View of Madeira from the Water: Divine Boats Opens a New
The first thing you notice is the scale. From land, the cliffs above Funchal look dramatic. From a boat 500 meters offshore, they're something else entirely — black volcanic rock dropping straight into dark Atlantic water, with no beach, no path, no way in except by sea.
That's the version of Madeira most visitors never see.
________________
What Divine Boats actually does
Divine Boats runs sea trips out of Funchal with two boats and a small team of captains who've spent thousands of hours in these waters. No strict schedules, no fixed commentary track. Each trip gets adjusted based on weather, ocean conditions, and what the group wants to do.
The Starfisher 34 is an 11-meter yacht with two 250hp engines — stable, comfortable, up to 10 passengers. Good for families, sunset cruises, private events. The Zodiac Pro-Open 5.5m is the other option: rigid inflatable, 100hp Honda outboard, seats 8, hits 35 knots. Closer to the water, better for fishing runs and getting into spots the bigger boat can't reach.
________________
The five trips
Coastal cruise. Two hours along the southern coast, roughly 15 to 20 km of cliffs, hidden bays, and underwater visibility that often exceeds 20 meters in good conditions. €85 to €120 per person depending on season. Time to swim in open ocean — floating above several hundred meters of water with the island's peaks visible above the cliffs.
Sunset cruise. Two hours, departing around 6:30pm in summer. €95 per person, Portuguese wine included. The Atlantic goes flat as the wind drops, and the light does things to the water that are genuinely hard to describe. The captains pick the spot based on that day's conditions — not a fixed point on a map.
Fishing. Four hours, up to six people, €350 to €450 with all equipment. Tuna, dorado, blue marlin depending on season. When I last joined one of these trips, we caught several dorado within the first hour. The fight to bring them in was intense. Several guests cooked their catch on the deck barbecue afterward.
Private tour. Design your own day. The Desertas Islands — home to monk seals, 50 km round trip, five to six hours. Hidden bays for swimming. Porto Santo with its 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 spots with no road access.
Events. Birthdays, company outings, reunions. Catering, music, and decorations available. Private charters start at €450 for four hours. If your visit overlaps with the Atlantic Festival, watching the fireworks over Funchal Bay from the water is a different category of experience than watching from the promenade.
________________
The captains
They're passionate about marine biology, freediving, and underwater photography — which means the trip includes actual context for what you're seeing. Why the water is that color. Where the dolphins are likely to be today. What the current patterns mean for visibility.
Snorkeling gear, sea scooters, and basic freediving equipment are available on board. Fins come in several sizes. If you're serious about spearfishing, bring your own wetsuit — fit matters more than you'd think.
________________
Practical notes
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a light jacket for evening trips. Swimwear for most outings. Water shoes if you're landing anywhere rocky.
The waters around Madeira can get choppy, especially heading toward the Desertas. If you're prone to seasickness, take something 30 to 60 minutes before departure.
Book through divineboats.com. Check availability early in summer — the private tour slots go fast.
________________
FAQ
How long do trips usually run? Coastal and sunset cruises are two hours. Fishing and private tours run four to six hours, sometimes longer depending on destination.
Is seasickness common? Depends on the day and the route. Calmer closer to shore, choppier heading to the Desertas. If you're sensitive, medicate beforehand.
What to bring? Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, light jacket, swimwear. Camera. Snorkeling gear is provided, but a good wetsuit is worth bringing if you plan to dive.
