Chifbay only runs two private charters from Marina do Funchal — the Day Trip and the Sunset Cruise — and most first-time guests aren't sure which one fits their plans. Here's a straight comparison, stop by stop.
What's the actual difference between the Day Trip and the Sunset Cruise?
The Day Trip swims, the Sunset Cruise doesn't. Both are private charters for up to 5 guests along the same stretch of the south coast — Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão and Ribeira Brava — but the Day Trip runs in daylight (10:00–13:00 or 14:00–17:00) with stops to get in the water, while the Sunset Cruise departs at 18:00 for the light rather than the swim.
Can you swim on both trips?
No, only on the Day Trip. It stops at Fajã dos Padres for swimming, jumping in and paddling, then again at Ribeira Brava for a second swim, before the fast run back to Funchal. The Sunset Cruise covers the same coast but skips the swim stops entirely, because the water cools quickly once the sun starts to drop and getting in and out after 18:00 isn't comfortable rather than refreshing.
Which trip should you book to see Cabo Girão?
Either — Cabo Girão is on the route for both. The Day Trip passes it early, with drone footage over the cliff face before continuing to the swim stops. The Sunset Cruise turns back at Cabo Girão on its shorter 2-hour option, so if you want to watch the sun drop directly behind Europe's highest sea cliff, the sunset departure gives you that specific light without needing the longer route.
Is the 3-hour Day Trip worth the extra time over the 2h30 option?
It depends on whether you want Ponta do Sol and a filmed video. The 2h30 Day Trip (€500) covers Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão, the swim at Fajã dos Padres and the swim at Ribeira Brava — plenty for most groups. The 3-hour Day Trip (€600) continues past Ribeira Brava to Ponta do Sol and comes with a filmed video of the whole trip, which is the better pick if you want more distance covered and footage to take home rather than just the drone stills.
Should you pick the 2-hour or 2h30 Sunset Trip?
Choose based on how far down the coast you want to go. The 2-hour Sunset Cruise (€400) turns at Cabo Girão, while the 2h30 option (€500) continues to Ribeira Brava before heading back — 30 extra minutes on the water for more coastline and a later slice of the golden hour. Neither includes swimming; both include drone footage, drinks and food.
Which trip is better for photos and drone footage?
Both trips include drone footage over Cabo Girão, but the light differs. The Day Trip gives sharp, high-contrast shots of the cliffs and turquoise coves — best for photos that show the swimming and the water clearly. The Sunset Cruise trades that clarity for warm, gold-and-orange light on the basalt as the sun drops, which is the more dramatic option if the goal is atmosphere over documentation.
Which trip suits families with young kids?
The Day Trip, almost always. Kids get the swim stops at Fajã dos Padres and Ribeira Brava to burn energy in the water, and the earlier timing (either the 10:00 or 14:00 slot) avoids running late into an evening bedtime. The Sunset Cruise works better for couples or groups who'd rather sit back with a drink than swim.
When should you book each trip?
Book the Day Trip if swimming, jumping in at Fajã dos Padres or reaching Ponta do Sol matters to you — pick the morning slot for the calmest water, or the afternoon slot if you prefer to sleep in. Book the Sunset Cruise if the priority is the golden-hour light over the cliffs with drinks on board and no rush to be back before dark. Either way, since every Chifbay trip is a private charter for your group alone, there's no wrong choice — only the one that matches what you actually want out of the afternoon or evening.
Same coast, same boat, two very different afternoons.
If you're still torn, the simplest rule holds up: come for the swim, book the Day Trip; come for the light, book the Sunset Cruise.