The coast of Madeira has the ideal sea conditions and water temperature for water sports—all year round.The island is the perfect destination for surfers, as it has seven spots that are perfect for catching waves up to eight metres high.The archipelago has some of the oldest marine reserves in Portugal, a true paradise for expert divers and beginners alike
Some prefer to enjoy the sea from the beach, while others prefer to enjoy it by boat or even from the sky, but whatever you prefer, the Madeira coast allows you to get lost in the depths by scuba diving, surfing waves over eight metres high, or rowing against the tide on a kayak trip.
Madeira also offers a wide variety of activities to discover the Atlantic coast: surfing, diving, dolphin and whale watching, stand up paddleboarding, windsurfing and canoe trips, to name a few. You can enjoy all of these activities as part of an experience that allows you to discover a unique natural environment and culture that reminds you of the island’s colonial past.
Madeira, surfer’s paradise
The sea conditions on the archipelago and the location of some of its beaches have placed this Portuguese paradise on the map as one of the best-known surfing destinations in the world.
On the island of Madeira, there are seven surf spots along the coast with the perfect conditions for the sport (beach conditions, total surf space, wave height, etc.). Surf spots include Paul do Mar, São Vicente, Porto da Cruz and Jardim do Mar.
In addition, surf culture has been active on the island for decades, which means you can rent equipment or find the best surf teachers no matter your level. In terms of the waves themselves, the archipelago is ideally-located for North Atlantic swells and all kinds of waves, from point breaks to reef breaks, created by the craggy coastline and the rocks at the ocean bed.
On the other hand, in the south of Madeira, the sea is much calmer, and wind levels are perfect for windsurfing. There are two ideal spots for this water sport in Funchal and Garajau.
An underwater garden open to everyone
Another of the main attractions on the Madeira coast lies under the sea. Crystal clear waters, with mild water temperatures between 17ºC and 24ºC all year round, mean dives almost always have good visibility in unrivalled blue seas, even near the coast.
Scuba divers can enjoy the underwater views when diving from any of the islands on the archipelago, which is a key stopping point for a number of migratory species and sea creatures from the epipelagic zone (species that live at depths of up to 200 metres), like the greater amberjack, fish that are known in Madeira as charuteiros and which swim in enormous shoals that can frequently be encountered on dives.
The peaceful nature of these and many other fish, which are used to coming across scuba divers, means you can catch a glimpse of unforgettable scenes which can be photographed or recorded on video.
The Madeira archipelago is home to some of the oldest marine reserves in the country. The Madeira archipelago is home to some of the oldest marine reserves in the country. The oldest of all is the Garajau nature reserve, which was officially recognised in Portugal on 4 October 1986. Its protected status preserves the natural conditions necessary to protect the island’s unique biodiversity.
This is the case for other nature reserves, like Sitio de Rocha do Navio, also on the island of Madeira and created in 1997; the network of protected marine areas recently created around Porto Santo; and the marine sanctuaries on the Islas Desertas, which include some areas with total protection status that make it possible to preserve unique species like the Mediterranean monk seal, which you can see by diving.
Dolphin and whale watching boat tours, canoeing and other ways to enjoy the ocean
Along a coast that is so rich in marine wildlife, a boat trip will always bring surprises, as you can come across whales or dolphins at any time of day. This means you can relax and enjoy a day at the seaside in the middle of the Atlantic ocean by booking a dolphin and whale watching trip, or by renting out a boat to take out yourself.
And if surfing isn’t your thing, scuba diving is too intense, and whale watching sounds boring, why not go on a canoe excursion—the perfect balance between activity and contemplation. There are several stretches along the Madeira coast that are perfect for this sport, which is suitable for experts and beginners alike. You always have the option of taking a trip accompanied by a guide.
All of these different ways of enjoying the Madeira sea, and many more, like coasteering, bodyboarding and stand up paddleboarding, can be supplemented by trips inland and visits to areas of historical and cultural interest. And of course, don’t forget about the island’s cuisine which is always delicious, but tastes even better after a day of activities.
