What should I bring on the tour?

We recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, comfortable clothing, and a light jacket. Do not forget your camera to capture the beautiful moments!

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes! Our tours are family-friendly and we recommend the Half Day Tour (4h) for families with young children. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. The customer accompanying a child under 12 years old is obligated to supervise them throughout the trip at all times. SeaYa! is not liable for any incident resulting from the lack of supervision of a minor by the responsible adult.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Safety is our priority. If weather conditions are unsafe, we will reschedule your tour or provide a full refund. We monitor forecasts closely and will contact you in advance.

Can I swim during the tour?

Absolutely! On our Half Day and Desertas tours, we include swimming stops at beautiful coves. Snorkeling equipment is available on board.

Do you provide food and drinks?

We include seasonal fruit and a bottle of white wine on our tours. You are welcome to bring additional food and drinks. For the Sunset Tour, bringing your own refreshments is especially welcome!

What if I get seasick?

Our Dufour 325 is very stable, but if you are prone to seasickness, we recommend taking medication before departure. We also have remedies available on board.

How much is a private boat tour in Madeira?

SeaYa! Madeira prices are per tour for the whole private boat (not per person): Half Day Tour (4 hours) is €500, Sunset Tour (3 hours) is €450, and the full-day Ilhas Desertas expedition (8 hours) is €900. Each tour is private for up to 6 guests.

Where do SeaYa Madeira boat tours depart from?

All tours depart from Marina da Quinta do Lorde in Caniçal, on the eastern tip of Madeira, away from the busy catamaran departures in Funchal. This gives direct access to the dramatic cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço and the Desertas Islands.

Is SeaYa! Madeira located at Hyatt Ziva Madeira (formerly Dreams Resort)?

Yes. SeaYa! Madeira departs from Marina da Quinta do Lorde, located at the Hyatt Ziva Madeira resort (formerly Dreams Madeira Resort Spa & Marina) in Caniçal, on the eastern tip of Madeira. Guests staying at Hyatt Ziva Madeira can reach the marina directly within the resort. Simply tell the security at the resort entrance that you are heading to the marina for a sailing tour with SeaYa!.

Are SeaYa tours private or shared with other groups?

Every SeaYa! Madeira tour is fully private. You sail with your own group only, never with strangers, for a maximum of 6 guests aboard a Dufour 325 Grand Large sailing yacht.

What is the best time of year to go sailing in Madeira?

The main sailing season runs from April to October. May, June, September and October are the calmest and most comfortable, with warm water and gentle seas. Tours run year-round subject to weather, and Madeira's south and east coasts are sheltered from strong winds.

Can you see dolphins or whales on a Madeira sailing tour?

Dolphins are seen year-round along Madeira's coast, and pilot whales and sperm whales are more common between May and October. On the Ilhas Desertas tour you may also spot monk seals and seabirds in the protected nature reserve. Sightings are never guaranteed but are frequent in calm conditions.

Sailing Blog, Guides, Marine Life & Madeira Island

Destinations 6 min read

Eight Hours to the Desertas, and How Many of Them at the Islands

Every boat sells the same three islands under the same rules. The one variable you actually control is which marina you leave from, and it is worth about ninety minutes at anchor.

SeaYa! Madeira 10 Oct 2026

Destinations 8 min read

Things to Do in Caniçal: Madeira's Wild Eastern Tip, by Land and by Sea

The PR8 trail, Prainha, the Whale Museum and Baía d'Abra seen from a private sailing yacht leaving from Marina da Quinta do Lorde, in Caniçal.

SeaYa! Madeira 01 Sep 2026

Destinations 5 min read

The Desertas Islands: Madeira's Wild Atlantic Sanctuary, 17 Miles Out

Three remote islands, 12 nautical miles from our marina. Home to the rarest seal in the world, endemic tarantulas, and waters Jacques Cousteau called the clearest on Earth.

SeaYa! Madeira 17 Mar 2026