, swim, or sit on deck with a cold drink and take in the view — that is equally valid. There is no agenda here, only time well spent at sea.
A Toast at Sea
Before we sail back to Quinta do Lorde, we raise a glass. A cold drink, a moment of stillness, the cliffs of São Lourenço behind you and the open Atlantic ahead. It is the kind of pause that makes you realise why people come to Madeira and end up staying.
The Sea Tour 4h — In Brief
- Duration: 4 hours
- Departure: Marina da Quinta do Lorde, Caniçal
- Route: Cais do Sardinha → Ponta das Gaivotas → sandy anchorage → Ponta do Rosto → return
- Includes: Snorkelling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel) · Cold drinks · A toast on board
- Wildlife possibilities: Mediterranean monk seal, dolphins, seabirds, diverse reef fish
- Private & exclusive: Your group only — never shared with strangers
It is the ideal introduction to sailing in Madeira: close to home, intimate, and quietly spectacular.
