Kayak Tours in Madeira: 6 Picks, Priced and Timed

1.Garajau Nature Reserve Kayak and Snorkel Tour

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

Paddle from Funchal toward Garajau Nature Reserve, stopping at Lazareto for a pebble-beach break before snorkeling in clear water among Madeira’s fish. Guides such as Marco, Hugo, and Luis are praised for patient safety instruction. Expect teamwork, a useful workout, and possible cliff jumping at the swim stop.

“Great activity! The instructor is friendly, it started on time, the kayak was of good quality. We kayaked to do some snorkelling which was great and we had a chance to swim around.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Calheta Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 195 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $50Top rated

Start at Calheta Beach for a 90-minute guided kayak trip toward Zimbralinho Beach or Cal Islet, depending on sea conditions. Your guide teaches basic paddling, supplies the kayak, paddle, vest, and insurance, and may lead you into sea caves or to a quiet beach with views toward Porto Santo.

“Beautiful landscapes! The guide of the day was royal, nice teacher and knew his subject, he knew how to reassure the youngest while we were penetrating into caves quite dark, again congratulations to him, activity doable even with the youngest!Auto-translated”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Kayak and Snorkeling Tour in Underwater Nature Reserve Garajau

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

Paddle from Caniço into Madeira’s Garajau Underwater Nature Reserve, then snorkel among Atlantic fish with guides such as Pedro, Hugo, Luis, or Antonio. Equipment and life jacket are included. The two-hour outing suits confident beginners, but sea conditions, ladder access, and swimming ability matter.

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

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

Take a Zodiac boat from Marina Quinta do Lorde to Cais do Sardinha, then kayak beside the cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço with a guide. Guides such as Lino and Martin have helped first-time paddlers, kept slower kayakers with the group, and shared details about the coast. You’ll also have time for the Casa do Sardinha café and a swim.

“Does require a long bus ride from funchal if you don't have car. Bus stops not marked either. In odd deserted hotel village but was fun getting speed boat taxi to kayak area. the kayaking itself not hard or far, the main part was the snorkelling and seeing lots of fishes”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

Paddle along Caniço’s rugged coast before snorkeling in the protected Garajau Marine Reserve. The two-hour tour includes a kayak, paddle, life jacket, and snorkel gear, with guides speaking Portuguese and English. Guides such as Ben, Marcos, and Pedro have led past outings, though the exact guide varies. Expect clear water, fish, and weather-dependent kayaking.

“The sea was quite tough and it was windy so the kayaking was cut short, which was a shame, but we enjoyed the time we did have out on the water and our guides were fun and informative about the local area. The snorkelling was great and we were well looked after. The girls in the Lokoloko office were lovely, friendly and helpful. Will come back and go on trips with them again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Kayak & Snorkeling in Garajau Nature Reserve

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 68 reviews · from $34Best value

Meet your English- or Spanish-speaking guides at the Cristiano Ronaldo statue in Funchal. Paddle along the coast to Marina do Funchal and Ponta do Lazareto, then snorkel among Madeira’s fish-filled waters. Expect a small group of up to 10, wet kayaks, rocky footing, and no changing room, so arrive in swimwear with water shoes.

“It was a very nice Trip with two Jung guides, both very helpful and always friendly.”

Check availability →Read our full review