Funchal: Snorkeling Adventure in Eco-Park / Shore or by Boat

If you’re dreaming of exploring Madeira’s colorful underwater world, this snorkeling tour in the Marine Eco Park might just be your best bet. It combines the thrill of seeing local marine life with the comfort of a guided experience, all set against the stunning backdrop of Madeira’s cliffs and coastline. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced snorkeler, this activity is designed to be accessible, fun, and memorable.

What we love most? The chance to enjoy clear, warm waters filled with a variety of bright fish species, the friendly and knowledgeable staff who make beginners feel at ease, and the amazing views from the water that give you a new perspective on this beautiful island. The option to snorkel from shore or hop on a boat adds flexibility, making this tour suitable for different comfort levels and interests.

One thing to consider is that the tour does not include wetsuits, which can be a factor if you visit during cooler months. Still, the availability of wetsuits for rent at an extra fee means you can stay comfortable. This experience is best suited for travelers looking for an easy, guided introduction to snorkeling or those wanting a relaxing way to connect with Madeira’s marine environment without the need for advanced skills.

If you’re after a laid-back, authentic activity that offers beautiful scenery, abundant marine life, and professional guidance, this tour is likely to tick all your boxes.

Good To Know

• Flexible options for shore or boat snorkeling, catering to different preferences
• Includes safety briefing and snorkeling lesson, perfect for beginners
• Stunning coastal views from the water that enhance the overall experience
• See a variety of fish species like pufferfish, trumpetfish, and parrotfish
• Good value for money considering the gear, expert guidance, and access to a protected marine reserve
• Facilities onsite include changing rooms and showers for convenience

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Snorkeling Experience

This tour kicks off at the dive center located inside the Pestana Carlton hotel, a convenient spot for guests staying nearby or those arriving in Funchal. The meeting point is easy to find, accessible via the hotel’s elevators leading directly to the sea level, where all the activity begins.

Once there, you’ll receive a thorough safety briefing and a short snorkeling intro lesson. This part is crucial, especially for first-timers, and the friendly staff, including guides like Joana and Francisco, make sure everyone feels confident before entering the water. The focus on safety and equipment preparation ensures you’re comfortable, whether you choose the self-guided shore option or the guided boat trip.

Snorkeling from Shore

If you opt for the self-guided experience from the house reef, you’ll appreciate how accessible and straightforward it is. The reef is just a few steps down from the facilities, making it easy to hop in and out of the water at your own pace. The shallow waters, combined with good visibility, mean you can explore marine life without needing to worry about deep water or currents.

Guests have reported seeing a variety of fish, including parrotfish, wrasses, and trumpetfish. One reviewer mentioned, “the support staff was super friendly and explained everything I needed for my 2-hour swim,” confirming that even complete beginners felt well cared for.

Guided Boat Trip

For those who prefer a bit more adventure, the guided boat trip offers the chance to snorkel in a protected marine reserve. The boat departs from the same location, providing a quick ride to a different part of Madeira’s coast where the underwater scenery is equally stunning.

The boat trip allows you to explore areas that might be less accessible from shore and provides a unique perspective of Madeira’s coastline. The environmentally protected marine reserve is teeming with marine life, including starfish, globe fish, and occasionally larger species like sharksuckers. The reviews highlight how informative and friendly the guides are, with many noting how well they explained the marine environment. One reviewer shared, “the staff was very friendly and helpful. We saw many kinds of fish!”

What You’ll See

Madeira’s waters are teeming with life. Guests have reported seeing parrotfish, wrasses, breams, pufferfish, and trumpet fish, with some lucky snorkelers catching glimpses of more unusual species like starfish and globe fish. The clarity of the water, often praised in reviews, makes for excellent viewing, and the warm temperatures—especially during spring and summer—add to the comfort.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Additional Details

• The activity lasts approximately 2 hours, which is enough time for a relaxed, unhurried exploration.
• Equipment, including mask, snorkel, and fins, are provided; wetsuits are available for rent at an extra fee, useful for those visiting during cooler months.
• Facilities such as changing rooms and showers are available on site, making it easy to freshen up after your swim.
• The tour is available in multiple languages, including English, German, Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian, making it accessible for a diverse group of travelers.

Why This Snorkeling Tour Offers Great Value

Considering the included gear, safety briefing, and access to a protected marine environment, this tour offers solid value. Reviews consistently praise the quality of the equipment and the professionalism of the staff, with many calling it a “great experience for the price.” The flexibility of options—shore or boat—also means you can choose what suits your comfort level and schedule.

On top of that, the small-group format or private options add a personal touch, ensuring you get plenty of attention and tailored guidance. The experience is perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers wanting a safe, guided introduction to Madeira’s underwater world.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This snorkeling adventure is ideal for beginners who want a safe, supportive environment to try snorkeling for the first time. Experienced snorkelers will also appreciate the opportunity to explore Madeira’s marine reserve with knowledgeable guides. It’s suitable for travelers of most ages, provided they’re comfortable in water, but not wheelchair accessible.

If you love scenic coastal views and spotting fish in warm, clear waters, this activity will deliver. Those seeking more adrenaline or technical diving should look elsewhere, but for a relaxing, beautiful, and educational outing, you can’t go wrong.

FAQ

Is this activity suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour includes a safety briefing and snorkeling lesson, making it friendly for first-timers. The guides are experienced and supportive.

Are wetsuits included?
No, wetsuits are not included but can be rented for an additional fee, especially useful if you visit in cooler months.

What do I need to bring?
Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, and a towel. Changing rooms and showers are available on site for your convenience.

How long does the activity last?
The snorkeling experience lasts approximately 2 hours, which provides enough time for a relaxed exploration.

Can I choose between shore and boat snorkeling?
Yes, there are two options available: self-guided snorkeling from the shore or a guided boat trip in a protected marine reserve.

Is this activity accessible for all?
It’s not suitable for wheelchair users, but the facilities and staff are accommodating for most other needs.

What is the best time of year to do this?
The tour runs year-round, but warmer months (spring and summer) offer more comfortable water temperatures and better visibility.

Final Thoughts

This snorkeling experience in Madeira strikes a wonderful balance between ease, safety, and adventure. It’s clear that the guides and staff go the extra mile to ensure everyone feels confident and enjoys the marine environment. The ability to choose between shore or boat snorkeling adds flexibility, catering to different preferences and fitness levels.

The chance to see Madeira’s vibrant marine life in crystal-clear waters, combined with the stunning coastal scenery, makes this tour stand out as a fantastic value activity for anyone visiting Funchal. Whether you’re a total novice or a seasoned swimmer wanting a gentle introduction to the region’s underwater treasures, it’s a worthwhile addition to your Madeira itinerary.

In summary, this tour offers friendly guidance, scenic beauty, and a fun way to connect with nature—perfect for family outings, couples, or solo explorers eager to discover Madeira’s aquatic wonders. The combination of professional staff, accessible options, and the chance to see a variety of fish makes it a top choice for snorkeling in the area.

You can check if your dates are available here: