Adventure Sailing In Madeira

Vessel:

Where: Madeira, Portugal

Duration: 0 days / nights

Activity: Level 1

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Climb aboard the majestic teak deck of Santa Maria Manuela, sailing between Madeira and Porto Santo, where golden beaches, clear water and hands-on sailing await.

Set sail for a holiday aboard majestic Santa Maria Manuela. Set against the backdrop of Madeira’s semi-tropical warmth, this unique holiday adventure offers the thrill of traditional sailing and onshore exploration. Starting in Funchal, you’ll immerse yourself in the quieter corners of the Madeira archipelago. Sailing to Porto Santo, known for its pristine beaches and serene landscapes, for a memorable holiday experience. Perfect for those seeking both adventure and relaxation time onboard.

Hands-on Sailing
Traditional Tall Ship
Modern interior
Fully Skippered
Experienced Crew
Full Board

Need some help?
Talk to the team

Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592

Tickets & booking

The voyage

YOUR SAILING AREA

Funchal – Porto Santo – Funchal

This sailing holiday takes you from the volcanic shores of Funchal, Madeira’s lively capital, to the golden beaches of Porto Santo, a stunning island with a 9 km stretch of pristine sand.

The next day, Santa Maria Manuela will sail for Porto Santo, where the calm, crystal-clear waters and peaceful atmosphere provide the perfect environment to unwind and enjoy some hands-on sailing aboard the traditional 4 mast schooner. Whether you want to try steering the ship, trimming the sails, or simply soaking up the surroundings, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved.

On the way back to Funchal, enjoy the atmosphere on board as you share the adventure with old friends and new. Enjoy the sun or relax with a good book. This sailing holiday offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, allowing you to experience life on board this majestic Portuguese heritage vessel. anuela.

Things to note

Sailing vs Shoretime

There will longer hours under sail as you sail between the islands but there will be time to stop and explore ashore.

Do I need to take part in nightwatches?

There is a relaxed watch system running throughout the voyage but it is not mandatory for guests to join over-night!

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

This voyage will be more than 12 miles offshore.

Life on board

Santa Maria Manuela is committed to minimising her footprint, whether by sailing without an engine whenever the wind allows, recycling her waste, and offering workshops and talks to guests about the environment and the choices we can all make to protect it.

Getting Involved

Sailing with Santa Maria Manuela is an unforgettable experience, as the crew invite guests to get involved with all aspects of sailing. From raising the sails together to climbing the mast, taking lookout, and even touring the engine room, it’s a privilege to learn the ropes onboard such a historic boat.

If you’ve never sailed before, the size and number of sails aboard may seem overwhelming. However, most guests who step on board are complete novices. With a minimum of 17 crew members, guests will be divided into teams to take turns sailing. There are always plenty of people on board, so if you’re unable to haul sails all day, you can easily swap out with someone else.

For longer passages at sea, the Santa Maria Manuela implements an engaging, voluntary and relaxed watch system. This provides an excellent opportunity to spend focused time with the crew and learn about various aspects of sailing this fascinating historic ship. From keeping lookout to taking the helm, working on the bridge to exploring the engine room, there’s always something to do!

On the helm…

The ship’s wheel is situated behind the bridge, allowing the captain to give directional instructions to the helm. This area offers a clear view of the entire deck and sails, enabling the captain to monitor the sailors as they adjust the sails for optimal speed. Guests are invited to join the crew on the bridge and take the helm, both day and night. It’s an incredible experience to steer this 1930s four-masted schooner as it glides through the waves. The officers on duty at the bridge enjoy sharing their knowledge of navigation and weather forecasting, and they are even known to teach guests how to use a sextant.

Sleeping and Relaxation

Santa Maria Manuela has been re-fitted with a high-end luxurious interior. Each cabin aboard the Santa Maria Manuela is unique, boasting its own space, design, and art that reflect the ship’s heritage and voyages. Split between two decks, you can choose from the master cabin (which can sleep couples or families of four), double ensuites, twin bunk cabins or take a berth in one of her spacious communal cabins. All cabins feature an ensuite, soundproofing, air-conditioning, USB charging, carpeted floors and privacy curtains.

The Salon Terra Nova accommodates up to 40 guests for dining, featuring plush bench sofas for ultimate relaxation. Equipped with a television, a well-stocked ship library, and a selection of board games, it is an ideal setting for entertainment. However, we encourage guests to engage in meaningful conversations with fellow travellers and take a moment to admire the night sky while enjoying a refreshing drink from the bar.

Culinary experiences play a vital role in the Santa Maria Manuela journey, as our talented onboard chef cooks an array of authentic Portuguese dishes alongside international cuisine. Weather permitting, we also host a BBQ night on the deck once a week.

The Salon Terra Nova offers the perfect atmosphere for sharing sailing tales and discussing daily adventures over a drink. Our skilled barman is always ready to impress with his cocktail creations, making it a great place to unwind after a day at sea.

On the water…

Santa Maria Manuela provides a range of facilities and activities for its guests. Depending on the weather, guests can enjoy fishing equipment, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and two inflatable swim decks for easy access to the water. Additionally, there are two 14-person powerboats available for those looking for a bit more adventure.

What's included

What’s included

Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, fruit juice and hot drinks)
All bedding (pillow, sheet, duvet and wash towels) (bedding is changed every three days)
Full crew plus tuition
Marina and fuel fees
All tender trips to and from the boat
Lifejacket
Use of boats water toys

What’s not included

Swim towel
Alcohol and all other soft drinks
Any flights
Transit hotels
Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
Travel Insurance
Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
Crew tips
Personal expenses

Kit list

Santa Maria Manuela has good storage in each cabin but please be considerate to other guests and travel as light as possible. There is no storage for rigid cases so please bring your items in a soft bag or rucksack.

We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy-drying layers. Below is a list of recommended items, these are not mandatory and those who have sailed before may have their preferences!

Fingerless gloves for hoisting sails (sailing or cycling are best)
Walking boots/shoes for onshore & light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
Please consider waterproof sailing boots
Wash towel
Flip-flops or crocs for wet room showering
Swimsuit and swim towel (optional)
Lightweight, quick-dry clothes (base layers, fleece and synthetic tops are both lightweight and quick-drying!)

It can be quite a few degrees colder out at sea so please bring lots of layers even if the forecast seems like a warm week!

Warm, windproof and waterproof coat and trousers.
Sun cream (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
Sunglasses and a warm hat/cap
Refillable water bottle
Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
Camera/binoculars
Personal wash kit (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
In shared bunk cabins, each berth has a privacy curtain but we advise sleep masks and/or earplugs!
Charging cables for personal devices (there are EU 2pin sockets in all cabins to charge devices)
A good book to read!
Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring

Travel Documents

Please assume full responsibility for checking and verifying any passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements to the country if/as required.

Travel planning

From: Funchal, Madeira

To: Funchal, Madeira

Getting There

Funchal Madeira

To travel from the UK to Funchal, book a direct flight from major airports such as London Gatwick, Manchester, or Bristol. Flights typically take 3.5 to 4 hours.

Boat info & deck plan

Santa Maria Manuela

Guest berths: 44 Rig: Gaff Schooner

In 2022, the Santa Maria Manuela underwent a complete comfort renovation, transforming her into one of the most modern and comfortable tall ships in the world while preserving her unique heritage.

Launched in 1937 as a commercial cod fishing vessel, the Santa Maria Manuela is a magnificent four-masted sailing schooner. After years spent navigating the icy northern waters, she now offers environmentally conscious sailing voyages, scientific expeditions, and event hosting. For those seeking something special, she is also available for bespoke private charters.

From island hopping through the Azores to longer ocean-going voyages, she is the perfect boat for those looking for a comfortable tall ship adventure. Guests can get as involved as they’d like to aboard, from hoisting the sails together to rope work workshops and chart reading. Whether you’re a solo traveller or adventurous couple, there is something to suit all ages and abilities. If guests prefer to sink back into the rhythms of life on the water, there is no obligation to get involved with the physical sailing of the ship.

With her remarkable heritage, striking white hull, elegant lines, straightforward sailing systems, and spacious open deck, she is one of the most notable vessels in the tall ship community. Her thoughtful renovation combines modern comforts with authentic sailing features that honour her origins. The largest ship in our fleet, she sleeps up to 44 guests in varying-sized en-suite cabins.

Deck plan

More about Santa Maria Manuela

FAQs

Are all meals included?

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, water, hot drinks and fruit juice are all included.

Can you cater for dietary needs?

Generally most diets but please check with the office for any allergies.

Are there any added extras?

There's a bar for soft drinks and alcohol.

What are the sleeping arrangements?

There are 1x Master Double, 4x Double Cabins, 7x Twin Cabins, 3x four-berth Cabins, 1x six-berth Cabin. All cabins are ensuite with shower and toilet.

Is there a porthole in my cabin?

The master, double and twin cabins on deck 1 all have portholes. The twin and communal cabins on deck 2 do not.

How many toilet/showers does she have?

Each cabin has its own ensuite (shower and toilet)

Is bedding included?

All bedding and a towel is included but please bring your own swim towels (if needed). Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.

Is there a hairdryer on board?

TBC

Will I be able to wash my clothes?

No, there is not a laundry available onboard.

Is there air con/heating on board?

Yes, there is full heating and air-conditioning running throughout the boat.

Do I need to tip the crew?

Tips are not mandatory but very much appreciated.

What language is spoken onboard?

Portuguese/English

Is there WIFI?

When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data. There is a satellite connection available for €18 per day pro rata. Payment should be made at the beginning of the journey for the entire duration, as daily packages are not available.

Can I charge my phone/Camera?

Yes - there are USB sockets available in each cabin.

What is the currency on board?

It is EUROs - card only.

Are there life jackets provided?

Yes

How do I get on and off the boat?

There is a roped ladder over the gunwale so guests must be able to use this comfortably.

Are Waterproofs provided?

Do I need sailing experience?

No, absolutely not - just a love for adventure.

Does the boat have any water toys?

There are 2x stand-up paddle boards, 2x kayaks and a few dory boats for sailing practice when on anchor and in fair winds!

Will I be sea sick?

Everyone reacts differently but if you're worried, we recommend taking tablets 24 hours before you travel.

Is there an age limit?

Minimum age of 14 and maximum age of 80 years.

Boat schedule

UK Coastal Sailing : Liverpool, Isles of Scilly & Plymouth

23 Jun 2026

6 days Days

Was £1,110.00€1,225.00Now £832.50€918.75