View of Madeira from the Water: Divine Boats Opens a New

From the waterfront in Funchal, the cliffs look impressive. From 500 meters offshore, they're a different thing entirely — black volcanic rock dropping vertically into dark Atlantic water, no beach, no path, no way in except by sea. Most visitors to Madeira never see that version of the island.

Divine Boats runs sea trips out of Funchal with two boats and captains who've logged thousands of hours in these specific waters.

The boats

Two options, different purposes.

The Starfisher 34 is an 11-meter yacht with twin 250hp engines. Stable, comfortable, takes up to 10 passengers. Good for families, sunset cruises, private events where space and comfort matter more than speed.

The Zodiac Pro-Open 5.5m is a rigid inflatable with a 100hp Honda outboard. Seats 8, hits 35 knots. Closer to the water, nimbler, gets into spots the bigger boat can't reach. Better for fishing runs and anyone who wants the more physical version of being on the Atlantic.

The five trips

Coastal cruise. Two hours along the southern coast — roughly 15 to 20 km of cliffs, hidden bays, underwater visibility that often exceeds 20 meters in good conditions. €85 to €120 per person depending on season. Includes time to swim in open ocean, floating above several hundred meters of water with the island's peaks above the cliffs.

Sunset cruise. Two hours, departing around 6:30pm in summer. €95 per person, Portuguese wine included. The captains pick the spot based on that day's conditions rather than a fixed point on a map. When the Atlantic goes flat as the wind drops in the evening, the light on the water is genuinely hard to describe.

Fishing. Four hours, up to six people, €350 to €450 with all equipment. Tuna, dorado, blue marlin depending on season. The fight to bring in a dorado on light tackle is serious work. Some groups cook their catch on the deck barbecue afterward.

Private tour. Design the day. The Desertas Islands — monk seals, 50 km round trip, five to six hours. Hidden swimming bays. Porto Santo's golden beaches, 70 km across open water, four hours each way. The team has run sunrise photography trips, marriage proposals in secluded coves, and family picnics in places with no road access. Private charters start at €450 for four hours.

Events. Birthdays, company outings, reunions. Catering, music, and decorations available. If your trip coincides with the Atlantic Festival, watching the fireworks over Funchal Bay from the water is a different experience from watching them from the promenade.

The captains

They're interested in marine biology, freediving, and underwater photography — which means the trip includes actual context for what you're seeing. Why the water is that particular colour. Where dolphins tend to be at this time of year. What the current patterns mean for visibility today.

Snorkeling gear, sea scooters, and basic freediving equipment are on board. If spearfishing is the plan, bring your own wetsuit — fit matters more than most people expect.

Practical notes

Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, light jacket for evening trips. Swimwear for most outings. Water shoes if you're landing anywhere rocky.

The waters around Madeira get choppy heading toward the Desertas. If you're prone to seasickness, take something 30 to 60 minutes before departure — not at the dock when you're already on board.

Book through divineboats.com. Summer private tour slots go fast.

Common questions

Trip lengths: coastal and sunset cruises are two hours; fishing and private tours run four to six hours, sometimes longer.

Seasickness: calmer close to shore, choppier toward the Desertas. If you're sensitive, medicate beforehand.

What to bring: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, light jacket, swimwear, camera. Snorkeling gear provided.