Madeira offers visitors a variety of things to do, most of them attached to the sea. Madeira is the perfect location for a once-in-a-lifetime fishing trip! With an excellent climate you can fish for record-breaking Blue Marlin, Big Eye Tuna, Mako, Barracuda, Wahoo, and more. Right off the coast of the island the ocean drops to a depth of 1000 meters, just five minutes away from shore! You can rent fully equipped boats at Funchal’s Marina, so do no need to bring your own gear.

If catching fish is not how you prefer to interact with ocean life, consider scuba diving. The water has comfortable diving temperatures year round, and the clarity is world-renowned! When scuba diving off Madeira you will most likely encounter dolphins, rays, barracudas, monkfish, and even mantas. Funchal and Canico de Baixo offer diving schools and rental equipment.

If you want to see some bigger water species, consider a whale or dolphin-watching safari. Because Madeira is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, there are many whale and dolphin species in the waters around Madeira. Because the ocean floor drops off so suddenly off the shores of Madeira, it is the perfect place for dolphins and whales, just five kilometers off the shore. You can see Fin Whales, Sei Whales, Pilot Whales, Sperm Whales, Beaked Whales and Humpbacks in the summer months, along with Oceanic Dolphin, Atlantic Spotted Dolphin, Common Dolphin, Striped Dolphin, Bottle Nose Dolphin, Risso’s Dolphin, and the Rough Tooth Dolphin. Madeira is truly a dolphin and whale watcher’s paradise. From the shore you can charter a whale watching safari boat to take out and spot these remarkable creatures.

Perhaps you enjoy the extreme water sports more. Surfing conditions are excellent on Madeira. Waves are excellent for experienced surfers, but beginners should use caution, as there are many rock formations in the water that can cause injury. The water is a little cool, so bring a full wet suit. Or you can go water skiing. Rent equipment from the shore and enjoy the swells of the Atlantic Ocean.

If you need a break from the sand and surf, there are many inland activities to enjoy on Madeira. There is a Theme Park in Santana, a 17-acre attraction where visitors can explore the history of the island, practice extreme sports like bungee jumping, and enjoy unique shows to entertain visitors of all ages.

The landscapes of Madeira are very rugged, with mountains, cliffs, and valleys. Experience the beauty of the island on one of the numerous cable cars and elevators throughout the island. These rides give the visitor access to hard-to-reach places and gorgeous views. Or take a balloon ride in Funchal for a bird’s eye view of the island.

There is even a waterslide park on Madeira. The Santa Cruz Aqua Park is large enough to host a thousand guests, and has toboggan rides, slides, pools, and a river. This is a great place to take the kids.

When traveling to Madeira, be sure to spend some time exploring the walking trails, where you can get close to nature. There are trails for experienced hikers and those who prefer and effortless walk. No matter what your skill level, the walking trails of Madeira offer the chance to see the landscapes and mountains of this magical island.