Top 15 Kayak Trips in Madeira

1.Garajau Nature Reserve Kayak and Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 906 reviews · 3 hours · from $41Our pick

Meet your guide at Funchal’s Cristiano Ronaldo Statue, learn the basics, then paddle about 40 minutes toward Lazareto and Garajau Nature Reserve. You’ll stop at a pebble beach for swimming and snorkeling. Guides such as Marco, Hugo, Luis, and Flora are praised for clear safety advice and friendly help.

“The guide was very talkative and sociable. He knew a lot of fun facts about the different types of fish and overall it was a nice experience!!”

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2.Kayak and Snorkeling Tour in Underwater Nature Reserve Garajau

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 111 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $59

Paddle from Caniço into Garajau’s underwater reserve, then snorkel in a rocky Atlantic cove with guides such as Pedro, Hugo, Luis, or Antonio. Equipment and life jackets are included, but sea conditions can change the route and the tour may be unsuitable if you cannot swim.

“Great experience with Madeira nature on and under water. Good explanation of what you can see. Good guiding”

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3.Quinta do Lorde: Kayak Experience in Ponta de São Lourenço

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 106 reviews · 1 day · from $44

From Marina Quinta do Lorde, a Zodiac boat takes you to Cais do Sardinha for a guided kayak outing beneath the cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço. Guides such as Lino and Martin help with technique and safety, while time remains for the Casa do Sardinha Café, mountain views, and a swim.

“The guide was very nice and helpful, and the kayak experience was very fun.”

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4.Caniço, Madeira: Marine Reserve Kayak & Snorkelling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 104 reviews · 2 hours · from $57

Paddle along Caniço’s rugged coast with a Portuguese or English-speaking guide, then snorkel from the protected Garajau Marine Reserve shore. The two-hour outing costs $57, accepts up to 10 people, and may feature guides such as Ben, Marcos, or Pedro, depending on the day.

“First we wanted to book the trip at 13:00, but we’re advised by the company to be there at 9:00, which was way better since later on the weather would be too hot. Our guide was quite nice, friendly and patient. We got lucky because it was a small group of 8 including the guide and therefore he could pay more attention to each of us. Kayaking is such a nice sporty experience! The highlight of the trip was when we got to swim basically surrounded by fish all around! We loved it.”

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5.Kayak Experience @ Ponta de São Lourenço

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 79 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $45

Meet at Marina da Quinta do Lorde, take a boat to Cais do Sardinha, then paddle the clear waters of Ponta de São Lourenço. Guides such as Lino and Eugido may add local facts, photos, and a snorkeling stop. Kayaks hold two adults and one child under 12.

“It was a truly excellent experience! Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable, and we had a lovely time travelling along the coast, exploring the little caves, and seeing some of the local wildlife, all with a beautiful view of the oldest part of Madeira island! At the end we even had a bit of time to take a swim in the crystal clear waters of the beach where our kayak trip began (to cool off) :) All in all, one of my favorite activities on Madeira- highly recommended!”

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6.Kayak & Snorkeling in Garajau Nature Reserve

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 68 reviews · from $34

Meet by the Cristiano Ronaldo statue for a 2.5-hour small-group kayak and snorkeling trip. Your English- or Spanish-speaking guides provide kayaks, masks, life jackets, and safety help as you paddle toward Ponta do Lazareto, where clear water and colorful fish await.

“Great experience and our guide knew a lot about nature and Funchal. We had fun jumping from the cliff. All in all great trip.”

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7.Half day kayak tours

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 45 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $43

Set out from Funchal with a guide, learn basic kayaking skills, paddle about 40 minutes toward Lazareto, snorkel near rocky shores, and finish with optional cliff jumping. Henrique and Marcio have earned praise for friendly, safety-minded guiding. Gear, lockers, and hot showers are provided.

“It’s worth it ! My son was thrilled by the reef dives. We also appreciate the kayak course. Finally, the guide was very friendly and knowledgeable.”

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8.HD Private Boat Tour from Funchal – Swim, Paddle, Snorkel&Relax

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 35 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) Top rated

Join Fabio and Kristina for a three-hour private boat trip from Funchal for up to 11 people. Cruise past Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão, visit the coast near Fajã dos Padres, then swim, snorkel, paddleboard, and relax with fruit and rosé wine.

“We had an incredible day on the sea with Kristina and Fabio! They were absolutely wonderful! They made the day perfect from start to finish! They showed us magnificent views along the coast that were unforgettable! They also took us to an amazing swimming spot where we were able to swim, snorkel, and relax! Our young children (4 and 7 years old) had so much fun and we felt so safe at sea with them. An absolutely unforgettable experience overall. I highly recommend this boat trip! We will absolutely be booking another trip with Cristal Sea the next time we’re in Madeira!!”

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9.KAYAK Rental or Guided tour with snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 20 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $29Best value

Meet Madeira Divepoint inside the Pestana Carlton, gear up, and swim a short distance to your kayak. Choose a guided outing with Fabio or Roberto, or paddle independently within a set limit, with snorkeling included.

“Fabio and Roberto made sure everyone had an amazing time. Very fun activity and suitable for most. My friend Marwan Alhaddad also says he enjoyed.”

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10.Private Stand Up Paddle Tour in Câmara de Lobos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $66

Join a private 90-minute SUP outing from Câmara de Lobos with an English-speaking guide, board, paddle, vest, snorkeling gear, and GoPro photos included. You will paddle past Praia do Vigário, a small waterfall, and views of Cabo Girão before returning to the harbor.

“We had a great time. Thank you! We would recommend it. It was easy, even for beginners like me and you were very patient.”

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11.Calheta Kayak Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 12 reviews · from $37

Start at Calheta Beach and paddle toward Zimbralinho Beach or Cal Islet, depending on sea conditions. Your guide teaches basic strokes, leads you to caves and secluded shores, and takes unique photos. Bring swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen.

“I was sad it was not possible to do kayaking, but the guided trip around the Island with Antonio was great substitution. Thanks.”

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12.Private Guided Kayaking Tour in Madeira

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 12 reviews · 1.5 hours

Paddle from Câmara de Lobos with Roberto, a friendly local guide who speaks Portuguese and English. This private 90-minute tour follows the coast toward Cabo Girão, with clear water, cliff views, snorkeling gear, life vests, and GoPro photos included.

“Really enjoyed the private tour, great to be able to go at your own pace without worrying about a group of people you don’t know. Roberto was a great guide and his love for the island was to nice to hear. He gave recommendations for other things to do when we are here as well which was nice. Overall not a huge amount to see but the water was so clear and was just great being out on the water”

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13.Private Kayak Tour & Snorkeling in Câmara de Lobos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $66

Roberto leads this private 90-minute kayak trip from Câmara de Lobos Bay toward Cabo Girão. You’ll paddle past a nature reserve, Praia do Vigário, and a small waterfall, then snorkel with provided gear. Kayak equipment, insurance, and GoPro photos are included.

“Experienced, funny and friendly guide. I requested to go to the beach and he takes the time for this.”

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14.Standup Paddle

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 6 reviews · 1 hour · from $35

Meet the Madeira WaterSports team at Marina Nova do Funchal, Pier 8, for a one-hour standup paddle session. You’ll receive basic safety and paddle guidance, then head onto clear coastal water for views and marine life. Equipment is included, but this is mainly a rental rather than a full lesson.

“We had so much fun paddle boarding - this is great value for money, but it is just for hire so do not expect any lessons. We weren’t sure about the timing of our slot so we rang in the morning and they said to turn up whenever we wanted - we arrived about 11 and went straight out to sea, but worth noting there were a lot of people queuing for various activities when we came out. There are some worrying reviews on trip advisor about getting into the water and having to walk down a slippy path into the sea, we didn’t find it so bad, just take…”

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15.Stand Up Paddle Private Lesson in Calheta Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $100

Meet Rodrigo or the Sea4FunMadeira team at Calheta Beach for a private one-hour stand-up paddle lesson. Equipment and safety support are provided, and Rodrigo can teach in English or French while helping you build confidence on the board.

“It was so great ! Thanks to Rodrigo who gave me the best advices and helped me to trust myself. He can speak French, English as well and I appreciated that. It was so special for me because I’ll keep on practicing for sure ! Merci encore Rodrigo .”

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