Prices for boat trips in Madeira vary a lot, mostly because "per person" and "per boat" get mixed up. Here is a clear breakdown of what a private charter from Funchal costs, what the price covers and how to choose between the options.
How much does a private boat trip in Madeira cost?
A private boat trip from Marina do Funchal with Chifbay costs from €400 to €600, for the whole boat and up to 5 guests. There are two packs, and the price depends on the pack and the length of the trip.
- Day Trip, 2h30: €500. Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão, Fajã dos Padres and Ribeira Brava.
- Day Trip, 3h: €600. The same route, continuing 30 minutes further west to Ponta do Sol.
- Sunset Trip, 2h: €400. The same coast, turning at Cabo Girão.
- Sunset Trip, 2h30: €500. Turning at Ribeira Brava.
Is the price per person or per boat?
The price is per boat, not per person. The boat is yours alone, so two guests and five guests pay the same. That changes the maths: with five on board, the 2h Sunset Trip works out at €80 each and the 2h30 Day Trip at €100 each.
What is included in a Madeira boat trip price?
Drinks and food on board are included on both packs, along with the content that most operators sell separately. On every trip you get:
- An Insta360 360° video of the day.
- Drone footage from above, weather allowing.
- High quality photos taken with a real camera.
Because these are part of the price, there is no moment where you are asked to pay extra for the pictures you will actually want to keep.
What is the difference between the Day Trip and the Sunset Trip?
The Day Trip is for swimming and the Sunset Trip is for the light. Day Trips leave at 10:00 or 14:00 and stop at Fajã dos Padres, where you can swim, jump in or paddle, and again at Ribeira Brava for a swim. The Sunset Trip follows the same coast but without swimming, since the water is too cold that late. It leaves 1 h 15 before that day's sunset, so the departure time shifts through the year, from about 16:45 in December to about 20:00 in June.
If you can only pick one and the weather is warm, the Day Trip gives you more to do. If the trip is for a couple or a celebration, the Sunset Trip is hard to beat.
Is a private boat cheaper than a shared tour?
For four or five people, a private boat is often comparable per head to a shared tour, and you get far more for it. Shared tours usually put 20 or more people on one boat, run to a fixed script and charge extra for drinks or photos. On a private charter you set the pace, linger where the water is best and have the crew to yourselves. For a solo traveller a shared seat is cheaper; for a group, private usually wins on value.
How to get the best value from your trip
Fill the boat, choose the right length and pick your season. A few practical points:
- Bring the full group. Up to 5 guests pay the same, so a full boat lowers the cost per person.
- Choose the longer option if swimming matters. The 3h Day Trip adds Ponta do Sol for €100 more than the 2h30.
- Book early in summer. The boat is yours alone, so each slot goes to one group only.
- Check conditions. Drone footage depends on the weather, and the crew will tell you if the sea suggests a better day.
One price, one boat, your group only. No extras at the end.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a private boat trip in Madeira cost? A Day Trip is €500 for 2h30 or €600 for 3h. A Sunset Trip is €400 for 2h or €500 for 2h30.
Is the price per person or per boat? Per boat, for up to 5 guests.
What is included? Drinks and food on board, an Insta360 360° video, drone footage (weather allowing) and photos taken with a real camera.
Is private cheaper than shared? For groups of four or five it is often about the same per person, with much more privacy and flexibility.