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 and a paddleboard are 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.

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.

Ilhas Desertas

photos

8h duration

Up to 6 guests

RNAAT 1040/2025

Flexible cancellation · see terms

5.0

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"The Atlantic's last sanctuary, an hour by sail from where you stand."

— Márcio, your skipper

About this tour

Set sail from Marina da Quinta do Lorde on a full-day expedition to the Desertas Islands, one of the Atlantic's most remote and protected nature reserves. Aboard the Dufour 325 Grand Large, with a private skipper, we cross open Atlantic waters toward a marine sanctuary of steep volcanic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and untouched landscapes. Home to the rare Mediterranean monk seal, the route also rewards with seabirds, dolphins and, if luck is on your side, a passing whale. Please note: the Desertas are a strictly protected nature reserve and landing on the islands is not permitted. We sail across to Deserta Grande and anchor at the bay for about an hour. If sea and weather conditions allow, this is your moment to swim in some of the clearest water you'll ever see, before sailing back to Madeira. On board: water, soft drinks, light snacks, snorkeling gear and a paddleboard. Up to six guests, no strangers, your group books the whole boat.

Highlights

Private sailboat for up to 6 guests — your group, no strangers

Protected nature reserve — anchor at Deserta Grande bay

Monk seals, seabirds and possible dolphin sightings

Optional swim in crystal-clear waters, if conditions allow

What's included

Full day private sailing with professional skipper
Water, soft drinks and light snacks on board
Snorkeling equipment and paddleboard
Safety equipment and all taxes

Availability

Available daily

Departures: Full day · 09:30 to 17:30

Check availability

Meeting point

Address

Marina da Quinta do Lorde

Caniçal, Madeira

Arrival

15 min before

of departure time

Parking

Free

at the marina

Get directions on Google Maps

Private charter

€900.00

For your group · up to 6 guests

No strangers on board

8 hours

Maximum 6 passengers

Dufour 325 Grand Large